In a move set to shake up the London art scene, Amar Singh, an activist and art dealer, is poised to reopen Amar Gallery. This reopening isn’t merely another art exhibition; it’s a tribute to the enigmatic artist Dora Maar and a bid to support meaningful social change. The gallery will debut with the intriguing exhibition ‘Dora Maar: Behind the Lens’. Amar Singh confirmed that part of the proceeds from the exhibition will be funneled toward anti-trafficking organizations in India that are committed to safeguarding the rights and lives of women and children.
Dora Maar, remembered by many as the muse and lover of Pablo Picasso, will be the star of this groundbreaking exhibition. The collection showcases surrealist works by Maar, as well as her compelling photographs of Picasso and Guernica—Picasso’s celebrated anti-war painting, for which Maar was the only official photographer. This exhibition revisits historical oversights by highlighting Maar’s extensive contributions to the art world, contributions that have often been eclipsed by her association with Picasso.
A true pioneer in photography, Dora Maar’s talent was recognized and admired by giants like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Man Ray. Her artistic journey is marked by a rich interplay of roles—she was not just a photographer but also a poet and a painter. Born into a world brimming with opportunities and challenges, Maar’s life was as layered and complex as her artworks.
At the young age of 19, Maar moved to Paris, a city that promised the nurturing ground for her burgeoning talent. She enrolled at the progressive Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Academy Julian, and Ecole de Photographie. These institutions allowed her to hone her skills and define her unique black-and-white photographic style. Quickly, she established herself as a leading photographer within the surrealist movement. Her works were showcased at major exhibitions, including the 1936 International Surrealist Exhibition in London, where she shared the spotlight with iconic figures like Salvador Dali and Man Ray.
.
Maar’s oeuvre includes a diverse range of photographic work, surrealist imagery, and emotional paintings that capture the nuanced reality of her times. Her collections now grace prominent museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate in London, and the Getty in Los Angeles. These institutions acknowledge Maar’s indelible mark on the world of art, and the upcoming exhibition at Amar Gallery seeks to contribute further to this legacy.
Amar Singh’s decision to combine art with activism is hardly surprising. Known for his passionate advocacy for social justice and human rights, Singh has continually used his platform to effect change. The upcoming exhibition will follow in this tradition by supporting anti-trafficking organizations in India. These organizations work tirelessly to protect some of the most vulnerable populations—women and children—rescuing them from the horrors of human trafficking and providing them with the resources needed to rebuild their lives.
The exhibition ‘Dora Maar: Behind the Lens’ promises to be an eye-opening journey through the life and works of a woman who defied the boundaries of her time. It aims not only to celebrate Maar’s artistic legacy but also to prompt viewers to reconsider the narratives that have long dominated art history. By focusing on Maar’s erasure from mainstream historical accounts, the exhibition asks important questions about gender, recognition, and the often-unseen forces that shape our understanding of art and artists.
In addition to the visual feast, Singh has planned talks, panel discussions, and workshops that will delve into Maar’s impact on surrealism and her lesser-known works. These events aim to create a fuller picture of her multifaceted career, helping to educate the public and inspire future generations of artists.
The reopening of Amar Gallery with ‘Dora Maar: Behind the Lens’ stands as a poignant reminder of the power of art to evoke change. By highlighting Maar’s artistic achievements and simultaneously supporting anti-trafficking efforts, Amar Singh exemplifies how art and activism can intersect to foster a more just and empathetic world. The reopening is more than just an art event; it is a clarion call to recognize and rectify past injustices, and to pave the way for a future that values both creative and social equity.
