Her love for art led Delhi-based jewelry designer and art curator Vandana Bhargava, the chairperson and founder of House of VSB, to set up Galleria VSB, an art gallery in Saket, in 2004. Going beyond the traditional notion of a gallery, it houses a rare collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art from across various art schools and periods. The gallery features Mughal and Rajasthan paintings, Pahari paintings, old Pattachitras from Odisha, Pichwai paintings, and sculptures. 

Galleria VSB is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary with a group show on modern and contemporary masters — ‘Timeless Strokes: The Masters’. The show, which began on January 31 and is on till February 9, showcases 55 works of 24 masters from the 20th century who shaped the landscape of modern and contemporary art with their distinctive styles. In this interview to The Punch Magazine, Bhargava talks about the show, and her artistic journey. Excerpts: 

I have been greatly inspired by precious ancient jewels having origins in India, China, Egypt and Rome. In my designs for signature jewels, I have endeavoured to promote India’s heritage while infusing contemporary perspectives. My signature jewels carry a sheer romance around them — ethnic in inspiration yet modern in their appeal. My designs tell stories, narrate tales of regions, historical period, and cultural festivities. The storytelling approach adds depth to my signature jewels.

I carry a boundless love for India’s temple architecture, stone carvings, bronze castings, silver filigree, murals, and miniature and calendar paintings. At Galleria VSB, we are committed to delivering a different experience, which is reflected in our rich collection of art and craft. With our collection spanning two decades, we showcase the richness of India’s cultural heritage through our extensive collection of miniature paintings, ranging from the 13th century to the late 19th century and stone sculptures by the world-famous late Raghunath Mohapatra, who was awarded Padma Shri in 1975, Padma Bhushan in 2001, and Padma Vibhushan in 2013.

Our collection includes works from renowned schools such as Rajasthan, Mughal, and Pahari, along with their sub-schools like Nathdwara, Bundi, Kota, Bikaner, Basholi, Kangra, and more. These paintings exhibit beautiful rhythmic lines that narrate the craftsmanship passed down through generations. Our appreciation for heritage art allows us to showcase the diversity of India’s cultural legacy through meaningful storytelling. Additionally, we boast of a remarkable collection of calendar art, a testament to an era when cameras were not prevalent. Artists dedicated their efforts to creating calendar art, providing an avenue for ordinary people to adorn their homes with depictions of their gods, beliefs and heroes.

Galleria VSB celebrates its 20th anniversary with a group show spotlighting modern and contemporary masters. This milestone reflects our commitment to showcasing the evolution of art and honouring the many talents. We have exhibited these masters due to their global popularity and profound contributions to art, expressing pure feelings through abstraction. This marks our first exhibition of the year, emphasizing our desire to begin with the most renowned artists. In the coming months or years, we plan to explore various themes and representations, including those centred on divinity, such as the ‘Shakti Series’ by various contemporary artists and the ‘Divine Series’ by Yusuf.

While we have a vast collection of pioneer artists, we’ve chosen to display 24 for now, with plans to exhibit more in the upcoming years. Among them are iconic figures like M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, V.S. Gaitonde, and Ram Kumar, known as pioneers of abstract art in India. Each artist is celebrated for their unique approach, with highlights including Ram Kumar’s abstract interpretation of the Banaras Ghat series, Raza’s abstract landscapes reflecting different time periods, Husain’s Farmer series, and Souza’s self-portraits revealing his visionary strokes.

For the exhibition, we have followed the time period, allowing visitors to recognize and appreciate changes over the years. Hemen Mazumdar’s realistic painting captures a young girl awaiting her beloved, focusing on the emotive facial expressions. Jamini Roy’s mythological artwork, characterized by fishy-eyed figures and folk forms of Bengal, offers a stark contrast. M.F. Husain’s ‘Farmer’ series presents Indian farmers with obscured faces, yet their message resonates with the socio-political context of the time. S.H. Raza’s landscapes, such as the 1956 ‘Banaras Ghat’, evoke a nocturnal ambiance, immersing viewers in its atmosphere. Another Raza masterpiece, ‘Bindu’ of 1992, depicted in an abstract landscape, reflects changing times. F.N. Souza’s landscapes and portraits, marked by bold and harsh patches, reveal his distinct artistic perspective. These examples highlight how artists adapt their strokes and themes over time, showcasing the evolution of their artistry — an integral aspect of our exhibition.

The exhibition showcases artists delving into cultural identity, heritage, and societal issues through symbolism and personal narratives, reflecting on the evolution of society over time. Artists like B. Prabha and B. Vithal focus on women’s empowerment, portraying women engaged in labour for their livelihood. Their artworks often depict women with elongated bodies, symbolizing their resilience and sacrifices as they venture outside their homes to support their families. These poignant representations capture the social dynamics and challenges faced by women during their respective time periods. Similarly, Manjit Bawa’s figurative portrait of a woman gazing in the mirror conveys cultural depths, suggesting admiration and introspection. Each artwork in the exhibition offers insights into the complexities of societal roles and personal experiences, enriching the viewer's understanding of the human condition.

Galleria VSB distinguishes itself by seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary art, creating a dynamic space for artistic expression. The ‘Timeless Strokes’ exhibition mirrors the gallery’s dedication to this fusion, exemplifying its commitment to presenting a diverse range of master artists. Additionally, our extensive collection of miniature paintings, including Persian, Rajasthani, Mughal, and Pahari schools, showcases the rich cultural heritage of India. Raja Ravi Varma’s pioneering efforts in bringing deity representations into households through print media marked a significant shift in religious art. Miniature paintings depict various themes such as court scenes, musical compositions (Raag Mala), and mythological narratives (Mahabharata, Ramayana), offering insights into historical and cultural contexts. Our motto remains rooted in preserving heritage for future generations, offering a balanced appreciation of both traditional and abstract forms of artistic expression.

The show explores the delicate balance between traditional artistic practices and contemporary trends. This intersection demonstrates how Indian artists engage with their cultural roots while embracing global influences, contributing to a broader dialogue on the global stage. It positions these artists as significant contributors to the global contemporary art scene, inviting international audiences to appreciate and engage with their profound artistic visions. Every artist featured in the exhibition brings forth a unique perspective and contribution to the Indian art scene.