Indian art gains ground
From traditional oils to metal and graphic artistry, art in India is emerging as an alternative investment opportunity
Swati Rai

Art for art’s sake or art depicting life, an artist of today’s time is freer to express his feelings than she has ever been, in a medium and mix of his choosing. With the freedom of expression and its mode reaching newer heights, setting avant-garde standards, contemporary Indian art is in vogue like never before.

From top: Works by master artists M. F. Husain and Subodh Gupta

Artist Ruchi Singhal says, "Contemporary art collectively is much more socially conscious than any previous era has been. A whole lot of art in the last three to four decades has been connected to feminism, globalisation, and even dealt with burning issues like rape. Collectors, museums, art galleries and interior decorators for homes and hotels within India and all over the world form a market for this kind of art. And yes, this kind of painting can very much sustain a true, hardworking and dedicated artiste."

According to Amit Vadehra, manager, Crayon Capital, New Delhi, "We have been advising top collectors and industrial houses on building high-quality collection of artworks of India’s leading modern and contemporary artist."

He adds, "Contemporary Indian art is flourishing and we get both — people with limited budgets and the ones without any financial constraint. There are all kinds of buyers, from hotels to private collectors, thronging to get that one bespoke piece of contemporary art. It works well for the artist as well as the collector as most of them are open to innovation."

Technically speaking, contemporary art continues to be created from the 1970s till today. Art installations, public art and experiments with varied forms are the hallmark of contemporary Indian art. From the traditional to the novel and issue-based etchings, contemporary piece of art sports a voice of its own.

Artist Atul Dhir, however, is of the opinion that while contemporary artists in India take inspiration from various sources and styles, Indian art still retains its distinct Indianness. He shares, "Newer styles never seen before are emerging in the Indian art scene — forms and styles, which actually cannot be categorised into any specific existing genre. The current status of Indian contemporary art is that the industry existed from the ancient period itself but now we have a market for it. People are developing interest in choosing it as a career and taking proper institutional training for it. We have been observing that the Indian contemporary art and the artists were pigeonholed as South Asian but, today, fortunately, the significance of our work to global audiences is being recognised."

Awakening of The Dawn — Sukhothai was part of the photography exhibition by Atul Dhir

He adds, "International museum groups are coming to India; they’ve come to realise India and its contemporary art as an important part of the world that needs attention and to be represented in their collection."

Not only is art a sound investment but also a family heirloom. There is good quality and there are discerning buyers. The wedding of fashion and art, though not a new trend, is fast catching the fancy of artists and designers alike.

Designer Ritu Kumar recently collaborated with Bangalore-based graphic artist Smruthi Gargi Eswar to exhibit her art ‘Seasoned’ that showcased a graphic depiction of the four seasons personified as Goddess in nature.

Amrish Kumar, creative director at Ritu Kumar, says, "These artists epitomise what’s happening culturally in India today. We hope to see a more widespread appreciation of this art-fashion collaboration!"

An extension of Smruthi’s earlier popular artwork series ‘Sister Misfortune’ inspired from mythology and dated art forms, it uses fluid and floral art noveau designs. "There is space for all kinds of art in India today and that works for me as a visualiser and graphic artist. I feel a need for this kind of artistic output, where I have space to talk about what I wish to do. It allows me to address all that I want to: the universe, gender and humanity."

Talking about freedom of expression in contemporary art, Eswar adds, "Now is when support for freedom of expression in contemporary art is flourishing. And I am all for it! The most important thing is that you have a story to tell or an issue to address or just something to say!" The norms of art in India has come a long way from the purists’ perception of conforming to the expected norms, contemporary art is flourishing and here to stay!

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