Meet Nitesh Shetty: Ritz Carlton Hotel, Bangaluru Thanksgiving Day Nov. 23, 2023

Nov. 23, 2023 - Thanksgiving Day - in Bangaluru

Entering the Ritz Carlton in Bangaluru, a life-sized bronze Picasso should clue the guests that this is not ordinary hotel. In fact, Walking through the halls of the Ritz Carlton is walking in an art gallery; Exquisite paintings by famous artists from many parts of the world are on view here.

A lifesize bronze sculpture of a bored Pablo Picasso by Robert st. Croix (sculpted in 2003) greets visitors outdoors, at the entrance to the hotel. He is sitting on a rocking chair, arms folded, looking totally unamused. Robert St. Croix is an American sculptor based out of Florida. This sculpture is part of a series entitled "Homage to the Masters" and inspired by their work - as can be seen in these pictures below: Picasso sitting in his favorite chair, and two of his many paintings of women in this rocking chair.

The Art and Soul Gallery in Mumbai has curated this collection for the Ritz, as part of its public works of decorating hotels and airports around India. Its website tells us that the Ritz Carlton has 1250 art pieces by major Indian artists and some internationally renowned artists. Sculptures and paintings are scattered on every floor and the hotel's staff offer a 45-minute guided tour of the artwork.

The hotel is also famous for its motif of latticework that can be seen on various wooden panels in the rooms and in the public spaces. You see it on the window blinds and carved in room partitions; designs on the elevator doors echo the same, as do the drinking glasses in the bathroom.

The hotel is owned by Nitesh and his name is on the side of each painting. A quick googling revealed him to be Nitesh Shetty, a young entrepreneur who has various investments in multiple ventures, including “Nitesh Land” - the real estate side of his company. He is a former tennis and cricket player. He is a 42 year-old billionaire with great art advisors.

Canvas by Satish Gupta

Comments

Meet Pallavi Singh: Nov. 29, 2023

November 29, 2023 - A Cultural Evening with Pallavi’s Students at the Kathika Cultural Center Meet Pallavi Singh : If you are an expat in Delhi, one of your first survival tasks is to pick up a little bit of Hindi, at least “rickshaw Hindi”. A very Humbling experience. Even just “rickshaw” Hindi. I first met Pallavi when I attempted learning Hindi in group classes offered to teachers and community members at the American Embassy School. She quickly became my cultural interpreter for all things India: the Caste system; arranged marriages vs. love marriages; the life of a Delhiite. She served as my guide to local Delhi cafes and favorite hangouts, including the original India Coffee House and traditional snack places around Connaught Square, some that predate India’s independence. She accompanied my visiting family members on shopping expeditions in Chandni Chowk, INA market, and other daunting local favorites, helping with the necessary hagglin...

It all started with the Birds of Aravalli

The elephant and the cattle egret are said to have a symbiotic relationship, and are often seen together, lounging in the fields, like a pair of mismatched old ladies. The egret sits atop the elephant, feeding on its lice and ticks, and thereby ridding it of unwelcome parasites. Additionally, the egret gets a free safe ride and perch, especially in areas where trees are scarce; and, as if in gratitude, it warns of predators with its loud scream. Rupa Samaria and the birds of India have a similar mutualistic relationship, benefiting and enriching each other’s lives and survival. Rupa’s creativity and curiosity feeds upon the various birds in the many different regions of India; their stories, their colors, their survival needs inspiring her as an artist and painter; and in return, Rupa has become a he...

Meet Bar Levy

Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day - a.m. at ACSA, New Delhi Meet Bar . She is a yoga instructor from Israel who teaches at the American Embassy Club (ACSA) in Delhi. She is all about peace during these unsettling times when our part of the world is burning and reeling with attacks, kidnappings, revenge killing, air strikes, and hate rhetoric - when many of us are united by our common concern for our families living in the Middle East, and by the loss of lives. Bar opens each yoga session with reflections that she reads out loud to her class. They are centering thoughts of mindfulness, peace, and wholeness. They sound like poetry. A balm to the soul. Today, as it is Thanksgiving Day, the focus is on gratitude. Bar opens with: “Focus on what you have and not on what you want” (or even need). Focus on what you have and not on what you want. What a great motto for a class, and what a great value to instill in young people. And not just young people, but adults of all ages....

Bytes from India by Randa Breuer

Followers

Search This Blog