Trias Gallery started in 1998 as a partnership between Indira Roy Choudhury and Doris Gillick. The name ‘Trias’ is derived from the Greek number for three, represents the relationship between the artist, the dealer, and the collector. Indira holds an Honours Art & Art History Degree from the University of Toronto (1991) and an Education Degree from Queen’s University (1994). She continues to be the owner and director of the gallery. In 2006, Doris retired, moving away from Toronto but remains supportive of the gallery and the two stay in contact.
The gallery was situated in the old textile factory known as the ‘Art at 80’ building at the corner of King and Spadina in Toronto. Beyond staging successful exhibitions at the gallery space, Trias Gallery was featured at the Toronto International Art Fair / Art Toronto for 8 years. Many may also remember the Art presentations that would appear on the movie screens of the old Cumberland Theatre in Yorkville that ran through Trias for 5 years. The work by the gallery artists also featured prominently in the first X-Men movie featuring Professor Xavier’s School, filmed in Toronto’s Casa Loma. Through the generosity of its artists, artwork was donated to many charities and fundraisers, including: St. Joseph’s Hospital, The 519, Children’s Aid Foundation and the Varley Gallery in Unionville.
Indira has continued the work of the gallery and developed a reputation for professionalism, trust, and integrity. The gallery mirrors these ideals with its membership with the Art Dealers Association of Canada. This is important to Indira as membership requires adherence to a strict code of conduct which holds her reputation in high esteem while protecting the rights of the artists. Never an advocate of the hard-sell, Indira excels at pinpointing her clients’ need and sourcing for them the right piece. Clients also have the option to take art work on approval to consider in their home or office space with the added option of free delivery in the GTA and no obligation to purchase. Indira prides herself on making her gallery a welcoming place where the journey of finding the ‘right’ piece should be as enjoyable as finally making the acquisition. She strongly feels that art is for everybody. Walking into a gallery doesn’t have to result in buying – the exploration, the discovery, that’s the important first step in enjoying art.
The gallery moved to its present stunning waterfront location in Bronte Harbour Village in 2013. The spirit of philanthropy continues in Oakville with art donations to assist the Oakville Hospital Foundation, The Lions Foundation, The Darling Home and many others. From bronze and Inuit carving to contemporary and traditional paintings, Trias Gallery has a wide range of original work available.