"It looks like it should be here, it looks at home."
Atul Kochhar’s Kanishka restaurant has turned into an art exhibition.
Sixteen portraits by contemporary artist Zara Muse are now on display at the Mayfair restaurant, which is just around the corner from Regent Street.
Inaugurated on March 7, 2024, the exhibition will be on display for three months and pays homage to International Women’s Month.
Zara, who was at the launch event, said:
“I only paint women, because women are amazing, we are amazing! You can see beauty in any woman.”
Zara’s subjects span a rich array. She painted two portraits for Chinese New Year that went on display in the lobby of a London hotel shortly after.
But this is the first time exhibiting her work in a restaurant.
She admitted: “I was very nervous because I didn’t know how it was going to be. But it does look really good.
“It looks like it should be here, it looks at home.”
Prior to the collaboration, Zara had Kanishka scouted thoroughly to make sure her portraits would fit the wall panels.
Atul Kochhar also attended the event.
The twice Michelin-starred chef recalled meeting Zara through a common friend and loving her work.
In his 30-year culinary career, the art collaboration is a first.
He said: “I love visiting art galleries and seeing the artworks.
“There is a beautiful one next door, and I’m often there. But this is quite unique, I absolutely love it.
“I think whether you’re a painter, a musician or a chef, you need artistic skills and consciousness.”
“For me, the plate is my canvas. I work with the flavours, the colours and the textures, and Zara does the same thing.”
At the launch, guests could enjoy some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including masala hummus, vegetable samosas and poppadoms accompanied by a selection of chutneys.
Atul Kochhar is a pioneer of Indian fine dining in the UK.
The grandson of a baker from India, Atul gave up a career in medicine to pursue his dream of becoming a chef.
His dishes are inspired by India’s rich culinary tradition but have an unexpected twist.
Atul received Michelin stars in 2001 and 2007.
The art and food collaboration was made possible by a partnership between Kanishka and Grove Gallery, an art gallery based in Fitzrovia that houses Zara Muse’s work alongside artists like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Banksy.
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