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Hussain Doshi Gufa

Hussain Doshi Gufa

Hussain Doshi Gufa / Amdavad Ni Gufa
 Image result for amdavad ni gufa ahmedabad

Amdavad ni Gufa also known as HussainDoshiniGufa. HussainDoshiGufa is an underground art gallery located in Ahmedabad that depicts the works of the famous Indian painter named M.F.Hussain. It has been designed by the famous architect B. V. Doshi. Thus, the art gallery has been named after the two eminent personalities, Hussain and Doshi. The gallery is more popularly known as AmdavadniGufa. It has been given the name Gufa, as its structural design resembles a cave. For the art lovers, HussainDoshigufa is a real feast for eyes. The HussainDoshiGufa art gallery in Ahmedabad lies in the surrounding areas of the Center for Environmental Planning and Technology. This structure has been constructed using simple hand tools and that too by unskilled workers. The art gallery has been built on the basis of computer aided designs.
 

History

 

While visiting Ahmedabad, Hussain asked his friend Doshi to design a permanent art gallery for the exhibition of his works. Together they planned an underground structure capable of withstanding the area’s serve summer heat. Computer-assisted planning facilities were used to resolve the structure’s unorthodox design. A simple floor of wire mesh and mortar was used instead of a traditional foundation. All the structure’s components are self-supporting, relieving stress by their ubiquitous continuity. Ferrocement, only one inch thick, was used for the undulating walls and domes in order to reduce load. The cave was constructed by unskilled tribal labourers using only handy tools. Broken ceramic crockery and waste tiles were used to cover the domes’ exterior, which bears a transversal mosaic of a snake. Work was carried out in two phases: the first was the construction of the main cave as an underground art gallery, while the second covered the surrounding structures including the paving, the café, and a separate art gallery for exhibitions.
 

Attractions

 

The gallery space is below ground level. A partially hidden staircase leads to a circular door which opens into a cave-like space. Though designed to display paintings, the cave has no straight walls, instead using a continuation of the curved dome structure which extends down to the floor. The domes themselves are supported by irregularly shaped inclined columns, similar to those found in natural caves. They are also said to resemble the trunks of trees. The entire design is made up of circles and ellipses. Light arrives though snouts, creating spots of light on the floor which move around as the day progresses, intended to create a mystic atmosphere.
 

Hussain used the gallery’s walls as a canvas, painting on them with bold strokes and bright colours. The artwork depicts human figures and motifs of animals, including his famous horse figures. He also decorated features such as doors and even air conditioners. The figures were designed to resemble ancient cave paintings in a modern environment. Hussain also placed a few metal sculptures of human figures between the inclining columns. His largest work, Sheshnag, stretches over a length of 100 feet.

 

Visiting Hour

Tuesday to Sunday 4:00 am to 8 pm

Every Monday Gallery will be closed
 

Address

KasturbhaiLalbhai Campus,

Opposite Gujarat University,

Navrangura,

Ahmedabad – 380009