Art News: India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024

India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024: A Grand Celebration of Art and Culture

Bengaluru: The much-awaited India Art Festival (IAF) is set to return to Bengaluru for its fourth edition, enthralling art lovers from December 19 to 22, 2024, at the Palace Ground, Kings Court. This edition promises to be the most expansive and diverse yet, bringing together an unprecedented number of participants to celebrate art.

Lalu Prasad Shaw

With over 30 galleries and contributions from 350 artists representing 30 cities across India, the art festival will showcase a wide array of artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to photography, ceramics, and installations. This year’s IAF highlights the vibrancy of India’s contemporary art scene, providing a platform to explore its latest trends and innovations.

A Feast for Art Enthusiasts

Opening on December 19, the art festival offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic diversity. Over 3,500 pieces of art, spanning oil paintings, acrylics, watercolours, installations, traditional art, and much more, will be displayed at the Kings Court, Palace Ground. The event aims to captivate both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, ensuring a comprehensive art experience for all.

India Art Festival has consistently fostered a balance between supporting emerging talents and showcasing works by established artists, creating a unique platform for artistic expression. In this edition, young and independent artists will shine alongside eminent names, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art.

Special Exhibitions and Events

Chandra Battacharya

A key highlight of this year’s India Art Festival is the curated exhibition, "Shaping Horizons: Karnataka’s Iconic Innovators," masterfully curated by Prof. K.S. Appajaiah. This remarkable showcase celebrates the pioneering works of 30 distinguished artists, including S.G. Vasudev, Gurudas Shenoy, M.S. Murthy, M.J. Kamalakshi, C. Chandrashekhar, J.S. Khanderao, V.G. Andani, Sudha Manohar, Hemavathi Umamaheswar, and others. Together, these luminaries have profoundly influenced and shaped Karnataka’s art landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the region. This exhibition is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a celebration of their visionary contributions to the world of art.

Laxman Aelay

IAF Creative Excellence Awards

The India Art Festival (IAF), a premier platform celebrating contemporary art and artists, proudly reintroduces its IAF Creative Excellence Awards in this edition. Established in 2011, these prestigious awards honor the creativity, innovation, and dedication of artists participating in the festival. Open to both independent artists and those represented by galleries, the awards recognize outstanding talent showcased across IAF editions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Each award includes a memento, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize of ₹50,000, presented to two selected artists. The winners are chosen by an independent jury comprising two esteemed figures from the art world. The awards will be ceremoniously presented during the opening ceremony of the India Art Festival on December 19, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Kings Court, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. This initiative underscores IAF's commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and celebrating the diverse talents that enrich the contemporary art scene.

Fusion Shows

Amit Bhar

Every year, the India Art Festival offers an enchanting convergence of music and visual art, blending the universally beloved medium of sound with the evocative, often intricate language of visual expression to craft an immersive sensory experience. This year, the festival elevates its cultural repertoire with captivating fusion performances and live painting sessions featuring renowned artists P. Gnana, Manjegowda, and Eby N Joseph, accompanied by exceptional musicians Subramanya Hegade (Sitar), Prasanna Ballal (Mandolin), Shrinidhi Katti (Flute), and Sandeep M (Tabla).

These dynamic collaborations will transform the festival into a vibrant cultural hub, offering audiences a harmonious interplay of art and music on December 20, 21, and 22, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. This unique synthesis promises to captivate art and music enthusiasts alike, enriching their festival experience with creativity and inspiration.

Film Screenings

The other highlight of the India Art Festival, Bengaluru, is the screening of the enlightening film, "The Eternal Canvas – 12,000 Years Journey through Indian Art." This cinematic masterpiece offers an immersive exploration of India’s rich artistic heritage, tracing its evolution from prehistoric cave paintings to the vibrant expressions of contemporary art.

Through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, the film provides a panoramic journey across millennia, celebrating the profound creativity and cultural legacy of Indian art. Visitors are invited to experience this visual odyssey on December 20, 21, and 22, with screenings scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM each day.
This feature adds a dynamic dimension to the festival, offering an educational and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Praveen Kumar

Artistic Pavilion and Global Participation

This year’s Artists’ Pavilion will feature 300 independent artists presenting their works alongside 100 established artists represented by galleries. Participating galleries include Bengaluru-based Space Edge, Sara Arakkal Galerie, and Gallery Charvi, along with prominent names from Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and beyond, including international galleries like Gnani Arts (Singapore) and Artconcept (Dubai).

