Gallery Espace was established in New Delhi in 1989 by Renu Modi with the encouragement of M F Husain who also designed its distinctive galloping horse logo. The legendary painter was a friend of the Modis, one of India's foremost industrialists with a rich history of contribution in nation-building; in the mid-1980s, he also designed the Modi family home in New Delhi, which remains his only sculptural installation*. Spurred by her friendship with Husain, Manjit Bawa and other artists, Mrs Modi found herself drawn into the world of Indian art. And when Husain spoke of the need for professionally run galleries in the then rapidly growing Indian art market, she decided to take the plunge.
Gallery Espace opened its doors in October 1989 with a show of autobiographical works* by Husain. It was located in a small boardroom of a corporate office in New Delhi's upscale New Friends Colony market. Three decades on, it continues to occupy the same address though it is now a two tiered space with state-of-the-art lighting and display systems.