Art Exhibitions (Bangalore)

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

Eleven artists from Gulbarga, now residing in Bangalore come together with their recent paintings in one of the exhibitions at Chitrakala Parishath. Titled ‘The Journey Within’, the paintings are varied in nature with abstracts, figurative and surreal works. “At the outset this is an exhibition showcasing the prevailing contemporary trends and beliefs of my fellow artists from this region,” writes Virendra Shah, one of the participants. Virendra Shah’s minimal abstract is along similar lines as his earlier series, while abstracts by Devaki Rao are striking with good use of color. Mixed media works by Avinash depicting a knife on a platter, and others showing a fish and a boat respectively are interesting renditions, while Pawan R’s imagery is surreal in nature, bordering on the bizarre. Vivek Rao’s assemblages are on different themes and Sunita’s works using acrylic on paper are brightly colorful. Overall, a good concerted effort to present works from smaller towns in the State; however, most of the paintings are quite unremarkable. There are forty-two paintings priced between Rs 8,000 and Rs 50,000.

In this other exhibition by artist Paritosh Das from West Bengal most of the works are watercolors on silk. The paintings are full of detailing and are based on folklore and memories of rural Bengal. He presents dream sequences and traditional themes through a combination of motifs and figures in bright colors. Most of the works are in small format and there are about fifty paintings priced between Rs 9,000 and Rs 25,000.

Both the exhibitions are on view till March 27 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath Art Gallery, Kumara Krupa Road, Bangalore - 560 001

(Published in Financial Times, Bangalore)

Art Exhibition

Remember the earlier article on organizing an art exhibition, here's another one, which new and upcoming artists may find useful. This was written and published in Financial Times, Bangalore (June, 2004). The information is quite relevant today as well, however, the rates mentioned at the end of the article may not be valid.

Art exhibition – behind the scenesBy Nalini S Malaviya

The art market is booming in Bangalore, and if art dealers and experts are to be believed this is just the beginning. The next few years should see the city as a more mature and happening art scene. While, established artists command higher prices, the good news is there is a growing market for fresh talent. According to artist Gurudas Shenoy it is great that architects and corporates are factoring in artworks within their budgets. So, not only private collectors but also interior designers are on the look out for great art at rational prices for their clients. This is where young artists can score with reasonable pricing. Although art is not a commodity, it does need to be showcased well so as to reach the buyer. As Shenoy explains, just as a film launch is done with great fanfare, art shows too need to be presented well and it is important for artists to do their homework thoroughly.

Planning a showGallery owner, Renu George suggests, “artists must have a show only when the quality of their work is first-rate and they are ready to take responsibility for their works”. She says it is important to have their works assessed by a few gallery owners or from a knowledgeable source. Galleries are sometimes booked weeks to months in advance, it is therefore advisable to select and book a place while working on the collection. You could also visit art galleries with a portfolio of your works to look for sponsorship. Some galleries when sponsoring an artists take care of the invitation card/catalogue, sending out the invites, press coverage and organizing a preview. Gallery owner, Gita Maini says, “I end up spending around Rs. 50,000 per show, when I sponsor an artist”.

When you rent a gallery either on a per day basis or a package that the space may offer, you are responsible for the logistics, although some galleries will guide you informally. It helps to print a catalogue or an invitation card with at least one of the paintings to generate an interest in the show. Presentation and media interest in the show are a must – the artworks must be packaged well in frames that are subtle, that will hold the work together and should be finalized only after a lot of thinking, advises Shenoy. A press release or note must be sent out a few days in advance to ensure the print matter coincides with the exhibition dates. Also, if you are organizing a preview, don’t forget to invite the media – reviews always help.

Reducing Overheads
Renu George suggests, “upcoming artists could do a group show or hire a small part of the gallery to keep overheads in check”. It is important to price the works reasonably, after all why should one buy a new artist’s painting versus a fairly established one. According to Shenoy the pricing should increase progressively over the years as the works reflect maturity and experience. Also, sales don’t necessarily happen during exhibitions, a studio is another place where prospective buyers can approach and a good ambience can make all the difference. Whenever possible, artists should invest in having a good facility with sufficient comfort factor, this also establishes the seriousness of the artist. Success doesn’t come easy and in an instant, well not always, artists should keep an open mind to all kinds of art, especially in the initial stages when one is trying to make a living as an artist. They could do freelance commercial work or portraits and basically be open to any creative outlet, advises Shenoy.


