Shalini Passi on bringing a Salvador Dalí Sculpture to India

It’s not every day that India gets to see iconic artists’ work making rounds in the country. The last time I’d seen something truly spectacular was earlier this year when NMACC brought Andy Warhol’s 45 Marilyns to Mumbai. And that too was quick to leave the city, a temporary feature in the POP: Love, Fame, Power at the Cultural Centre’s Art House.

But, as luck would have it, November 23 this year came with something big, bronze, bold, and breathtaking: Salvador Dalí’s The Cosmic Rhinoceros, a 13 foot sculpture gracing the halls of…a shopping mall?

I’ll admit initially I felt it a strange place for a piece of art. Instead of buying an entry ticket to a prestigious gallery, or paying a visit with your class of fellow art students, you will be thick in the middle of retail therapy when you catch this rhinoceros staring. But, the more you mull over it, the more it begins to make sense.

Shopping malls, parks, public promenades, these are the spaces that see the most diverse groups of people. In a city that usually divides its locales with concrete or car doors, placing this iconic sculpture in a space so public and accessible is quite the statement. At this mall, any passerby has the opportunity to fall in love with 20th century surrealism, previously reserved only for the elite.

The opening exhibit turned into a wonderful cause for celebration with Gayatri Ruia, director of Phoenix Palledium,  alongside distinguished guests from the art world. Among them was art collector, philanthropist, and recent reality TV heartthrob, Shalini Passi, who served as the esteemed chief guest for the occasion.

As the founder of MASH & SPAF, two organisations committed to generating accessible, engaging dialogue about art in India. At MASH in particular, she aims to highlight the interdisciplinary approach to art, a fitting ethos for The Cosmic Rhinoceros which already lies at the intersection of art, mathematics, and science.

Salvador Dalí’s The Cosmic Rhinoceros is such a striking choice for Phoenix Palladium’s collection. What drew you to this particular piece, and how does it resonates with Mumbai’s evolving artistic landscape?

SP: Significant artwork like The Cosmic Rhinoceros, displayed in a commercial space such as the Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai, will have a great impact. There will be a whole dialogue around this piece and around Dalí’s work. Also, it is fantastic how Gayatri, a very dear friend, has placed important works across public spaces. I am very delighted about that.

Dalí’s work is famously steeped in surrealism and cosmic symbolism. Do you have a personal affinity for surrealist art? If so, what elements of the movement speak to you the most?

SP: Dalí’s vision was extraordinary. He was able to translate it into both painting and sculpture in a truly phenomenal way. I’m particularly fascinated by his works — the elements in his work are drawn from nature, yet they also exist in a dreamlike state, as if someone’s dream has come to life.

Public spaces like malls are increasingly becoming platforms for art. As someone deeply immersed in the art world, how do you view the role of such installations in democratising access to fine art?

SP: The impact of an artwork being placed in a community obviously is inspirational to the younger generation, nostalgic for some, and all artwork is open to interpretation. So there will be a lot of dialogue around this piece because it is a very powerful work of art. When I was at the mall, there was a lot of enthusiasm for people to see the work. There was a lot of excitement around it. Beyond the enthusiasm and excitement, the work also carries a lot of weight. It is a very important work, like I had said before.

Dalí’s fascination with the geometric spirals of the rhinoceros horn is a brilliant interplay of science and art. How important do you think it is for contemporary art to engage with interdisciplinary themes?

SP: Interdisciplinary themes are vital for contemporary art as they reflect the interconnected nature of our world. Dalí’s work demonstrates how art can transcend traditional boundaries, sparking curiosity and dialogue across fields like mathematics, biology, and philosophy. Today, artists must continue this exploration to remain relevant and thought-provoking.

Beyond The Cosmic Rhinoceros, do you have a favourite Salvador Dalí piece or memory tied to his art?

SP: One of my favourite Dalí pieces is The Persistence of Memory. Its haunting depiction of time resonates deeply with me. I’m also fascinated by how Dalí’s works challenge perception and blur the line between reality and imagination — something I strive to explore through MASH.

How do you think art appreciation in India, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, has evolved over the past decade?

SP: Art appreciation in India has grown immensely, especially in cities like Mumbai. There’s a greater curiosity for diverse mediums, global influences, and experimental work. Platforms like art fairs, galleries, and social media have democratized access, encouraging dialogue and participation from a wider audience.

As a collector and connoisseur, what type of art speaks to you on a personal level? Are there any contemporary artists whose work you find particularly inspiring?

SP: I’m deeply drawn to art that pushes boundaries — whether through unconventional materials, bold narratives, or interdisciplinary approaches. Among contemporary artists, I admire Anish Kapoor and Bharti Kher for their innovative practices and ability to provoke thought and emotion.

Through MASH & SPAF, you’ve championed both emerging and established artists. How does this role influence the way you approach projects like this one?

SP: Supporting artists has taught me the importance of collaboration and storytelling. Each project is an opportunity to highlight unique perspectives while creating meaningful connections between art and its audience. It’s a privilege to facilitate this dialogue and make art more accessible.

How do you see art influencing everyday life, particularly in a city as fast-paced and chaotic as Mumbai? How would you hope art like this can impact working people’s lives?

SP: Art has the power to pause the chaos, offering moments of reflection and inspiration. In a city like Mumbai, public art can serve as a sanctuary, sparking creativity and fostering a sense of community. I hope works like The Cosmic Rhinoceros inspire curiosity and bring joy to people’s daily lives.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their journey in art collection and curation, especially in the Indian context?

SP: Begin by educating yourself — visit galleries, attend art fairs, and engage with artists. Trust your instincts while remaining open to learning. In the Indian context, explore both traditional and contemporary art forms to discover what resonates with you personally. Most importantly, build relationships within the art community to deepen your understanding and appreciation.