Art and wine have always formed a formidable duo. For several years, wine has gone hand in hand with art in almost all major art dos. Today, it is a norm that indicates the quality, magnitude and status of an art show according to its wine list. The combination bridges the lacunae between genuine art lovers and wine connoisseurs.
Art galleries, curators all over the world have perfected the art of blending art with fine wine, which also as per a gallerist enhances sales. Keeping in line with the exciting concept of clubbing fine wine and art is an upcoming event UnWined, the brainchild of investor banker-turned entrepreneur Anu radha Basavaraju.
UnWined is a new concept of blending two timeless pastimes, artistic painting and drinking cocktails, as a way to draw patrons into local pubs on a slow night with a unique opportunity to socialise and unleash one’s creative side.
Set in the atrium of VR Bengaluru in Whitefield, the idea is to provide cavases, easels, paints alongside liquor and hor d oeuvres. A comic or artist and a DJ play host to the event, to raise awareness towards art and create a unique experience for wine and art lovers.
The whole idea is to change the way art is being expressed and promoted in the country, by giving it an elite feel and which not only benefits the artists but also attempts to tap into an ordinary artist and collector.
Speaking about her experience and what contributed to the birth of UnWined, founder Anu Basavaraju says, “In the US, in California, a chance outing at one such event saw me start painting with wine in hand. I remember having a margarita! Art is considered a sophisticated form and a luxury, real art is being looked upon mostly by the affluent. So is wine and it has its own connoisseurs and somehow both go hand in hand and it requires people with a certain taste. The whole idea of the concept is that the people who paint get to take the canvases home. We are looking at taking this concept to different bars and restaurants across the country as we believe that this concept breaks boundaries and proves to be a game changer for art and artists alike.”
The concept looks exciting and an exquisite juxtaposition of fine wine with equally amazing vivid colours on the canvas sure makes for a lethal combination of creativity and fun.
It’s about time people break away from the mundane and give an event like this a try. With an exhibition also planned in the future, the odds are very much in favour of such a concept which is very popular in the United States. About time a multi-cultural city like Bengaluru inherits it.
The event will be held at VR Bengaluru on May 29 from 5 pm onwards. The writer is an art expert and curator.
