Appreciate art before investing

As art finds a prominent spot in your morning newspaper, chances are that you will come across reviews and a lot of other information about art shows. As there are very few art critics in the country, most reviews and write-ups are done by journalists and freelance writers. Many people buy art based on what they read. It helps to know that media coverage about art shows depends on a lot of factors such as how prominent and well-known the artist is, in case there is a PR agency involved - how well they market it, and also to some extent the gallery’s standing. In that case should one buy art from shows that get extensive coverage across newspapers and other publications? Media hype is good to some extent and helps in establishing the artist, but of course not all good artists receive the same amount of attention.

However, there are several advantages in following updates on art, for one it keeps you abreast of happenings in the art world. It gives you an idea about trends, popularity of artists and price bands. Then again reading about art shows or their reviews gives you a better understanding of the artist’s perspective, and also the artworks. Artist interviews in particular give a glimpse of what the artist had in mind while creating the artwork, how it evolved, and the thought process behind it. Therefore, when you visit the art show, you will be in a better position to assess and evaluate the art in the right context.

Understanding the piece of art or relating to it is the first step in appreciating it. It helps to remember that the response to any art is a very personal experience, and can be extremely subjective. Therefore, you should always visit an art show with an open mind. Your response to it may be very different from the writer’s perspective. The more you learn to appreciate art, the better your judgement will be when planning your art investment.

(Published in Financial Times)

Art shows in Bangalore

Bangalore is surely catching up with Delhi and Mumbai when it comes to the number of art shows happening in the city. Anjana Kuthiala, a Delhi-based artist, is displaying her recent works in an exhibition titled ‘Anarkali Reborn’. Then there is a group of artists from West Bengal who have come together as part of a gallery’s anniversary celebrations.
Anjana is a former Miss India who later turned to a career in painting. She is known widely for her numerous drawings and paintings of Shah Rukh Khan. In this series, Anjana attempts to pay a tribute to a forgotten legend and presents the new millennium Anarkali. According to the artist, the paintings celebrate the Indian woman as an embodiment of love, beauty and spiritual power. The paintings centre on aesthetics and beauty – the protagonist in this case, Anarkali, is beautiful and wide-eyed as she appears poised and graceful against various backdrops. Large almond-shaped eyes and perfect lips - they remind you of the Rajasthani folk paintings that you often see at the Chitra Santhe.

(The exhibition is on till February 22 at the Welcom Art Gallery, Windsor Manor Hotel)

The other show has an interesting collection, which features names like Paritosh Sen, Suhas Roy, Jogen Chowdhury and Sohini Dhar, amongst others. The exhibition offers an intriguing amalgam of different genres in contemporary art. You can see traditional tales retold, allegories that bridge between reality and fantasy, and even glimpses of surrealism. The romanticism of Suhas Roy’s Radha, and Sita Haran by Bijon Chowdhury have a folk touch. Flower and Moon is a still life by Manoj Dutta, while Old Kolkata Afternoon by Subrata Gangopadhay has been rendered in a realistic style that evokes nostalgia with its charming portrayal of women spending their afternoons together. Sanatan Ninda’s Introduction - Next has a sculptural quality in its textures.

Prokash Karmakar, Isha Mahammad, Ramananda Bandopadhyay, Ajoy Kumar Ghose, Partha Protim Deb, Hiran Mitra, Rabin Dutta, Ashok Bhowmik, Ramlal Dhar, Kalyan Mukherjee, Saumen Khamrui and S K Shajahan are the other artists who are participating in this exhibition.

(The exhibition is on till February 23 at Gallery G, Maini Sadan, 38 Lavelle road, 7th Cross, Bangalore – 1. Phone 22219275)
(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Figurative or abstract?

If you look around you will find that most Indian artists whose works are in great demand have a penchant for figurative art. Whether they paint figuratives because it is in demand or vice versa it is difficult to say. But the fact is that a larger cross-section of buyers have a liking for figurative art compared to abstracts. V S Gaitonde’s evocative abstracts and S H Raza’s geometric abstraction and the Bindu are of course exceptions to this rule. These remain greatly in demand and usually do very well at auctions. However, one must also remember that these artists have acquired cult status in Indian art.

