This article takes us on a journey of two Swedish gallerists, Lovisa Berntson Vit and India Bhattacharjee, as they navigate the art world, evolving from a nomadic pop-up project to a permanent gallery space in London’s vibrant Fitzrovia.
Berntson Bhattacharjee’s journey began as an experimental idea, driven by the shared passion of two art world confidantes. Lovisa Berntson Vit and India Bhattacharjee, both Swedish gallerists, were already acquainted through shared circles. In 2019, their paths converged while Vit was pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree at Sotheby’s and Bhattacharjee was working at The Cultivist, a private members club. This shared interest in the art world blossomed into a close friendship, and in 2020, they took a bold step.
Seizing an opportunity, the duo staged their first exhibition in the coastal town of Skänor, Sweden. Packing their car with artwork from 11 artists, they embarked on a journey that transformed a simple idea into a life-changing project. Their nomadic beginnings were the foundation of a journey that led them to London’s Fitzrovia neighborhood, where they opened a permanent gallery space four years later.
From Nomadic Beginnings to a London Hub
This section delves into the transition of Berntson Bhattacharjee from a traveling art showcase to a permanent gallery, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Berntson Bhattacharjee’s permanent gallery, occupying a spacious 2,200-square-foot space on Berners Street, is celebrating its first anniversary. The gallery, transformed from an old garage, embodies the duo’s commitment to showcasing transformative art installations. The space, designed to resemble a theater, features dramatic fabric drapes that create a curtain-like effect around the walls.
This permanent location reflects the gallery’s evolving vision. Berntson Bhattacharjee is known for promoting young, exciting artists, and the expansive space allows for ambitious exhibitions. The gallery’s inaugural solo exhibition in Stockholm in 2021, featuring the work of Yulia Iosilzon, proved to be a key moment.
Berntson Bhattacharjee’s approach to showcasing art is deeply personal. “For every show that we do, every project that we do with an artist, we want it to be important for them in their development and practice and not just something for the sake of it,” Bhattacharjee explains. “We want everything to feel like a milestone for them.”
The Evolution of a Gallery: From Risk-Taking to Recognition
This section details the evolution of Berntson Bhattacharjee from a nomadic project to a recognized gallery, highlighting their commitment to supporting emerging artists.
The gallery’s nomadic beginnings were marked by a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. Their first exhibition, “Staying Sane,” held in Stockholm in 2020, was a bold move in the wake of the pandemic. This show, featuring the work of Mary Stephenson and Katy Stubbs, showcased the gallerists’ ability to introduce emerging artists to a receptive audience.
This initial success paved the way for a series of exhibitions across London and Sweden. The gallerists held shows in locations like the 19th-century Pump House in London’s Battersea Park, and various locations in Sweden, including Skänor and Falsterbo. These pop-up exhibitions furthered their commitment to presenting artists in unique and engaging spaces.
The journey from nomadic project to permanent space solidified their commitment to fostering the careers of their artists. Berntson Bhattacharjee’s dedication to showcasing emerging talent is evident in their decision to select a space that offers ample opportunity for growth. The gallery is more than just a place to display art; it’s a platform for artists to connect with audiences and establish their presence.
Establishing Roots in Fitzrovia
This section explores the strategic choice of location for the gallery, highlighting the connection between the gallery’s ethos and the vibrant Fitzrovia neighborhood.
The gallery’s permanent space in Fitzrovia reflects their commitment to connecting art with its audience. Their nomadic years taught them the importance of strategic location, and Fitzrovia’s artistic energy made it the perfect fit.
The gallery’s permanent location is a statement of their long-term vision. The space provides a stable base for artists to grow and connect with a broader audience. “It’s hard to grow doing the pop-up model,” Bhattacharjee states. “In order to apply to art fairs, you often need a permanent space and just a base where people can come and see you, and you can build those relationships properly.”
The gallery’s presence in Fitzrovia reflects the gallery’s mission to reach a wide audience. Their previous pop-up exhibitions were held in centrally located areas, such as Earl’s Court, South Kensington, and Battersea Park, demonstrating their understanding of the importance of accessibility.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Expansion
This section examines Berntson Bhattacharjee’s plans for the future, highlighting their commitment to supporting their artists and fostering an environment of creative development.
Berntson Bhattacharjee’s commitment to supporting their artists is reflected in their ambitious plans for the future. The gallery is planning a solo show for Jessie Stevenson, a 29-year-old artist, at Stockholm’s Market Art Fair.
Their commitment to showcasing a diverse range of artists is evident in their upcoming group exhibition, “Smörgårdsbord.” This exhibition will feature the work of six prominent Nordic artists, including Baldur Helgason and Johan Deckman.
The gallery is poised for continued growth and expansion, mirroring the development of their artists. “The idea is that we will grow as our artists grow,” Bhattacharjee shares. With their permanent home base, the possibilities for Berntson Bhattacharjee and their artists are boundless. “We don’t see any limitation,” she says. The future of Berntson Bhattacharjee is as bright as the artists they champion, promising an exciting journey of artistic discovery and collaboration.
