Art Buzz (Bangalore)

The Olive Art Initiative presents “DIFFERENT STROKES”, an exhibition of works by Sanjib Saha, Anshika Varma and Shankar S. This exhibition at Olive Beach, is from November 1st to November 7, 2008 from 12 noon to 11:30 pm. The show previews on October 31st 20008 at Olive Beach.

Art in the virtual world

(Nalini S Malaviya)

In this electronic age where technology has pervaded every aspect of our lives how can art be left behind? The virtual art fraternity is replete with artists, galleries, collectors and connoisseurs. An online presence is a highly effective tool to network with members with common interests. While social networking sites have made news for a variety of reasons, there are now a growing number of networking sites dedicated to art. Online networking provides an edge over peers, offers a much larger reach and is an effective PR and marketing medium. All this at minimal costs (or often free). Another major advantage is the rapidity with which information is exchanged resulting in faster turnaround time.

Earlier the trend was more towards setting up websites to showcase artworks and art related services. Whereas now, blogs have emerged as a popular and free-to-use platform that offers similar, although somewhat limited facilities as a website, but is a great way to create an online presence. Easy to use and even easier to update and maintain, blogs can be used for marketing oneself and to reach out to a wider audience.

In the virtual world, where geographic or regional boundaries do not exist it is easy to relate to likeminded people. Dedicated social sites on art offer an exclusive platform to different players from the art community. Exchange of knowledge, expertise, views, statistics and the latest buzz allow valuable interaction between members.
Similarly, online newsletters and publications enhance exposure to art related events and news from across the world. While all these provide a valuable platform to the artist, they also offer the buyer wider access to information.

As we can see there are numerous benefits in being active on an online forum, but there are a few disadvantages that one should be aware of. These may not be specific to art related sites but it helps to go over them. As online identities can be misleading, it is important to check out the credentials of the person you are interacting with. Similarly, when any financial transaction is involved one should be extra cautious about use of credit card or divulging personal details. With that in mind sometimes a moderated networking site works out better.
In any case, it is always advisable to follow Netiquette when expressing oneself. So, go ahead and create a virtual presence to either showcase your art or to learn more about art.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Art Buzz

Art Buzz (Bangalore) Milind Nayak

Signature style and contemporary art

(Nalini S Malaviya)

Most readers who visit art shows on a regular basis, will be able to identify the artist when they come across works by well known names. For instance, when you look at paintings by SH Raza, FN Souza or even Suhas Roy, chances are you will recognize the artist immediately. Artists often tend to create an identity of their own over the years. In terms of medium, style, genre or even theme the artist’s work can becomes recognizable.
Raza’s geometric abstracts and the ‘bindu’, or the delicate, ethereal beauty of Suhas Roy’s women, particularly from the ‘Radha’ series – these are characteristic of the artist’s style. Most modern painters developed a signature style that they kept refining over the years. And, very often then not the artist is recognized by art created in his signature style.

Then, there are a few artists one comes across locally who become proficient in a particular theme or style, and if they experiment it is only within their comfort zone. Having perfected a particular form of art with a high saleability factor, it is no surprise that these artists are less willing to take chances.

On the other hand, one finds that most contemporary artists are more experimental in nature. They are willing to try out various mediums and also different themes and genres. Subodh Gupta one of the biggest names on the Indian contemporary art scene is a case in point. The medium for his installations vary from cow-dung patties to stainless steel, and he also expresses himself through paintings.
With greater exposure to Western art and culture there is an openness to experiment and try out new things. Indian artists are increasingly finding global acceptance through their international quality works. And are therefore willing to take greater risks.
Incidentally, this is a good time to be a young artist brimming with new ideas supplemented with innovation. Conceptual art or new media are all waiting to be innovated upon.

With all the buzz surrounding Indian art, one finds that the Bangalore art scene is quite nascent at the moment. Serious collectors’ crib that one does not get to see the best on the Indian art horizon, whereas, dealers and galleries feel that Bangaloreans are not ready for it. A chicken and egg situation as a friend, who has been in this business for years put it.
Well, someone has to take the first step. Here’s hoping to see some seriously good art.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)