Some costsFrames: Rs 30 per meter to Rs 600 per foot
Gallery rental: Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 per day
Gallery commission: 20% to 40%
Invitation card: Rs 3.50 per piece for 2000 copies (without photograph)
Rs 10 per piece for 200 copies (without photograph)
Rs 10 per piece for 2000 copies (with photograph)
Postage costs extra
Preview costs vary according to the menu and the number of invitees, usually galleries
prefer to get these events sponsored.

Art Buzz: S T R E T C H by Nataraj Sharma (New York)

S T R E T C H by Nataraj Sharma Bodhi Art, New York, NY USA United States of America
Bodhi Art is proud to bring to New York Nataraj Sharma’s traveling exhibition titled ‘S T R E T C H’, completed during his 2006 residency at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute [STPI]. In ‘S T R E T C H’, paintings and mixed media etchings in paper, pulp and prints, Nataraj Sharma continues to explore the relationships between urbanization, landscapes and the human presence at the interstices of modernity. The opening of ‘S T R E T C H’ coincides with New York’s Asia Week - the focal point for significant Asian art auctions and gallery shows. The Asian Art Fair is widely lauded as the world’s leading Asian art fair and this year Bodhi Art is proud to participate and showcase the works of many Indian artists at this prestigious fair. Read Indepth Article at http://www.absolutearts.com

Art Exhibitions - Bangalore

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

One of the exhibitions is about colors, while the other group show offers an eclectic variety.

Jenny Bhatt’s recent works titled ‘Breathing Color’ are abstract works that resonate with colors. According to the artist, “the current series of works continues to explore reality vis-à-vis perception and the urban, Indian, feminine identity in a rapidly changing globalised world… In the visual realm, color is chosen as a means to achieve this, and for the space that it occupies within science, philosophy, religion and spirituality.” Patches of color, where some have a peripheral marbling effect are intended to stir the viewer with its vibrational energy and rhythmic patterns.


The exhibition is on till March 26 between 11:00 am - 7:00 pm except Sundays at The Hatworks Boulevard, 32 Cunningham Road, Bangalore – 52.

In this other show ten artists from Karnataka come together to exhibit their recent works. Artists AM Prakash, Basavaraj Jane, BS Desai, Kishore Kumar, Madhu Desai, MC Chetti, Mohan Sitnur, MS Murthy, PS Kademani and VB Biradar, have put together about twenty paintings, which vary in their content and style. There are colorful abstracts, Buddha figures, imagery based on folklore, a few inspired from rural scenes and some with spiritual undertones. Although most of these artists are not very well known, it is a good effort since provides the local artists a platform, and helps in showcasing their works.

The exhibition is on till March 23 between 10:00 am - 7:00 pm at Lakshana Art Gallery, 29/2 Race Course Road, Near Aradhya Circle, Bangalore -1.

(Published in Financial Times, Bangalore)

Art Exhibition - A visual representation of Aurangzeb’s reign

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

I met Francois Gautier earlier this week, when he was in Bangalore for the preview of the art exhibition he has organized.

This exhibition of miniature paintings is based on original documents and firmans (edicts) from Aurangzeb’s reign preserved in museums in Rajasthan, mainly the Bikaner archives. The paintings depict scenes from this period in the Moghol miniature style of painting. A visual representation of facts and events based on historical records, the works offer valuable insights into a dark and turbulent period that marked the beginning of the fall of the Moghol Empire.

Francois Gautier, a French journalist and writer residing in India for the last twenty years, is the man responsible for putting together the concept and the show. He reveals, “The documents and the paintings on display are based entirely on original archives, and we’re the first ones to exhibit them.” His organization FACT (Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism) has been active in creating global awareness on the plight of the Kashmiri Hindus. Gautier believes this exhibition is highly relevant today as it encourages religions to be more enlightened and tolerant.

Aurangzeb’s reign - a period ill famous for violence, cruelty, and religious intolerance has been depicted through drawings, paintings and explanatory text. Prince Dara Shukoh (Aurangzeb’s brother) translating the Upanishads, his farcical trial, demolition of temples, burial of music, and Aurangzeb writing his will are some of the paintings on display. Details of events and historical facts have also been put up along with each painting.

The Moghol miniature style of paintings is on the decline and Gautier hopes an exhibition such as this will revive interest in the art form. The exhibition will travel to Delhi, Mysore, Pune and other cities in the country.

The exhibition is on till March 25 at Gallery G, Bangalore.

(Published in Times of India, Bangalore)