Participating Art Galleries:

Bengaluru : Space Edge, Sara Arakkal Galerie, Shiny Colors Art Gallery, ReIGNITE EDTECH PVT LTD, Akanksha Art Gallery, iArt Gallery, ASR Art Studio, Gallery Charvi

Mumbai: House of Emerge, Rhythm Art, Studio Monica Ghule, Studio Pankaj Bawdekar, Nitya Artists Centre, Bouquet of Art Gallery

New Delhi & NCR: Gallery Pioneer, Pastel Tale, OPS Art Gallery, Uchaan, Artecious World Art Gallery, Aura Planet, Artehut, Merakii Art House, Eminent Art Gallery,

Gnani Arts, Singapore, Artconcept, Dubai
Artsbreeze Art Gallery, Hyderabad, Pichwaiwala Narendra Art, Udaipur, Smita Art, Kolkata
M Narayan Studio from Pune.

Event Details

• Dates: December 19 to 22, 2024
• Venue: Kings Court, Palace Ground, Gate No. 5, Bellary Road, Near Mekhri Circle, Bengaluru
• Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Tickets: Day Pass ₹299, & Season Pass ₹499 available on BookMyShow.com and at the venue

- Excerpt from press release 

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Also read,

• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Art News: MAP, Bengaluru Appoints Harish Vasudevan As Acting Director

Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, India announced the appointment of Harish Vasudevan as Acting Director on September 9th, 2024.

Reflecting on the continuing development of the museum from its roots as the first digital museum in India, and the successful opening of its building in Bengaluru in February 2023, the appointment is designed to prepare the organisation for further growth.

In over three decades of experience, Harish has held several leadership roles in multiple geographies, with companies like Ogilvy & Mather as well as IBM. He is also a published author and teacher. Over the last six months Harish has been consulting with MAP on Marketing and Operations.

Besides working with all the Heads of departments across Education, Collections, 
Conservation, Inclusion, Marketing & Communications, Design and Development, Harish 
will be further supported by Dr. Arnika Ahldag, Head of Curation and Exhibitions at MAP.

Commenting on the announcement, Abhishek Poddar, Founder and President of MAP said “As we looked at our plans for the future, we were looking for someone with the skills to develop the organisation, while also strengthening the brand. Harish has just the right combination of expertise and experience to build on the foundation that MAP has laid over the last few years.”

“The first time I entered MAP I fell in love with it. I am honoured to get a chance to lead this fabulous team as we get ready for Phase 2 of MAP’s impressive journey as India’s first new museum to open in a decade.”, says Harish Vasudevan — Acting Director, MAP.

- Excerpt from press release 

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Also read,

• Art Scene India presents Convergence
• Art News (Bangalore) - Reimagining: (Un)Reality and Space
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Art News: ‘Is Tarah Bhi’ by Amitabh Ashesh

Amitabh Ashesh unveils new conceptual foundations for painting in Bengaluru

‘Is Tarah Bhi’, a painting exhibition showcasing Amitabh Ashesh’s original work on ‘Yufism,’ will be on display at the Bangalore International Centre between 7-11 September.

An Alumnus of the IIT and Stanford University’s art department, Amitabh trained under contemporary stalwarts, including Frank Lobdell of the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

The Yufist compositional platform produces a new class of imagery where scenic, figurative and invisible elements share attributes. Windows become blocks of light, rain drops form a trail of ornamental beads and rippling sea waves are worn as a skirt.

In her curatorial note, Carmelita Brunetti writes, "Amitabh Ashesh, an Indian painter, stands out in contemporary art by introducing a sophisticated visual and ideational language. His exploration of forms reflects a profound contemplation of fundamental principles, skillfully navigating between phytomorphic and mechanomorphic elements. This duality between nature and technology finds harmonious synthesis in his works, imbued with a quality that can be described as 'yufism'."

Amitabh explains, "Yufism pilots distinctive compositional principles and constructs into painting. They provide an underpinning for aesthetics and subject themes to ride."

Regarding his thematic compositions, he elaborates, ‘In accompanying my wife, I have often found subjects. My own love for swimming, tennis, the garden and friendships across countries are another source.

