India Art Summit

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

Last week, I was in New Delhi to attend the second edition of the India Art Summit 2009 being held at Pragati Maidan. The VIP and media preview organised on the 19th, from 3:00 PM in the afternoon saw the who’s who from the art community get together for this much awaited event. A Sculpture Park created right at the entrance greeted visitors with its large scale sculptural installations by artists such as Navjot Altaf, G. R. Iranna, Vibha Galhotra and Ravinder Reddy
amongst others. Beginning from the foyer, installations by some of the best known names in the art business were placed strategically at various locations throughout the exhibit area. These were specially created for the summit as part of the Purple Wall Project curated by Gayatri Sinha. Installations by Subodh Gupta, Nataraj Sharma, Riyas Komu, Manjunath Kamath, T. V. Santosh and Subba Ghosh were some of the exhibits that were on display.


Out of the 54 galleries participating in this year’s fair, 17 were from abroad. Lisson Gallery, London, Arario Gallery, China, Beck & Eggeling, Germany, Galerie Christian Hosp, Germany were some of the major overseas galleries. Incidentally, galleries Sumukha and Ske were the only two from Bangalore who participated in the fair. The highlight of the exhibits had to be the sculptural forms and paintings by the Mumbai born artist Anish Kapoor, who is based in London, and whose works were brought to India by Lisson Gallery. In fact, this is the very first time that his works have ever been showcased in the country of his birth.


There was so much art all around that it would be impossible to go into details of all the exhibits, but to give an idea, the variety ranged from Souza and Raza at the Delhi Art Gallery stall, drawings and etchings by Picasso at Beck & Eggeling, a large triptych by Jitish Kallat at Arario and Thukral & Tagra at Nature Morte. Apart from these names there were numerous other artists who shared space in the gallery stalls. Unfortunately, some of the larger works were displayed in such a way that there was no viewing space in front of it, which was such a pity!
There was also a video lounge and a Speaker’s Forum that included eminent personalities from the field of art, both from India and abroad.

The four day modern and contemporary art fair provided an excellent opportunity to view art by some of the best known artists from India, as well as emerging artists - all under one roof. Compared to last year, the fair this time was not only bigger in terms of scale, but the quality was also better in terms of the galleries participating in it, and the artists that were represented. Obviously, not all the exhibits can be categorized as exceptional art, but overall it was quite good and definitely an event worth visiting.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Price Wise

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

Last week, I wrote about how the recession gloom appears to be lifting, and as a subsequent result the art market also appears to be looking up. This does seem to be happening, but, what is surprising is that there are a few artists and galleries who have marked up the prices of their art significantly. Apparently, this is in response to the better than average auction results posted about a month ago.

In my opinion, this is the wrong time to raise prices. Auction reports cannot be directly correlated or extrapolated to justify a raise in price in the primary market, as well. While, it is true that some of the auctions did perform well, it helps to remember that the works that went under the hammer were also of good quality, and, in fact, there were some exceptional pieces as well. As a result, these went for a good price. To expect the same response for all gallery works could be optimistic.

When the general feeling is that the market is looking up, it implies that the art scenario is more ‘happening’ than before. It means that there are more events taking place, footfalls have increased in galleries and shows, and sales have begun to pick up. But, prices should remain competitive.

To go back in time, and think about the art bubble where art prices spiked sky high in a short period of time, most people knew that this trend would not be sustained for long. And, as predicted the bubble did burst and prices crashed significantly. It is unlikely that a similar situation will occur again. Prices are unlikely to shoot up drastically in a short span of time. The biggest advantage today is that the buyer is much more aware. He understands art, quality, artists, price curves and market trends. Especially, the ones who either lost money or got stuck with art that they could not resell, are wiser now. Such buyers will not buy a painting for Rs 5 lakhs when they know that the market price is around Rs 3 lakhs. They will also not buy a painting if it is of poor quality.

