Air India Showcasing India's Cultural Legacy through the Skies

Air India, the biggest carrier of India, has a rich history of collecting artwork. The airline started collecting art primarily as a way to promote Indian culture and heritage. Air India began its art collection initiatives can be traced back to the 1950s. The airline recognized the potential of art as a means of showcasing India's artistic traditions to an international audience. They began acquiring artwork to adorn their offices, airport lounges, and onboard their aircraft. Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture has recently inaugurated the Maharaja’s Treasure: Select Works of Art from the Famed Air India Collection at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai. The inimitable exhibition will continue till the 13th of August, 2023 at the prestigious Gallery.

The curation of artworks focuses on redefining the air travel experience. The first of such exhibitions showcases paintings and sculptures by eminent artists like VS Gaitonde, GR Santosh, KH Ara, B Prabha, Pilloo Pochkhanwala, MF Husain and Raghav Kaneria.

The Air India art collection is a vast and varied collection of over 4000 works, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts. The collection was acquired over nearly half a century, from the 1950s to the 1990s, and reflects the airline's commitment to promoting Indian art and culture.

Air India played a significant role in promoting Indian artists by showcasing their works. The airline actively sought out and acquired artworks from both established and emerging Indian artists. This provided artists with a platform to gain recognition and exposure both domestically and internationally.

Air India's art collection includes a wide range of styles and themes. The artworks depict various aspects of Indian culture, including traditional art forms, landscapes, historical events, and iconic landmarks. The collection showcases the diversity and richness of Indian art across different regions and time periods.

It has introduced onboard art galleries on select aircraft. These galleries displayed curated collections of artwork, allowing passengers to enjoy and appreciate Indian art during their flights. This initiative aimed to create a unique and culturally immersive experience for passengers.

Over the years, Air India has continued to add to its art collection through acquisitions and commissions. The airline has collaborated with renowned artists, galleries, and institutions to expand its collection. The artworks are displayed in Air India offices, lounges, and selected aircraft, further enhancing the airline's brand identity and promoting Indian art.

Art was an integral part of Air India, artists benefited from steady work and subsidies while the airline received exclusive works. The most recalled brand mascot of the time is the turbaned Maharaja Mascot. Some of the works from the collection are Arpana Caur’s women hold up half the sky, abstract mindscapes by S G Vasudev as well as stark landscapes of Ladakh by Serbjeet Singh. Anjolle Ela Menon paintings of Nawab with Pigeon and Lady with Kite. Bird theme in gnarly metal roosters sculpted by pilloo pochkhanawala and Raghav Kaneria. K H Ara’s Holi, Stone figurines of celestial musicians and 20th century metal sculptures of Lord Nataraja (God of Dance).

In 2023, the Air India art collection was moved to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). The exhibition, titled "Maharaja's Treasure: Select Works from the Air India Collection," showcases over 190 objects from the collection. The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections:  Indian Landscape  ( features paintings and sculptures that depict the Indian landscape, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the lush green forests of Kerala); Human Form (depicting the human form, from traditional Indian dance and music to contemporary representations of the body); Indian Spirit (explores the Indian ethos, from religious themes to folk art); other collections include textiles, decorative arts, and photographs.

The Air India art collection is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is a vast and varied collection that represents the best of Indian art from the 20th century. The collection includes works by some of the most important Indian artists of the era, such as M.F. Husain, V.S. Gaitonde, and Jatin Das. Second, the collection was acquired over a long period of time, which reflects the airline's commitment to promoting Indian art and culture. Third, the collection was used to decorate Air India's aircraft and offices, which helped to showcase Indian art to a global audience. Finally, the collection has been exhibited in major museums around the world, which has helped to raise awareness of Indian art and culture.

The collection is also a valuable resource for scholars and researchers of Indian art. It provides a unique opportunity for the public to see a wide range of Indian art from different eras and styles.The Air India art collection is a national treasure that should be cherished and preserved. It is a reminder of the rich and diverse history of Indian Modern art.