Redefining Museum Spaces: The Museum of Art and Photography Bangalore
The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bangalore, India, conceived by Mathew and Ghosh Architects, emerges as a pivotal element in the global unfolding post-colonial narrative. Rooted in the ethos of contemporary India, the museum embodies a fusion of mnemonic recall and equitability.
Bridging Collecting and Community Engagement
MAP navigates the tensions between the traditional notions of collecting – collating, containing, and storing artifacts – inherent to curatorship, and the imperative to engage with communities. It seamlessly integrates art into the lived experiences of Bangalore, spanning from the mundane to the theatrical, and from the exotic to the egalitarian.
Spatial Deliberations
The museum’s design prioritizes the presentation of art and photography over spatial theatrics. It features generic gallery spaces that provide insulation against ultraviolet light, safeguarding precious artworks and artifacts. The internal layout emphasizes the showcasing of art, fostering an immersive experience for visitors.
Symbolism in Materiality
Subverting the conventional notions of exclusivity, the museum employs hermetically sealed stainless steel imagery. This choice of material, reminiscent of post-industrial water tanks, serves as a nod to the mundane and accessible. It symbolizes art’s transformative potential and its capacity to provoke reflection and change.
Embracing Social Discourse
The design incorporates the concept of the ‘veranda-plinth’ as a significant marker of social discourse. This architectural feature, prevalent in both dwellings and institutional structures in the region, fosters dialogic spaces for visual, visceral, and emotional engagements. The ‘plinth of negotiations’ facilitates encounters between the self and the ‘other,’ enriching the landscape of artistic discovery.
Conclusion
The Museum of Art and Photography Bangalore stands as a beacon of innovation in museum design, redefining traditional notions of collecting and community engagement. Rooted in the post-colonial context of India, it embodies a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and social discourse, offering visitors a transformative journey through the cultural landscape of Bangalore.