So, even if the market appears to be picking up now, the trend could see some ups and downs before stabilization happens. In such a scenario it would be better to go easy on the price front.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Art for arts’ sake - The Big Picture

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

The Big Picture is a concerted effort that brings together 57 artists for a fund raising event in Bangalore. Organized by the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) the art exhibition presents a wide range of paintings, mixed media works and photographs by young and upcoming, and a few senior artists as well.
According to Arundhati Ghosh, the Deputy Director of IFA, “the idea of organizing an art show as a fund raiser germinated last year and then Abhishek Poddar offered to curate it.” This happens to be the Foundation’s first art exhibition. In fact, in a tremendous show of solidarity, the artists have come forward to donate, in full or in part, the sale proceeds of their works for IFA. Incidentally, IFA is an organization that provides grants for art and culture activities and has been supporting independent research and teaching institutions, cultural and development organizations, musicians, visual artists and filmmakers amongst a host of other professionals in related fields.


For this particular event, well known artists such as Gulammohammed Sheikh, N S Harsha, Jayashree Chakravarty and Mithu Sen, and photographers such as Raghu Rai, Shahid Datawala, and Navroze Contractor are just a few names that comprise the vast list. All the works have been priced under Rs 5 lakhs. The online catalogue offers a promising line-up of works with a significant section devoted to prints.
While, many of the artists may not be a familiar sight on the Bangalore art scene, they have been exhibiting elsewhere. “These are outstanding works by some of our most talented artists and very well priced too keeping in mind the economic situation,” writes Abhishek Poddar in his curatorial note.
The exhibition although happening in Bangalore is also being showcased online and as Arundhati describes it, “It is a national show with a local physical presence.” Here’s hoping that art connoisseurs come forward to support art for arts’ sake.

(The Big Picture will be held between April 5 - 8, 2009, at WelcomArt Gallery, ITC Windsor and from April 10 - 15, 2009, (Sunday closed) at Gallery Sumukha, 24/10, BTS Depot Road, Wilson Garden, Bangalore).
(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

So much to see

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

A Sculptural Lineage
A sculpture show by Chennai based artist V.R Raviram previewed last week and presents his recent series titled A Sculptural Lineage. A majority of his works resonate with folk art elements and traces of Cholamandal style. The sculptures appear to be heavily influenced by renowned sculptors P.V.Janikiram (his uncle) and also S Nandagopal, but probably this has more to do with the Cholamandal aesthetics that experimented with frontal sculpture and elaborate embellishment on the metal surface.

Traditional motifs, mythological figures, animals and birds form the themes in copper. There is a small set of works that are radically different from the conventional decorative mode and are meant to be more contemporary. A simple and minimal approach has been adopted here. It could not have been easy for Raviram to break away completely from his old style that he has perfected over the years. One looks forward to his new works and see how he balances the two diametrical opposite styles and sensibilities.

(The exhibition continues till March 25 at Gallery Mementos, Bangalore – 1)

Myth and movement
The other exhibition Myth and movement is a thematic show that exhibits the recent works of four artists Seema Kohli, Ramesh Gorjala, Atul Talukdar and Dimpy Menon and explores “ideas of myths and cosmic energies and movements of forms in space”.
Seema, a self taught artist indulges in a quest for the spiritual and self. Her elaborately executed canvasses are rich in details with every inch of the canvas covered meticulously. Repeated patterns and motifs add an element of design while gold leaf embellishment gives it an exotic look. Ramesh presents traditional myths and folk arts with a contemporary touch. Kalamkari motifs form the backdrop in most of his works.

Dimpy’s sculptures are minimalistic in their approach, and lyrical and graceful in their form with emphasis on the finished surface. Atul, an artist from Bangladesh also presents bronze sculptures of human figures such as musicians and dancers. There is a distinct earthy appeal to his works.

(The exhibition continues till March 31 at Mahua Art Gallery, Bangalore – 80.)

For a good cause
Incidentally, another art exhibition A Wonderful World, a benefit for the New Delhi-based NGO Four Steps (a research, training and rehabilitation centre for Children with special needs) will be held in Bangalore. Works by artists such as Jamil Naqsh, Amiya Bhattacharjee, Kamar Alam and Seema Kohli amongst others will be part of the show to be held between March 18th - 20th, 2009 at Olive Beach.

