Mrs Sangita Jindal, the founder, says “Hampi Art Labs marks JSW Foundation’s ambition to continue growing India’s arts ecosystem. After supporting artistic initiatives in the region and the restoration of Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi Art Labs provides the right setting to invite artists to experiment with the production of contemporary arts. Symbolising a new beginning, Right Foot First is the start of an exciting and positive journey for both our artists in residence as well as Hampi Art Labs’ dedicated team.”
The newly established art centre will open its doors to the public this February with the inaugural exhibition Right Foot First, a title that comes from the Hindu belief to always enter a new space with the right foot for good fortune. The exhibition will showcase works from the Jindal Collection from 1998 to 2023, highlighting pivotal moments in Indian contemporary art during this period. Featured artists include Ai Weiwei, Andy Warhol, Annie Morris, Atul Dodiya, Bharti Kher, B.V. Doshi, Dayanita Singh, Karishma Swali, Lubna Chowdhary, Manish Nai, Manu Parekh, Praneet Soi, Reena Kallat, Rohini Devasher, Sayan Chanda, Sheba Chhacchi, Shilpa Gupta, Tushar Joag, and Zarina Hashmi.
Meera Curam, the Residency Director at Hampi Art Labs, adds, “Right Foot First and the inaugural residency cycle are only the beginning of what Hampi Art Labs has to offer. As the centre grows, Hampi Art Labs will become a cornerstone of the Indian arts scene with exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and collaborations with like-minded institutions within India and across the globe.”
Right Foot First will be on display from the 6th of February until the 31st of May 2024 at Hampi Art Labs.
Cover image: Annie Morris, Rohini Devasher, Manish Nai, Installation View, Right Foot First, 2023, courtesy of the artist and JSW Foundation