But, in general most buyers opt for figurative art rather than abstracts or any other genre. This is especially true for new buyers who tend to relate better to ‘realism’ in art.
The general feeling regarding abstracts remains that it fails to move the viewer in the same manner as a ‘recognizable’ work of art. A viewer responds to a work of art based on his experiential background and his sensibilities, and therefore it is always easier to relate to a familiar and easily decipherable work of art rather than an abstract or non-representational one.

However, there are plenty of discerning buyers who are able to differentiate between deliberate abstraction and random or amateur brush strokes. Incidentally, most artists who are known for their abstracts have excelled in figurative art as well. While, there are a few artists, such as Anupam Sud who have shifted from abstract art to figurative.
Artist KM Adimoolam, who passed away recently was equally proficient in drawing (his series of black and white portraits of Mahatma Gandhi is very well known) and in abstracts. The play of colours on his canvas is a delight to watch.
Indian modern and contemporary art as we know it is still in its nascent stages. As the awareness about art and its finer nuances grows, one is sure to find that abstracts will become more popular.

Signature style or experimental works?

Many artists believe in sticking to one particular genre of painting, even a theme and continue to work with it over the years. They perfect their style, their command over the subject and technique. They deal with the theme in a similar manner and continue to create works that has only slight variations – as it may appear to a viewer. While this may appeal to some, others may find it boring or repetitive.

Buyers often wonder if they should buy an artist’s signature style or look at something more experimental. It could be new media, a new concept or something that is radically different. The answer is very subjective, if you like a signature work then you should definitely buy it. If the artist is well known or a brand by himself, the price will definitely appreciate over the years. But, if it is a work that puts you off for its monotonous look then it is better to opt for more variety and go for an experimental or non-traditional work. Just as people differ in their choice of décor for their homes, art is also a reflection of one’s taste. What appeals to one may repel the other. Contemporary artists are doing well at the moment and their works are also generally more experimental.

But, from the point of view of investment most signature works are fairly safe and are likely to appreciate with time. Also, one must remember, if you are talking about modern artists these are likely to do better in the long run, even if the contemporary market seems to performing well currently.

What about experimental or rare works by these well known artists? Are they a good investment? That again depends. Even a doodle by Leonardo da Vinci or Picasso has tremendous value, but our Indian artists are yet to reach that stage. But in all probability it does appear that they will soon command prices that may not be at par with their Western counterparts but will definitely reach greater heights compared to their current status.

(Published in Financial Times)

Art of Framing

Recently, I gave 3 artworks for framing. One of them - a pen and ink drawing had been lying unframed in a brown paper envelope for the last 5 years. Fortunately for me, it seemed in fairly good condition, however the edges were slightly frayed. Many of us buy paintings and if there is no place to hang them, we tend to stack them in the cupboard or against the wall in a corner, and then forget all about them. Paintings are delicate and fragile, and they are very susceptible to atmospheric conditions. We will talk more about care and conservation of paintings in future, but before that we should know a little bit about framing. Framing is not only about beautifying an artwork; in fact, a good frame should help in its preservation as well. When you spend thousands on an artwork, you should give some thought and money in choosing the right frame. A good frame supports the painting, prevents it from bending or distorting and also protects it from moisture, ultraviolet rays and dust (when it has a glass front).

It is important to go to the right framer, who will help you choose the right frame. He will be able to guide you on whether you need a mount, should the painting be glass protected, do you need ultraviolet-resistant glass, what are the cost implications and so on. He will also ensure use of acid-free matte, pre-treated backing boards and wood for the frame (however, synthetic frames are more popular now).

For my black and white drawing the framer suggested a white mount and a simple black frame. Why not a heavy ornate frame? The reason is that a thin strip of black frame will demarcate the space on the wall, and will draw attention to the drawing, and at the same time not detract from it. A beautiful work of art should speak for itself, an ornate, or an over embellished frame will only add clutter.

So how do you choose a frame? Opt for a frame that will complement the painting. A frame that is too bulky or embellished can completely overshadow the artwork. In fact, many art collectors usually opt for simple and minimal frames that will provide the necessary hardware support without becoming overwhelming. So, the next time you invest in a painting, make sure you frame it properly to protect your investment.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)