Published in Bangalore Mirror

Essence of art

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

Crimson Art Resource organized an exhibition of drawings and paintings titled ‘A tribute to Adimoolam’ a year after he passed away. The display comprising of twenty works sourced from a few art collectors (and from the gallery) presented a small but personal collection which gave insights into some of his early works as well. According to Naozar Daruwalla, the gallery owner, the intention of the show was to present an intimate compilation rather than aim at a large but scattered one. One of the sketches, a life study was done in the 1960s when Adimoolam himself was a student. The drawings were mainly of musicians, horses and still life. The few oil paintings that were on display were landscapes done in his characteristic impressionist style – broad brushstrokes that create a soothing ambience. Adimoolam was known as much for his drawings as for his abstract naturescapes. The exhibition has officially ended, but viewers may still be able to see the works at the gallery in The Hatworks Boulevard.

The other exhibition that previewed a few days ago at Gallery Mementos features drawings by 38 artists from across the country. Curated by Giridhar Khasnis, the show ‘The root of everything’ presents a good cross-section of artists across different generations and varying styles. From artists such as Paritosh Sen, Ganesh Pyne, Jogen Choudhury, Shuvaprasanna, Vivan Sundaram, Ravi Kumar Kashi, Suchender amongst others, there is a wide range of creativity on exhibit. In most of the drawings the artists have followed a similar style and theme as they do in their paintings. The exhibition presents drawing as the essence of all arts, and one finds a wonderful spectrum of interpretations by the various artists – portrait sketches, animal forms and other equally mesmerizing compositions that are rendered skillfully. The few odd paintings that are on display create a jarring effect amongst the exhibition that is otherwise primarily dedicated to drawings. Overall, a must see for art aficionados.

On a sad note, the sudden demise of R. K. Dugar, owner of Gallery Mementos, last week a few days after the exhibition preview has been a shock to many of us. May his soul rest in peace.

(The exhibition continues till February 28 at Gallery Mementos, The Chancery, Lavelle Road, Bangalore)

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Wishful Thinking

By Nalini S Malaviya

Recession and a slowdown in the art mart not withstanding, one hopes that as the year 2009 unfolds, it ushers in a new era filled with happiness and prosperity for all. In the art world too, one would like to see a few changes specific to our city. Some of the things that I would like to see are:

Art Museums

The one thing that Bangalore sorely lacks is museums and other institutions dedicated to showcasing art. Apart from the Venkatappa Art Gallery and the Chitrakala Parishath there are hardly any other public spaces that display permanent art exhibitions. The world over cultural centers such as museums and heritage sites are carefully preserved and promoted as tourist centers. Local citizens and school children are also actively encouraged to visit them and these form important learning centers. After being the IT and BT capital, why can’t Bangalore be the art capital of India?

Fine Art Institutes

Again, the number of colleges and institutes that provide higher education in fine arts is limited here. There is a huge demand and need to have world class institutes that can provide education in fine arts and affiliated courses. What is also required are professional or short term courses that can cater to a larger audience.

Appreciate Art

There are so many people that I come across who would like to know more about art. The gap between the art fraternity and the common man is huge, and there should be ways to address it. Short courses, lectures, workshops on various aspects of art such as history, major art movements, painting techniques and genres, and other elements should exist. All these can lead to a greater understanding of art.

Avant-garde Art

More exhibitions by well known artists and contemporary artists who are known for their avant-garde and cutting edge experiments should be held here. Exposure to different forms of art brings in a wider understanding and keeps one updated with the latest trends, and even fads.
Art Therapy

Art has an immense therapeutic potential and there are leading institutes in the world that provide courses in art therapy. Unfortunately, this is neither recognized not practiced here. Having courses that are tailored specifically towards therapy or workshops that provide key information can prove beneficial to a number of people. Art can be utilized as an effective tool to alleviate stress and in an urban environment such as ours, there are bound to be many takers.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)