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Art of the Matter

Artpreneur-curator Mehak Bhan is transforming the Tricity’s art scene with her gallery, 105arts

Artpreneur. Curator. Cultural catalyst. In the evolving art landscape of the Tricity, Mehak Bhan stands as a quiet yet formidable force—someone who has gently but decisively reshaped how art is perceived, experienced, and collected. With 105arts, the gallery she founded in 2021, Mehak has not only introduced contemporary art to a wider audience but also nurtured a thriving, inclusive ecosystem around it.

Growing up between Delhi and Chandigarh, Mehak’s early years were steeped in culture. Family outings often meant museum visits, historical explorations, and immersive cultural experiences. These formative moments, she reflects, subconsciously shaped her sensibilities. The rich historical textures of Delhi, combined with Chandigarh’s striking modernist architecture, exposed her to the interplay of design, space, and aesthetics—laying the foundation for a lifelong connection with art.

Even while pursuing a degree in Economics at Lady Shri Ram College and later studying at the Delhi School of Economics, art remained a constant. But it wasn’t just the artwork that fascinated her—it was the stories behind it, the artists themselves, and the emotional resonance their creations carried. She found joy in helping friends discover and collect art, gradually developing a deeper understanding of contemporary Indian practices.

Travel further enriched her perspective. Visits to renowned museums and art destinations across Europe and the United States deepened her engagement with art as a universal language. “Art became a common ground for connection,” she says. One memory, in particular, stands out—a turning point that would eventually shape her journey. As a newlywed, carefully saving every rupee, she attended an exhibition in Chandigarh and encountered a striking work by artist Laxman Aelay. The piece, bold and evocative, moved her deeply. She bought it instinctively, not realizing then how profoundly that moment would influence her future. “It was love at first sight,” she recalls with a smile.

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