Experimenter Gallery Founders Redefine Indian Art Landscape Since 2009
At Experimenter gallery, co-founders Priyanka and Prateek Raja have fundamentally reshaped the map of contemporary Indian art since its inception in 2009. Their enviable roster, characterized by sharp curatorial intent and impactful conversations, has consistently placed them on art's most coveted lists. In an exclusive interview, the power couple delved into Kolkata's layered cultural pulse and explored how audiences engage with art in an era dominated by social media reels.
Evolution of Experimenter's Journey in Art and Culture
Priyanka Raja explained, "We've always envisioned Experimenter as having an organic character that naturally grows and responds to its environment. A key idea behind it is to offer a mirror to the world we are surrounded by. Consequently, our operational approach is a self-organized system entirely unique to us; there's no precedent in our industry for how we function."
Prateek Raja added, "When describing our organization, we often use the metaphor of an octopus—it has a central nervous system but many arms, all equally capable and intelligent, working simultaneously toward a common goal. As a gallery, our primary objective has been to present forward-thinking and discursive exhibitions and visual arts programs that are unbound and rooted in learning, fearlessness, and dissent."
Priyanka further elaborated, "Over the years, we've hosted exhibitions across our four spaces in Kolkata and Mumbai that have questioned sacrosanct tenets and posed uncomfortable yet respectful questions, creating a crucible for productive thinking and new possibilities."
Audience Engagement with Art in the Social Media Age
When asked if audiences still have the capacity to meaningfully engage with art, Prateek Raja affirmed, "Absolutely! Experiencing art is a profound feeling, and confronting it in person is one of the purest, unbound, and transformative experiences we can have. Art evokes something personal and tactile; visitors at our galleries increasingly feel moved when interacting with contemporary art, which confronts, questions, and prompts introspection."
Priyanka Raja noted, "Our role in enabling in-person viewings of exhibitions and sharing that emotional connection with viewers continues to motivate us deeply." Prateek highlighted a growing trend, "A rising number of young people visit Experimenter—they pursue artistic practices or play active roles in the industry. Art offers myriad possibilities to the youth in Kolkata."
Shaping Taste and Sensibilities Through Cultural Roots
Prateek Raja shared insights into their backgrounds, "Both of us come from families that have always placed aesthetics and culture at their core. This upbringing allows us to look beyond the binaries prevalent today. Growing up in an environment respectful of the multiplicities of our world, the kaleidoscopic ways of seeing our surroundings, and accepting multiple mediums of expression has made our thinking open to change."
Priyanka Raja added, "Alongside our team, we've built a space of free expression that is fearless and founded on productive debate. It celebrates collaborative working, the strength of co-thinking, and inclusive diversity."
Kolkata's Profound Influence on Their Artistic Journey
According to Priyanka Raja, Kolkata and Bengal have had a profound impact on their mindset. "Bengal is a deltaic land through which many ideas, thoughts, and fundamental concepts flow—ideas central to our thinking. We have the great privilege to work and live in this incredible city."
Prateek Raja elaborated, "Kolkata's multiculturalism enables a wide audience and diverse interpretations of our work. Here, visitors can seamlessly cross-reference between literature, music, politics, philosophy, and history. It's by far the best audience in the country to create exhibitions for, although we may be slightly biased by our love for Kolkata and Bengal. However, it comes with challenges, mostly psychological preconceptions that we have shattered, though some still need resolution."
In summary, Priyanka and Prateek Raja continue the journey they embarked on 17 years ago, with their artists now showcasing breakthrough projects at prestigious global exhibitions and museums. As Priyanka stated, "It has been an exciting and highly rewarding journey." Their dedication to fostering a vibrant art scene in India remains unwavering, driven by Kolkata's rich cultural heritage and their innovative vision.
