Art has never looked as fresh and modern as it did last Friday evening. Why, you wonder? Only one of the most celebrated artists, art curators, and entrepreneurs of the country, Dilip De, hosted his second art exhibition titled, Celebration Of The Unexpected.
What was the exhibition about?
Dilip De breathed new life into the classic portrait art form by using a smartphone and stylist to create his art, something no artist has done before. The exhibition is a tribute to inspirational family and friends in his life including his old friend, Amitabh Bachchan, who also inaugurated the event. De’s wife, Shobhaa De shared in her speech how the friendship between them dates back many years and how Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip De, and Jaya Bachchan, are all proof of vitality, creativity, and talent.
Mr. Bachchan gave a warm and heartfelt speech where he gave us a peek into the origins of his friendships with Dilip De and his impression of the art. He said,
When Dilip showed me his artwork and his new passion, I initially thought he was joking but then he sent me some more images and I found it extremely interesting. Dilip is a dear old friend and we have known each other for years. Dilip was working in the building for a shipping magnate, and I was this small freight broker. We used to be in awe of this gentlemen because he was so good with his work and always very official looking. Then we got to know that he had gotten married to the wonderful Shobhaa De. However, when I went to their home, I truly realised how passionate he is about art. Their home had some of the finest pieces that I had ever seen. To create something out of a mobile phone is really quite unique. I think it is very inspiring for the younger generation and I had not even realised that this could be done on a phone, it is almost like oil paintings and to be able to create that is amazing and very progressive. Dilip, I am very thankful to you and also very proud of you. Let us all celebrate the talent and appreciate the caliber of this artwork that this very fine gentleman at this age has created on a mobile phone.
The ‘only one edition’ paintings (no second print!) were auctioned during the event and the proceeds of the sale were given to the iconic Jehangir Art Gallery, for its contribution to promoting Indian Art and will be used to modernise the gallery space.
Who attended the exhibition?
Many well-wishers and members of high society attended this wonderful art exhibition to support De.
Amitabh Bachchan with Dilip De and his friend at the art exhibition
Aditee, wife of Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar with Jaya Bachchan at the art exhibition
Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan with Shobhaa and Dilip De at the art exhibition
Avantika Kilachand, Shobhaa, Anandita and Arundhati De at the art exhibition
Gaurav Bhatia at the art exhibition
Owner of Jehangir Art Gallery, Adi Jehangir with his son at the art exhibition
Shobhaa De poses with her portrait painting at the art exhibition
Simone Singh at the art exhibition
Suhel Seth at the art exhibition
The paintings will be on display at Jehangir Art Gallery until February 3rd 2018, for those of you who don’t want to miss out on seeing this incredible new medium in person.
Don’t forget to follow @missmalinilifestyle to never miss a beat!