The incident in Paris was an act of protest and we’ve never faced that at the gallery, but we do have basic policies in place to ensure that art is safeguarded. We speak to viewers as they enter, especially if it’s an interactive exhibit where people are meant to touch the artwork or if the pieces are very delicate. Additionally, people with large backpacks can keep it at the reception before they walk around. In transporting the artwork, we ensure all packaging is waterproof, and artworks are protected within crates. We have professional packers and shifters, and a trained team of art-handlers onboard.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.81%

AAP 42.19%

INC 25.00%

Submit

View All In Poll

Dr Arshiya Lokhandwala, curator, art historian and gallerist, Lakeeren Gallery

While hanging works in a gallery, one has to be prepared for anything precarious — pieces getting stolen or vandalised are possibilities. The Mona Lisa has a protective glass covering, which is a way of being prepared and taking precautions. Additionally, one can have  attendants to ensure that viewers don’t touch the work, maintain distance, and children are supervised.

Dadiba Pundole, owner, Pundole Art Gallery

One can take all the precautions that are possible but even beyond that, accidents can happen. Besides surveillance, you can have physical monitoring to some extent. Everyone knows there’s a protective glass around the Mona Lisa, so the act was aimed at drawing attention. What can you do to foresee and prevent something like that?

Atyaan Jungalwala, co-founder, Chemould/Shift

We put down masking tape on the floor so people are aware that they cannot go beyond a boundary, the artworks are insured and framed in museum glass, and ‘do not touch signs are placed near the display, especially if they are fragile and pique curiosity in a way that  people want to touch it.

Sanjana Shah, gallerist and curator, Tao Art Gallery

The protocol depends on the exhibition we’re showcasing. If it’s an exhibition of a senior artist or a master, we hold invite-only private previews so every viewer is accounted for. For public viewing, staff is positioned around the gallery to monitor. Moreover, paintings are framed with glass, and a barricade is placed around sculptures. But if anything does get damaged, there are ways to restore the work to an extent; this is the last resort. And finally, all the artworks in the gallery’s collection and our master collections are insured.