Gyan Museum has been Inaugurated by none other than Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur. Gyan Museum is a tribute to late Mr. Gyan Chand Dhaddha – naturalist, collector and gemologist (1940-2004) by his sons Suresh Dhaddha & Arun Dhaddha. Gyan Chand Dhaddha, born in a traditional Jain family, surrounded by its philosophy, visuals and belief system inspired in him the love for arts, crafts, poetry, philosophy and literature. At a tender age of sixteen, his father presented him two objects with which began his childhood fascination with antiques leading him to become an avid collector, as he went on to amass a large collection of objects. The Museum holds a collection of over 1000 items including exquisite antique jewelry, silver utensils, rare textiles, large collection of Hookah mouth pieces , miniature paintings, manuscripts, watches and eye glasses are amongst some of the things collected by him. It has been designed by the award winning French- born New York based architect Paul Mathieu.
Although Jaipur is rich in historical & traditional heritage, it lacks a vibrant contemporary art scene. Gyan Museum aims fill this lacuna by not only exhibiting contemporary art, but also holding talks and discussions as well being involved in art education. Importantly, although a collections museum it activates a dialogue with contemporary art, presenting curated exhibition, under the direction of art historian Dr. Arshiya Lokhandwala inviting artists to think of historical connections and transpositions along side the art works. The inaugural exhibition features the work of internationally acclaimed German artist Alke Reeh Talking Between Objects that responds several works from the collection, allowing Gyan Museum to activate a dialogue with the past and present as well create resonances amongst various cultures outside its own.
Alke Reeh in her practice views architecture as sculpture itself. The sewed stalactite cupolas, geometrical forms, collapse in on itself like a sack, suddenly becoming more reminiscent of textiles than of architecture. In Talking Between Objects embroidered photos and sculpture find universal forms and strong affinities, which also strongly echo motifs from Rajasthan itself. The evening however ends with a local connection, with the well-known exuberant band Rajasthan Roots that play fusion and folk music, seamlessly mixing both western instruments with traditional beats and songs.
Gyan Museum offers viewers one more reason for people to visit Jaipur, not only to see the beautiful objects but also, to present them in the context of knowledge where it furthers their understanding of the world.
Photo Caption: Mr. Arun Dhaddha, Princess Diya Kumari and Mr. Suresh Dhaddha at the Gyan Museum, Jaipur inauguration