Each painting is complemented with a titular poem, nucleating its meanings and letting viewers engage parallely via literary associations. Collective recollection of similar scenery in quotidian Indian life abounds. Bangalore’s famed Brigade Road, home cooking and street dogs fed by kind strangers are given a fresh perspective.

‘Funnily, the wife of a famous British painter recently wondered why I didn't paint Indian scenes. She interpreted a saree clad woman as Western because of their edgy, out the box form,’ recalls Amitabh.

“I never thought this was possible. This is totally different, unique and inspiring…It’s a new approach that has to be explored, it is truly intriguing,’ says Vanidas Mangathil, a Bangalore-based artist.

For further details about the event, visit istarah.art or contact bangaloreinternationalcentre.org

- Excerpt from press release written by Nukso Chakma

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Also read,

• Art Scene India presents Convergence
• Art News (Bangalore) - Reimagining: (Un)Reality and Space
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

An Art Exhibition with a Difference

Kala for Vidya 2024

'Kala for Vidya’, the much-awaited annual event, by the Rotary club of Bangalore is back this weekend (March 9-10th) to coincide with Women’s Day celebrations. An initiative by the Rotary club of Bangalore, it raises funds for the education of underprivileged children. It is a part of their flagship project - the Rotary Bangalore Vidhyalaya (RBV), which was set up in the year 1960, and currently has a student strength of about 540 children (pre-nursery to 10th grade), and where all of these children come from families that need financial support.

 

From the year 2005, Rotary club of Bangalore has been organizing an art exhibition cum sale called “Kala for Vidya” to raise funds in order to provide education, uniforms, food and books to the children in this school. It is commendable that the artist community has been supporting this initiative right from the beginning as well as has been an integral part of the social cause, contributing immensely to its continued success.

The curated art collection keeps accessibility in mind and provides a diverse range at various price points to allow both new collectors and seasoned investors to either initiate or consolidate their art collection. Another significant element is that several young and emerging artists who made their debut at these exhibitions in previous years have gone on to make a mark in the art world, and they have continued to support the Kala for Vidya cause.

This year’s edition celebrates the theme of “Oneness” – a much needed concept in today's world. The extensive art collection on display thus invokes a greater appreciation for the sheer diversity in artistic expression, where newer trends, voices and vocabularies are expressed. A special feature of this edition of Kala for Vidya is several contemporary expressions in a variety of materials are presented alongside traditional and classical themes and styles of painting. There are several artists from Bangalore and from across the country who are part of K4V for the first time, and have presented their recent drawings, paintings, mixed media and graphic works, and sculptures at the exhibition.

Rtn. Nalini Nanjundayya, President, Rotary Club of Bangalore elaborates, “This year, we embrace the theme "Oneness of Spirit - Oneness of Thought - Oneness of Action towards the Oneness of ALL." Excitingly, we are set to auction and sell artworks at affordable rates, generously provided by established and emerging artists. The proceeds will contribute to the noble cause of providing education to those in need. Each artist has created a special piece of art for this. Something never seen before. Education is a personal passion of mine, driven by its transformative power and its ability to change lives.”

This edition focuses largely on figuration and representation of human and animal figures, elements from nature, and depiction of life from rural and urban situations. Myths, folklore and divinity are some of the themes that have been explored by several artists in overt and in metaphorical ways. However, some of the artists have adopted a minimalistic approach using material to create texture and form. 

Well-known artists such as Ankon Mitra, Mukesh Sharma, Sachin Tekade, Shivani Aggarwal, Nandesha Shantiprakash, Raghu Kondur, Gyanesh Mishra among others are participating for the first time.

Ankon is known for his large-scale sculptural installations but has specially created an exquisite hand folded set of butterflies in metal, while Mukesh presents contemporary paintings with influences from RajasthanI miniature paintings, frescos, and block printing of Sanganer. Sachin transforms the textural qualities of paper in a sculptural form, Gopinath S. presents an ethereal and delicate porcelain sculpture, Manisha Gopinath explores the beauty of birds, trees and marine forms in ceramic and offers a piece that reflects this. Suresh K. is fascinated with how building layers with paper can alter the effects of light and shadows and combines with watercolour to narrate a story.

