A Legacy Reimagined: The Mother-Daughter Duo Guiding Chemould Prescott Road's Future

You know, some places just have a soul. In the bustling heart of Mumbai, there's Chemould Prescott Road, a name that echoes with decades of artistic brilliance. It's not just a gallery; it's a living, breathing institution, woven into the very fabric of India's contemporary art scene. For generations, it's been a beacon, and now, we're seeing something truly special unfold: a mother and daughter, Shireen and Sukriti Gandhy, each with their own distinct touch, carrying forward a remarkable legacy that began with the visionary Kekoo Gandhy.

When Kekoo Gandhy first established Chemould in 1963, he laid down a strong foundation. But it was his daughter, Shireen, who took those roots and allowed them to truly branch out, transforming the gallery into the internationally recognised powerhouse it is today. Under her stewardship, Chemould Prescott Road embraced the global art stage with open arms, curating ambitious shows, participating in major art fairs, and fearlessly championing diverse artistic practices – think performance, video, installation art – pushing boundaries in ways her father might have only dreamed. She brought a keen eye for the global pulse, connecting Indian art with a wider dialogue.

And now, the narrative beautifully extends to the third generation. Enter Sukriti Gandhy, Shireen's daughter, who, after immersing herself in art history and gaining invaluable experience abroad, has returned to lend her unique perspective to the family venture. It's a subtle shift, but a significant one. Sukriti brings with her a fresh, perhaps more academic lens, a passion for research and archives, and a natural affinity for the digital realm. She's keen on delving into the "why" behind the art, connecting contemporary practice with historical contexts, and perhaps, making the gallery even more accessible to a new, digitally native audience.

What's truly captivating about this duo isn't just their shared passion, but how their individual "strokes," as the saying goes, perfectly complement each other. Shireen, with her seasoned curatorial eye and extensive network, has built the bridges to the international art world. Sukriti, on the other hand, is meticulously building bridges inwards, exploring the intellectual depths, historical nuances, and digital possibilities. It's not about one replacing the other; it's a beautiful, ongoing dialogue. One might focus on the broad strokes of global reach, while the other delves into the intricate details of research and contextualization. Together, they create a richer, more multifaceted experience.

At its core, the spirit of Chemould Prescott Road remains steadfast: to nurture artists, foster intellectual discourse, and continue to be a vital space for engaging with cutting-edge contemporary art. This mother-daughter partnership isn't merely about maintaining a business; it's about safeguarding a cultural cornerstone, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy for future generations. It's a powerful testament to how tradition, when embraced by new ideas and diverse perspectives, can truly thrive and evolve. The canvas is vast, and with Shireen and Sukriti at the helm, Chemould's artistic journey promises to be as inspiring and groundbreaking as ever.