Dhoomimal Gallery, established in 1936 by Shri Ram Chand Jain ( Ram Babu), is the oldest contemporary art gallery in India. Having recently completed 86 years of successfully promoting Indian contemporary art, Dhoomimal gallery has always been more of an institution than a mere commercial gallery. As an art lover, Ram Babu Ji was primarily into the printing and publishing business. His appreciation for art over the years brought him in contact with some leading artists of that period. This le...
Dhoomimal Gallery, established in 1936 by Shri Ram Chand Jain ( Ram Babu), is the oldest contemporary art gallery in India. Having recently completed 86 years of successfully promoting Indian contemporary art, Dhoomimal gallery has always been more of an institution than a mere commercial gallery. As an art lover, Ram Babu Ji was primarily into the printing and publishing business. His appreciation for art over the years brought him in contact with some leading artists of that period. This led to the birth of the Dhoomimal Gallery at Connaught Place, New Delhi, India. The gallery made its beginning by displaying the works of well-known painters of yesteryears like Sailoz Mukherjea & Jamini Roy and soon transformed itself into a hub for Contemporary Art along with being a meeting place for the capital's (New Delhi) artists. In the late 30's, Dhoomimal gallery supported "Kalakar" - a forum for the like-minded creative individuals of the capital who organized musical evenings and sponsored art exhibitions. Additionally, Shri Ram Babu Ji also initiated publication of monographs of some of the then well-known artists of the country like Abdur Rahman Chugtai, Jamini Roy, Sailoz Mukherjea and others. This brought to light, to the otherwise, yet obscure art world. After the untimely demise of Ram Babu Ji, the leadership of the gallery was passed on to his son Shri Ravi Jain, who had just returned from America where he was actively involved with Indian art. The gallery under his mentorship was rejuvenated and in the 70's, the Gallery entered its most dynamic and glorious phase. By working in close proximity with artists such as M. F. Husain, J. Swaminathan, Shanti Dave, F. N. Souza, H. A. Gade, Krishen Khanna among a host of others, regularly showcasing their works. Shri Ravi Jain and J. Swaminathan were considered as one of the best artist-dealer duo team that played perhaps the most influential role in making the Indian contemporary art popular nationally. The gallery played a pivotal role in introducing the genius of F. N. Souza to the Indian public by having several important shows, including
the one in 1976, which was visited by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi & “Souza of the 40's” in 1984, which till date is considered one of the most acclaimed exhibitions of Indian art. Today, the Dhoomimal private collection has the best of the artworks of stalwarts such as F. N. Souza, J. Swaminathan, H. A. Gade, Bimal Dasgupta, Jamini Roy, Sailoz Mukherjea, Anjolie Ela Menon, Krishen Khanna amongst many others. The gallery today contributes dynamically to the fast growing Indian art market under the guidance of the prodigy, Mr. Uday Jain and his mother Mrs. Uma Jain. Under the banner of "Ravi Jain Memorial Trust", the gallery continues to promote art, young and upcoming artists supporting them with scholarships and platforms to showcase their talents. Many of these young artists such as Hem Raj, G. R. Iranna, Somnath Singh, M. S. C. Satya Sai are today big names in the contemporary art world.
