society
Art’s Here, But Where’s the Gallery?
Two major events changed the way art is viewed by lovers and buyers
Vandana Shukla

Creative trail: A visitor admires Subodh Gupta’s ‘Cascading Water’ at the India Art Fair in New Delhi
Creative trail: A visitor admires Subodh Gupta’s ‘Cascading Water’ at the India Art Fair in New Delhi

THIS year, two major art fairs changed the way art is viewed by connoisseurs and commoners. One, by its success, and the other, by its absence, despite a highly publicised launch.

The year began with the much-hyped success of the Fourth edition of India Art Fair. Though, profits earned by the art galleries in this fair were never quantified, exorbitant amounts paid for the sold works of a few artists, despite recession, produced a counterproductive impact. An opposite force began to build up demanding to ease the pressure on galleries for art promotion.

The success of this fair gave artists an idea about the potential of Indian art; in terms of saleability and commanding unimaginably high price tags. Unfortunately, for the unbridled energy of thousands of upcoming artists, who are more daring in their styles, medium and range, the platform of India Art Fair was out of reach. For, most galleries bet their money on established names and renting even a 6x6 cube at the fair was beyond the reach of most upcoming artists.

This gave birth to a demand for an alternative system of marketing art, wherein the young artist could save 30 to 40 per cent of the cost of their works by eliminating galleries from the chain. This would mean bringing down cost of art works and make it affordable for the first time art buyer who comes from India's growing double-income middle class.

A business model that would meet such demands was supposed to be launched in India by Will Ramsey, founder of the Affordable Art Fair, in September, 2012. But it never took place.

What took place instead challenged all established norms of art management in India. In September, the United Art Fair, held at the same venue where India Art Fair was launched in 2009, brought about 300 young talented artists from across the country under one roof. There was no involvement of the galleries in this show which was freed of the burden of name and tag. It proved to be a boon for the restless creative energy of Indian art. The sheer confidence and innovation showcased at the fair took connoisseurs by surprise.

Unfortunately, the miracle story for Indian art did not have a happy ending. The organisers are said to have reverted to the traditional way, after incurring losses. Though, there are several other smaller mutinies taking place to create an alternative space for Indian art.

2013 A peek

  • Need present to build a future This year two international surveys conducted by a global art journal "ArtInfo" offered some clue on the status of Indian art. In the list of 100 most endearing works of art produced in the last five years, not a single Indian work featured, and canvas art was out of this list.

  • Similarly, in the list of 100 most powerful people who control the art world; artists, gallerists, curators, collectors et al, no Indian name finds a place.

  • Future of Indian art will be defined by the ability of artists to break free of 'burden of tradition and aesthetics' and democratisation of art infrastructure.





HOME