Kaarthiga Manimaran has founded “Kalai Gallery” and has her first painting displayed at Phillips Staff Art Show.
Kaarthiga Manimaran (Art Business and Law LLM, 2023) recently had her painting displayed at the Phillips Staff Art Show; it will be on display alongside HENI’s Damien Hirst the Civilisation Paintings exhibition at 30 Berkeley Square in London until August 27th 2024.
Kaarthiga stated “I’m thrilled to share that my first painting is on display at the Phillips staff art show at 30 Berkeley Square, London.
This painting, which was completed in January 2023, was inspired by Pablo Picasso’s 1945 lithograph, Jeune fille aux grands cheveux (Young Girl with Long Hair). Phillips sold this piece at the first auction I worked in for £22,680 during the Evening & Day Editions sale in January 2023.
I was deeply moved by the simplicity of Picasso’s strokes and the precision required in his artistry. I decided to add my touch to the piece by incorporating colour. My artwork and other entries from the staff art show are on display at Phillips alongside Damien Hirst’s Civilisation Paintings.
My interest in art originated from my legal studies - Intellectual Property rights and provenance cases - from pursuing a Master’s in Art, Business and Law at Centre for Commercial Law Studies at Queen Mary, University of London. This has resulted in my business venture, Kalai Gallery, a vibrant collective space dedicated to making the luxury art world more accessible to people of colour. Kalai Gallery celebrates the rich intersection of music, fashion, and visual art, showcasing works that honour diverse voices and cultural narratives. For example, one of the artists I represent creates luxury clothing inspired by 90s Hip Hop.
I believe that Kalai Gallery stands as a pioneering force in London's art world, offering a unique concept that sets it apart from its competitors. As both an art lawyer and the director of Kalai Gallery, I am deeply committed to championing the interests of artists. I not only provide a platform for showcasing exceptional art but also offer comprehensive legal support tailored to the creatives. Whether it’s navigating Intellectual Property concerns or crafting artist contracts, I am here to ensure artists receive the best representation and guidance.
Currently, in the inaugural phase, Kalai Gallery is actively engaging with the community through life drawing sessions and guided tours of renowned auction houses. These initiatives are designed to foster connections and create a vibrant, supportive environment for artists and art enthusiasts alike.”
You can learn more at www.kalaigallery.com