Anissa Sonthalia Unveils Trace Gallery, Bringing a New Contemporary Art Destination to Kolkata

Kolkata: A new chapter in Kolkata’s cultural landscape is set to begin with the launch of Trace Gallery, a contemporary art space founded by entrepreneur and art enthusiast Anissa Sonthalia. Positioned as a multidisciplinary platform that blends art, design and music, the gallery aims to create immersive cultural experiences while providing greater visibility to emerging and established contemporary artists.

Located on Southern Avenue within an 80-year-old heritage building, Trace Gallery represents a meeting point between tradition and modernity. The gallery will officially open its doors on July 20 with its inaugural exhibition, “Where Do I Pause”, featuring acclaimed Bengal-based artist Raj Chowdhury.

A Dream Inspired by Global Art Spaces

For Anissa Sonthalia, launching an art gallery has been a long-standing ambition.

Her journey into the art world began while studying in New York, where exposure to the city’s thriving gallery ecosystem transformed her perspective on contemporary art.

Frequent visits to galleries, museums and artist studios introduced her to the role art can play in shaping conversations and communities.

After graduating from New York University in 2020 during the pandemic, Sonthalia launched a digital art platform focused on accessibility and art discovery. What began as an online initiative gradually evolved into art sourcing and advisory opportunities, eventually laying the foundation for a physical gallery.

A later course at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art further strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in the arts.

Why Kolkata Needed a New Contemporary Art Platform

Despite being widely regarded as one of India’s most culturally influential cities, Sonthalia believes Kolkata remains underrepresented in the contemporary gallery ecosystem at the national level.

While Bengal continues to produce a significant number of artists, curators and art professionals, many of whom emerge from institutions such as Visva-Bharati University’s Kala Bhavana in Santiniketan, the city lacks the visibility enjoyed by other major art centres.

Trace Gallery has been envisioned as a platform that can contribute to changing that narrative by creating opportunities for artists, collectors and audiences to engage more actively with contemporary art.

The Meaning Behind ‘Trace’

The gallery’s name reflects its broader philosophy.

Rather than focusing on making a grand statement, the concept of “Trace” is rooted in the idea of leaving a subtle but meaningful impact.

According to Sonthalia, the gallery seeks to create cultural experiences and artistic conversations that leave lasting impressions while allowing future generations to interpret and build upon them in their own way.

The concept aligns with the gallery’s emphasis on dialogue, participation and creative exchange.

Launch Exhibition Features Raj Chowdhury

For its inaugural exhibition, Trace Gallery has chosen artist Raj Chowdhury, whose layered and thought-provoking works have attracted attention among contemporary art audiences.

The exhibition, titled “Where Do I Pause”, marks one of the most significant presentations of Chowdhury’s work to date.

Sonthalia said it was important that the gallery’s first exhibition feature a Bengal-based artist, highlighting the depth of artistic talent within the region.

She was drawn to Chowdhury’s ability to incorporate everyday experiences into complex visual narratives, a quality she believes resonates strongly with the gallery’s mission of integrating art into daily life.

The exhibition invites viewers to engage with themes of memory, reflection and contemporary existence through richly detailed compositions.

Creating Experiences Beyond Traditional Exhibitions

One of Trace Gallery’s distinguishing features is its emphasis on audience engagement.

Sonthalia believes younger audiences increasingly seek experiences rather than passive viewing opportunities.

To address this shift, the gallery plans to host a diverse programme of events, including:

• Artist talks and discussions
• Interactive workshops
• Art walks
• Curated cultural evenings
• Music performances
• Community engagement initiatives

The objective is to transform the gallery into an active cultural destination rather than a conventional exhibition venue.

Integrating Art, Design and Music

Trace Gallery’s vision extends beyond visual art alone.

The space will also explore the emerging field of collectible design, which exists at the intersection of art, craftsmanship and functional design.

Future exhibitions are expected to feature works that blur traditional boundaries between artistic disciplines.

Music will play an equally important role within the gallery’s programming.

Sonthalia intends to collaborate with musicians, DJs and music producers, providing opportunities for creative partnerships that connect visual art with contemporary sound culture.

The gallery also plans to facilitate collaborations between artists and musicians on projects ranging from live performances to album artwork.

Supporting Emerging Creative Communities

Beyond exhibitions, Trace Gallery aims to serve as a platform for multidisciplinary creators across different fields.

The gallery’s long-term vision includes:

Supporting Emerging Artists

Providing exhibition opportunities and broader exposure.

Encouraging Creative Collaboration

Bringing together artists, designers, musicians and cultural practitioners.

Public Art Initiatives

Exploring opportunities to make art more accessible within public spaces.

Art Education

Developing programmes that encourage engagement with contemporary artistic practices.

These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to strengthening Kolkata’s creative ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

Trace Gallery’s roadmap includes collaborations with creators from across India and efforts to bring exhibitions from leading galleries to Kolkata.

By fostering connections between regional talent and national art networks, the gallery hopes to contribute to the city’s growing cultural visibility.

As contemporary art audiences continue to expand across India, spaces that combine exhibitions with experiential programming are increasingly shaping the future of cultural engagement.

Opening Details

Trace Gallery will officially open on July 20 at:

16/7/2B Keyatala Road, Kolkata

The inaugural exhibition, “Where Do I Pause” by Raj Chowdhury, will mark the beginning of what aims to be a dynamic new chapter in Kolkata’s contemporary art landscape.

With its focus on art, design, music and community engagement, Trace Gallery enters the city’s cultural scene with ambitions that extend well beyond the traditional gallery model.