Memorabilia for Art’s Sake

Two years ago,Manna conceptualised and designed an enviable collection of memorabilia with imprints of artwork by renowned artists. So,there’s Muzaffar Ali and Burman on ties; Anjolie Ela Menon on lampshades; cushions with a touch of Krishen Khanna; coffee mugs carrying Raghu Rai’s photographs,Ashok Vajpeyi’s and BN Goswami’s poems; mouse pads and coasters with Paramjit Singh’s ethereal woods,Jatin Das’ paintings; and jigsaw puzzles which when pieced together give the painting of Gulammohammed Sheikh. This collection of offbeat merchandise is made available to the public by the Akademi at every art event and exhibition it holds.

Manna floated the concept on a small scale to bring art closer to people and create memorabilia which could get layman interested in art. “Not everyone can afford to buy art and take it home,” he says. In two years,the demand for these memorabilia has grown considerably. This has also led to the expansion of his collection.

Initially,he used to reprint works of local artists on T-shirts. Now,he has the permission to use more than 100 images of India’s renowned artists. The list is growing with Ranbir Kaleka,Avtar Jit Dhanjal,Amrita Sher-gill and Vivan Sundaram joining in. Artists have been forthcoming and generous in donating their works,at least six images each,free of cost for Manna’s project.

The Akademi may not be getting big buyers yet,but it is able to break even by producing in small numbers,apart from constant innovation in design,packaging and display. “We’ve been approached by the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Delhi Lalit Kala Akademi. They too want to replicate the concept and talks are on for the same,” says Manna. He has been given space at the Religare Art Gallery in Delhi’s Connaught Place to display the art collection and hopes to have a permanent counter in Chandigarh soon.

Manna’s new consignment includes book racks,pen stands,beer mugs,piggy banks,key chains,fridge magnets,ceramic tiles,stoles,coasters,cards and T-shirts — all embellished with images of various artists’ works. With the price starting from Rs 50,these look set to fly off the shelves.