Is there a place for art in a society consumed with capitalism?
This was one of the questions that piqued and drove at the interest of the four founders of Esjehi Gallery, Maizan Hassan Manik, Ahmed Shakeel, Ahmed Abbas and Ahmed Naseer. The idea of Esjehi Gallery took form and came into being as a by-product of a conversation that took place between this group of likeminded individuals. The gallery, which ran from 1991 to 2005, was notably the first privately owned gallery in the Maldives. Housed within the Esjehi Ganduvaru from which the gallery derives its name, it grew to represent freedom of expression and symbolizes an important ideal and way of life.
Esjehi Ganduvaru is a one of the oldest buildings in the capital city of Male’. Historians trace the origins of the building back to the times of Sultanate rule in the Maldives, with records showing many prominent historical figures having taken up residence during various epochs of our history. The building boasts the well known skillful traditional workmanship of our ancestors. Exquisite carvings and beautiful wooden panels make up the architecture of the building where numerous literary efforts were carried out for the Sultan and which supposedly also housed the royal seal preparation work for the Sultan of Maldives. Undoubtedly, the building in itself is an invaluable cultural and heritage landmark of the country.
Keen history aficionados, the founders of Esjehi Gallery sought to salvage this historical landmark that was left to the mercy of time. Understanding that the best way to preserve an old building is to keep it in regular use, they envisaged using it as a gallery and space for artists where workshops, trainings and gatherings could be held. Their primary focus was on preserving the unique architecture of the structure for future generations while simultaneously creating a space that fostered a sense of and developed a thriving community for artists. Extensive precautions were always taken to preserve and maintain the old carvings and woodwork – It remained that the main exhibit on display at all times would always be the gallery building itself.
Esjehi Gallery is often described as an establishment that filled a substantial vacuum in the Maldivian creative industry at the time. It provided a platform for the solitary artist to interact with not only other artists but also the community at large. Artists were given the space to display their work and the opportunity to finally have a conversation about their art. Artists were able to gather, seek or provide; assistance, advice and ideas in an environment that was nurturing and supportive. It proved to be the ideal avenue for friendly discussions, constructive feedback, and birthplace of many an innovative collaborations.
An artist creates a distinctive style unique to them over the course of a number of paintings. The Gallery gave Maldivian artists an avenue to both develop and build their own unique identity, leading to the work of artists being identified by their distinctive style. Artists were finally able to hold exhibitions and sell their artworks through the gallery. Art appreciation burgeoned in the country during the period of time when the gallery was functioning.
Esjehi Gallery was not exclusive to the painter. True to its founding philosophy, the gallery was a space for artists to pursue their craft and express themselves freely, irrespective of their medium. It was also home to many musicians, who used the space to practice and record music. Live music by bands was a regular occurrence at the Esjehi Gallery Café and many young musicians were able to establish themselves in the industry through this gateway.
The Gallery not only successfully achieved its objective of identifying and giving support to artists, it also contributed immensely to the industry by pioneering important policy level work. Notably, their efforts towards the formulation of a guideline on how they authenticated and valued an artists body of work was incredibly helpful in valuing art work where no mechanism previously existed in this regard. They were also able to provide support to artists in helping them frame their artworks for exhibitions and find art supplies and materials during a time when it was hard to come by.
The Esjehi Gallery Trust Fund too was an important initiative with an incredibly innovative concept of giving back that grew exponentially to benefit many. The trust fund not only enabled many events and workshops but also afforded the opportunity for the gallery to send painters and writers on short courses and exposure trips and was used in maintaining and preserving the old building which housed the gallery.
In addition to providing this important platform for artists, the gallery also built traditions, which celebrated our Maldivian roots. Exhibition openings in the gallery were always accompanied with a gathering during which the traditional festive food of bondibai and kulhimas were served. Culture is essentially what holds a nation together. These traditions played a vital role in keeping the community together. At a time when artists did not have a clear direction forward, the gallery offered a light of hope to many struggling artists and encouraged many more in the pursuit of arts as a career.
Albeit it’s irrefutable contributions towards the industry, the gallery fought to survive. As the political climate of the country intensified with the introduction of a multiparty democratic system, Esjehi Gallery remained steadfast in upholding their fundamental pillar of freedom of expression. This was not always well received and they faced various obstacles in this regard. The lack of government level policies to support and protect them also proved to be a formidable predicament.
The turbulent political environment of the country at the time combined with the realities of preserving the old structure and the absence of any assistance from the government finally proved too heavy a strain on the faculty which eventually lead to the closing down of the gallery, as they moved out from the Esjehi Ganduvaru. Their impact, however, was long lasting with many still fondly reminiscing of the days and memories created in the Esjehi Gallery. It remains that artists are able to create when they are able to express themselves freely and Esjehi Gallery catered to this need in a way that has not been replicated since.
The significance of a privately owned gallery towards the development of the industry quickly became evident. Despite the many challenges that still exist, a few committed individuals have since worked and successfully established some privately run galleries in the Maldives. Their efforts are centered towards reviving the old poignant essence of community that was reminiscent of the old gallery whilst providing a space for artists to display their work. Most importantly they endeavor to provide a space for artists and enthusiasts to gather and discourse about art, which even then proved to be instrumental in the growth of the industry.
Art is personal expression and is about envisioning the world differently. For the Maldivian art industry, Esjehi Gallery was a revolutionary force. They set forth a precedent that allowed many a glimpse of what was possible for the community.