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 draws you to this particular piece, and how does it fit into Mumbai’s art landscape?

SP: I think an artwork as significant as The Cosmic Rhinoceros, especially displayed in such a commercial space will have a great impact. There will be a whole dialogue sparked around this piece and around Dalí’s work in general too. It’s a wonderful way to get people talking.

Dalí’s work is famously steeped in surrealism and cosmic symbolism. Do you have a personal affinity for surrealist art?

SP: Absolutely! Dalí’s vision was extraordinary. I’m particularly fascinated by how the elements in his work are drawn from nature, yet they also exist in a dreamlike state, As though someone’s dream has come to life. It’s just phenomenal

Public spaces are increasingly becoming platforms for art. 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, like I said, there will be a lot of conversation around this piece because it is a very powerful work of art and having it in such an accessible place gives it so much more scope for viewership than if it was at a gallery.

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.

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.

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 and foster a sense of community. I hope works like The Cosmic Rhinoceros inspire curiosity and bring a small 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.

Visit Phoenix Palladium’s website for more information.