When Tarun Sharda and his wife, artist Monika Sharda, returned to Jaipur after several years in Tokyo, they brought back more than memories. They carried with them a vision. Immersed in Japan’s thriving contemporary art scene, the couple found themselves captivated by its minimalism, its bold experimentation, and its ability to merge tradition with modernity. Years later, that inspiration would take shape in the heart of Rajasthan as the Jaipur Center of Culture and Arts (JCCA), a gallery that has quietly yet powerfully begun transforming the city’s art ecosystem.

“It all began as an idea to support my wife,” says Tarun Sharda, co-founder of JCCA. “Monika has always been passionate about art. When she lost her job during the pandemic, it was a difficult time. But instead of stepping back, we decided to build something new, a space that not only revived her artistic spirit but also filled a gap we both felt existed in Rajasthan’s art scene.”

Having spent several years in Tokyo, the Shardas were deeply influenced by Japan’s approach to contemporary art, one that balances deep cultural heritage with fearless innovation. “Rajasthan has everything, tradition, craftsmanship, color, and culture,” Monika explains. “But what we found missing was a strong platform for contemporary modern art. That’s what we wanted to bring to Jaipur, a space where the modern could converse with the traditional.”

In July 2023, their vision became reality. The Jaipur Center of Culture and Arts opened its doors with an ambitious inaugural exhibition dedicated to one of India’s most revered contemporary masters, Himmat Shah.

A Grand Beginning

The inaugural show, Himmat 90, was more than an exhibition. It was a celebration of a lifetime devoted to art. “We were so lucky that Himmat Shah gave us his show,” says Tarun with quiet pride. “We depicted his entire life, from his early sketches as a ten-year-old to his most recent works at ninety. It was an honor to celebrate his 90th birthday with him.”

The exhibition, which later traveled to Bikaner House in Delhi, drew critical acclaim and marked JCCA as a serious new player in India’s art circuit. The Shardas had set the tone: JCCA was not going to be just another gallery. It would be a platform for depth, discovery, and dialogue.

Following Himmat 90, JCCA continued its trajectory with a series of thoughtfully curated exhibitions. They showcased works by Manu Parekh, another stalwart of Indian contemporary art, as well as masters from the Bengal School, whose evocative modernism shaped Indian art through the 20th century.

At the same time, JCCA turned its gaze homeward with Blooming Thar, an exhibition celebrating the artistic voices emerging from Rajasthan itself. “Rajasthan is full of talent,” Tarun notes. “From the miniature tradition to sculpture, the state has immense potential. Through Blooming Thar, we wanted to highlight how contemporary artists from this region are evolving their language, keeping the roots intact while reaching for something new.”

The gallery’s growing reputation soon attracted artists from across India. One of its standout shows brought together 21 contemporary artists from different states, each exploring their unique interpretation of India’s modern identity. “It was important for us to show that JCCA is not only about Jaipur,” says Monika. “It’s about connecting artists across India, creating a dialogue between regions, styles, and generations.”

This diversity of voices set the stage for JCCA’s latest exhibition, a deeply introspective one, featuring the works of the late Somnath Hore, one of India’s most profound modernists.

The exhibition, Prelude to the Wounds, offers a rare glimpse into Hore’s early sketches and minimalist studies, works that predate his famous Wounds Series. “Madam Chandnahore, his wife, gave us a sketchbook from December 1966, when he was in Delhi before moving to Shantiniketan,” Tarun recalls. “It’s a treasure. You can actually see how his mind was evolving toward what would become one of the most powerful artistic statements in Indian modern art.”

The show’s quiet intensity reflects both Hore’s humanism and JCCA’s curatorial sensibility, a deep respect for the artist’s journey and the layers of history embedded within each line and form.

From Masters to the Unsung

While JCCA’s early shows have centered on celebrated names, Tarun emphasizes that the gallery’s long-term mission lies elsewhere. “We wanted to begin with the masters to build trust among collectors, art colleges, and the community,” he says. “Once people know that JCCA stands for authenticity and quality, we can turn to what truly drives us: discovering the unsung heroes of contemporary art.”

The gallery has already begun collecting works by lesser-known artists, those who may not have found mainstream recognition but whose art carries immense depth and originality. “There are so many brilliant artists who, for various reasons, never came to the limelight,” Monica adds. “We’re documenting their stories, writing about them, and preparing to bring their work forward. That’s going to be our next big phase.”

What makes JCCA unique is its sense of purpose and intimacy. It is not a commercial gallery chasing trends, but a cultural space built from personal conviction, a partnership of art and empathy. For Monika, it is a continuation of her lifelong dialogue with color and form. For Tarun, it is a labor of love, an extension of support that became a larger movement.

In just over a year, the gallery has managed to attract both national attention and local engagement, subtly reshaping Jaipur’s cultural identity. In a city famous for its palaces and traditions, JCCA is carving out space for the new, ensuring that contemporary voices find a home amid Rajasthan’s historic grandeur.

As Tarun reflects on their journey, there’s both humility and hope in his voice. “We are small,” he says, “but we believe in what we’re doing. Art needs sincerity, and if we can contribute even a little to the story of contemporary Indian art, we’ll consider ourselves fortunate.”

With upcoming plans to showcase their first Unsung Heroes series and more collaborations with artists across India, the Jaipur Center of Culture and Arts is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s modern art narrative, one exhibition, one rediscovery, and one quiet revolution at a time.