Series: Transforming Corporate Spaces
Art holds the power to transform spaces, infusing them with inspiration, creativity, and a distinct identity. As art advisors, we had the privilege of collaborating with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for the art curation of their new corporate office in Mumbai. Our mission was not only to enhance the visual appeal of the space but also to create an environment that reflects BCG’s ethos while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mumbai and showcasing the talent of Indian artists. In this post, we’ll delve into the details of our journey—from the initial conceptualization to the final installation—and explore the significance of each artwork in shaping BCG’s office environment.
Understanding BCG’s Vision
Our journey began with understanding BCG’s vision, aspirations, and the essence they aimed to convey through art in their new office space. Through extensive discussions, we discovered that BCG sought to celebrate its global heritage while paying homage to Mumbai’s vibrant culture. Inspired by founder Bruce Henderson’s philosophy of leveraging a “place to stand” to impact people, business, and the planet, BCG envisioned the art collection as a reflection of its core values—innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
BCG’s Theme for the Art
The overarching theme for the art at BCG’s Mumbai office was rooted in the concept of a “placetostand.” This theme emphasized BCG’s ability to create an impact on a global scale while acknowledging the influence of the world, India, and diverse ecosystems on the organization. The art collection aimed to capture the deeply interdependent and synergistic relationship between BCG, its global network, and the broader community.
The theme was further divided into three key components:
“One BCG”: A celebration of BCG’s global heritage and legacy, highlighting the organization’s unity across diverse cultures and geographies.
Mumbai: A tribute to the dynamic and culturally rich city where the office is located, capturing its vibrant spirit, diversity, and resilience.
Platform for Emerging Indian Artists: A showcase of young Indian talent, aged 25-35, whose works reflect contemporary themes such as urbanization, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
Identifying Artists
With the theme in mind, we embarked on the task of identifying artists whose works aligned with BCG’s vision. Our selection process focused on finding artists who could capture the essence of “One BCG,” Mumbai’s spirit, and contemporary Indian themes.
We sought out artists who demonstrated innovation rooted in tradition, a deep appreciation for sustainability, and a connection to Mumbai’s cultural fabric. Throughout, we remained mindful of our social impact, striving to empower artists who greatly benefited from our support.
Manmeet Bassi
Commissioning Artworks
Once the artists were identified, we collaborated closely with them to commission artworks that resonated with BCG’s theme and values. Each artwork was carefully crafted to convey a specific aspect of the overarching theme, whether it was celebrating BCG’s global network, paying homage to Mumbai’s heritage, or addressing contemporary issues such as sustainability and inclusivity.
The commissioned artworks included a diverse range of mediums and styles, from traditional Madhubani murals and modern interpretations of Gond art to contemporary installations crafted from recycled materials. Each piece was thoughtfully integrated into the office space, creating a cohesive and visually engaging environment.
Collaboration
In our commitment to excellence in advisory art projects, we prioritize delivering exceptional value to our clients in both selection and pricing. Acknowledging the vital role of collaboration in achieving this aim, we partnered with socially responsible enterprises such as Aravani, fostering empowerment through art, and Then and Now, dedicated to promoting traditional art for some of the spaces.
Additionally, we engaged with other galleries and specialists as required. Our central objective was to curate an outstanding visual experience by uniting the finest emerging artists and organizations.
Furthermore, we sought to cultivate a culture of collaboration within the organization. The photo wall initiative stands as a testament to this ethos, featuring photographs captured by BCG employees, showcasing their best images of India. This initiative was crafted to underscore the power of collaboration and instill a sense of ownership in the overall art project.
A Visual Journey Through BCG’s Artistic Tapestry
As visitors navigate through BCG’s Mumbai office, they are treated to a visual journey
that celebrates the organization’s values and the spirit of the city. The art collection
serves as a vibrant tapestry, weaving together diverse themes, styles, and perspectives.
In the public areas of the office, visitors are greeted by striking murals that celebrate Mumbai’s cultural heritage, communicate the importance of sustainability and at every point showcases the talent of emerging Indian artists. Traditional art forms such as Madhubani and Gond art are reimagined in a contemporary context, offering a fresh perspective on India’s rich artistic heritage.
on the mural
One of the standout features is the “Interwoven” by Parul Sharma, the artwork which visually represents BCG’s global network through an intricately created world map. The artwork symbolizes collaboration, diversity, and connectivity—the core values of the organization. It offers a creative and refreshing take on the typically mundane world map, infusing it with vibrancy and relevance.
Special recognition goes to Savitha for her remarkable work on “Tales of Distant Dwellings.” Conquering a massive 19 x 18-foot floating wall with cyanotype was no small feat. Adorned with gold and silver foil, her creation beautifully captures Mumbai’s architectural heritage, inviting viewers on a journey through time and space.
In addition to celebrating BCG’s global network, the art collection also highlights the importance of sustainability and inclusivity. Installations crafted from recycled materials and collaborative projects with community organizations such as the Aravani Art Project underscore BCG’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Cabins
While our primary focus was on the public areas, we also meticulously curated artworks for the 55-60 partner cabins, each requiring a single piece. Many of these artworks serve as backgrounds during zoom calls. We aimed for uniformity and neutrality to cater to the diverse tastes of the partners. Choices included abstracts, architectural pieces, and city visuals, ensuring a harmonious blend.
Reflecting on the Journey
As we reflect on our journey with BCG, we are proud of the transformative impact that art has had on the space. The art collection not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the environment but also fosters a sense of pride, inspiration, and belonging among employees and visitors alike.
Through careful curation and thoughtful selection, we have created an environment that embodies BCG’s values and celebrates the unique identity of Mumbai. Each artwork tells a story, sparking dialogue, reflection, and connection—a testament to the power of art to inspire change and transformation.
As the role of art in the workplace continues to evolve, we remain committed to creating environments that inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and reflect the values of the organizations we serve.