G. Subramanian, Jasu Rawal, Gurudas Shenoy, Chandranath Acharya, M.G.Doddamani, Shan Re, Basuki Dasgupta, Venugopal V.G., Bhavani GS, Pradeep Kumar DM have been associated with K4V for a long time and have created new works for the exhibition, while senior artists SG Vasudev, CS Krishana Setty, AM Prakash, Ravikumar Kashi and others are also part of the exhibition. 

 

Colour, form and textures create an abundance of delightful compositions in this K4V collection, and there is something for everyone. The QR code below when scanned allows you to download the catalog.

In addition, there is special emphasis on engaging audiences through use of technology – QR Codes to know more about the artwork, videos that offer a glimpse into the creative process, art therapy as a tool and other innovative ways to engage the viewer and collector.

The 17th edition, curated by Nalini Malaviya, will be held on 9th-10th March at Hotel Conrad, Bangalore.

For Enquiries, WhatsApp +91 6361 630 739

Move the cursor over the image to read the artist's name

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Also read,

• Art Scene India presents Convergence
• Art News (Bangalore) - Reimagining: (Un)Reality and Space
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

 

(Un)Contained a solo exhibition of paintings by Smita Verma

Curatorial Note

‘(Un)Contained’ is an extension of artist Smita Verma’s previous body of work, a nostalgic memoir of her childhood and home in Rajasthan, viewed through a lens of longing and wistfulness. The built environment and the sky, symbolic of hope and infinite possibilities amidst the urban landscape, continues to form the core of her visual schema. Smita navigates the numerous characteristics, complexities and dichotomies of a city as an organic, living entity that expands its physical boundaries over time, and is perceived as a land of dreams and opportunities. Despite being mired in conflicts and anxieties, the city appears as a mirage, a utopian dream, for many.

Long Haul by Smita Verma

Smita attempts to reconcile memories of her childhood with the currency of her life in Bangalore, situating it against a city, with a rapidly evolving landscape. She finds solace in watching the infinite stretch of the sky, an expanse of azure blue shared with loved ones back in Rajasthan, her childhood home - a connect that keeps her centred. Thus, the sky in its varying colours, from a pale cerulean on a clear summer day, a fiery crimson and a golden hue with the setting sun, to an inky black bathed in moonshine, forms the backdrop for each of her work.

 

The meticulously arranged buildings on her canvas belie the chaos that typifies urban planning and life. The comingling of varied styles of painting on a single surface creates a distinct visual vocabulary, a fusion of tradition with contemporaneity. Having learnt Kangra painting from a noted traditional artist, Smita incorporates elements from miniature style of painting in the detailing of the foliage, the clouds, the skyline, and in the blocks of buildings. She also opts for a two-dimensional perspective, at times, which references Indian miniature painting style. In most of the paintings, naturalistic rendering is interspersed with miniature elements and motifs to represent the inherent complexities and the dichotomy of a city’s charm and appeal.

Panorama by Smita Verma

The sharply delineated buildings, stylised at times, but disrupting the horizon in a marked manner, intensify the contrast between the blended hues of the sky and the foliage, acting as a metaphor for the conflicts, challenges and the joy and fulfilment contained within the confines of a city. Several such paradoxes are amplified in the juxtaposition of pictorial elements. Glittering windows in the tall skyscrapers, vestiges of floral blooms and trees around the concrete structures, and the sky in its glorious splendour, recreate an illusion of calm and bliss.

The absence of human figures alludes to the sense of isolation that pervades despite the bustling nature of the city. The silence and stillness is palpable, a moment in time as if suspended unnaturally between the past and future. Winding roads, flyovers, playgrounds and fields, and walkways are lined with foliage and an abundance of concrete structures. Relics of histories appear in the form of old buildings and monuments that are resplendent yet dilapidated; fallen flowers cover a derelict car as an ode to the numerous blossoms that once lined Bangalore roads, lush green foliage adorn the top of the buildings offers a satirical view of the concrete jungle that has now replaced the natural cover. Notions of conflict between man and nature, and the irony of progress amidst ecological deterioration through urban landscapes present the decay in its sartorial beauty.

 
Nalini S Malaviya
Curator

(Un)Contained is on view at Lalit Kala Akademi, gallery no. 3, New Delhi, till 23rd Jan, 2024

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Also read,

• Art Scene India presents Convergence
• Art News (Bangalore) - Reimagining: (Un)Reality and Space
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art