About Us
Art has always, naturally, reflected the development and exploration of different thoughts and perceptions, and our current postmodern era is no different. It is interesting to see how art has evolved visually, yet the traditional methods of composing art remain a valid means of expression.
All it takes for an artist to rise above normalcy, is inspiration, which fuels his passion to paint beautiful creations throughout his life.
The valuable expression of art is always there with us, but now this expression is yet to take an interesting diversion with our art gallery, Gallery Silver Scapes, located in Hauz Khas Enclave. Art is no longer considered just decorative but has evolved and come forth as a major form of investment yielding high rates of returns for its buyers, making it an expression commonly used.
Mrs Mayor was walked into the art world by the legendary modernist Bimal Das Gupta, one of whose biggest collections remains with Gallery Silver Scapes. In the 1980s, as head and first curator of the Habiart Gallery founded by Mrs Rekha Modi — a childhood friend — Mrs Mayor worked closely with and curated shows for renowned artists such as A Ramachandran, GR Santosh, Rameshwar Broota, Sakti Burman, MK Bardhan, Dhiraj Chaudhury, M Sivanesan, and Arup Das among others.
Besides modern masters, she also worked with young contemporaries such as Sudip Roy, Paresh Maity, Subroto Kundu, Vinod Sharma, and many more. Artworks commissioned by her are now part of prestigious collections, such as those of the India Habitat Centre, Ranbaxy, Pepsi, Hotel Lalit, Bank of America, and many more private and public collections.
It is now helmed by her son, Mr Vikram Mayor, who is as passionate about art as his mother. The gallery continues to work with the veterans and the seniors, besides nurturing younger talent such as Rene Rajpal, Nikhil Chaganlal, Shyamal Mukherjee, Jitendra Dangi, and Chaitali Chanda among others.
About the Curators
An alumnus of Delhi Public School, RK Puram, Mr. Vikram Mayor is a globe-trotter. He has travelled around the world for 16 years on work, observing art and artistic trends across the art capitals of the world. Bringing back this vast experience and knowledge to his pithy insights into the volatile Indian art market, his day-to-day functioning as Director and Curator of Gallery Silver Scapes, he aims to spot and promote young talent besides nurturing the modern masters, especially those who have been overlooked so far for various reasons.
Mr. Mayor’s innate passion for art is a testament to his illustrious lineage. His great-grandfather, Diwan Jarmani Das, a distinguished statesman who served as Prime Minister to the Indian princely states of Kapurthala and Patiala, happened to be a patron of the fine arts and a renowned author. Das’s seminal works on the royals of India not only showcased his intellectual prowess but also instilled in his descendants a deep appreciation of the significance of art.
Moreover, his paternal grandfather, Prem Nath Mayor, father Virender Mayor, and uncle Ravi Mayor — great collectors of art themselves —encouraged and nurtured in him a sensibility for the arts and a keen eye to spot a good work of art.
The most important influence, of course, is his mother, Mrs. Manjula Badhwar Mayor, a longstanding curator of great repute who founded Gallery Silver Scapes in 1984 (known as Images earlier, it acquired its present name in 2009).
With unwavering dedication, Mr. Mayor champions the arts, illuminating the paths of emerging talents and catapulting them to the forefront of excellence.
Mrs. Manjula Badhwar Mayor’s illustrious heritage is rooted in her grandfather, Dewan Saheb Jarmani Das’s, remarkable achievements. As a distinguished author and art aficionado, Das’s works, including The Maharaja and Maharani, have had a lasting impact on India’s cultural narrative. His impressive art collection, showcased in esteemed museums worldwide, serves as a testament to his refined taste. Mrs. Mayor continues this legacy, leveraging her expertise as a curator to showcase the nuances and richness of art, fostering a deeper appreciation for its transformative power.
A graduate of SKV Gwalior and Loreto Convent Calcutta, her contribution to the art world is incredible, with her role being very instrumental in starting art at the very famous India Habitat Centre along with Mrs. Rekha Modi and HUDCO in the eighties.
She was walked into the art world by the legendary Indian artist Bimal Das Gupta and worked alongside famous artists like Mr. Ramachandran, Mr. Rameshwar Broota, Mr. MK Bardhan, Mr. M. Sivanesan, and many more, curating many of their shows. So much so that Mr. Bimal Das Gupta only used to sell through her in his last years, and the authenticity of many of his late works can only be found with her.
Besides the list of the top artists then, she worked alongside many of the then-upcoming artists like Sudip Roy, Paresh Maity, Subroto Kundu, Vinod Sharma, Mr. Dhiraj Chaudhury, and many more, who today are the stalwarts of Indian art, in her stint as the head and first curator of The Habitat Art Gallery.
Artworks commissioned by her can be found at the India Habitat Centre, Ranbaxy, Pepsi head office, Hotel Lalit, Bank of America, and many more top collections, both private and public.
Animated by an abiding ardour for the fine arts, Mrs. Manjula Badhwar Mayor serves as the gallery’s guiding spirit, fastidiously curating a treasure trove of masterworks that exemplify artistic excellence.