The ŠKODA Prize winners announced

Navin Thomas was announced the winner of the second edition of The ŠKODA Prize at a ceremony at the Taj Palace hotel. World-famous British artist Marc Quinn handed over the Trophy and a cheque for Rs.10, 00,000 to him.

The ŠKODA Prize is the largest and most prestigious award on the Indian visual arts scene. It recognizes cutting-edge work demonstrating vision, innovation, and a mature understanding of material and form. The Prize brings to public notice exciting trends in contemporary art, highlighting the output of established mid-career artists as well as new voices.

Navin Thomas’ series of works, entitled ‘From the Town’s End…’ was shown at GALLERYSKE in Banglore. The two Runners-up were awarded residencies in Switzerland, courtesy Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council. Inaugural ‘The Breakthrough Artist Award’ was given to Madhuban Mitra and Manas Bhattacharya. The two received a cheque of Rs. 50,000

The Jury was headed by Kiran Nadar, the Chairperson of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. Other members of the Jury were Pooja Sood, the Director of KHOJ International Artists’ Association; Vivan Sundaram, a renowned India contemporary artist; Heike Munder, director-curator of the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst in Zurich; and Martin Clark, Artistic Director of Tate St Ives.

An organizers note stated, “The ŠKODA Prize has been able to achieve in its second year itself. And we are confident that from here on, it will grow stupendously in stature and popularity. The corner stone of success in second season for us has been to see more and more contemporary artists from beyond the metros became a part of the prize. The organization will continue to provide its whole hearted support to this incredible platform. ‘The Breakthrough Artist Award’ and a public platform for the nominated artists to showcase their artworks have helped us achieve just that.”

The ŠKODA Prize Twenty 2011-2012, an annual documentation that accompanies every edition of The ŠKODA Prize is being published by Popular Prakashan this year and is on sale during the exhibition.

Artistic ‘adivasis’ gaining the art world’s appreciation

The astounding tribal art tradition from India, having taken roots and thrived at the fringes of the majority communities, is indeed different from the mainstream and internationally recognized standard Indian art scene. Equally attached to their dynamic living traditions, woven into their day-to-day living like music, dance and drama, they still are hardly familiar to Western world.

Many established contemporary artists like Sujata Bajaj are influenced by tribal art and culture, which reflect in her works. Unfortunately, the representations of the adivasis have been full of prejudices and preset notions removed from reality, for a long time, as much for the Indians as for art lovers abroad barring a few exceptions. However, the scenario is changing for the better…

For example, it was the first time that auction house Sotheby’s incorporated tribal art from India in its sales in 2009. Tracking the trend, Anindita Ghose of The Mint publication had pointed out in an insightful essay how it’s now ‘the youngest star’ of India’s contemporary art scene. “The raison d’être of tribal art is that in an age of digital imaging and virtual installations, they seem handmade.

They’re the farmers’ market equivalent of cling-wrapped fruit,” the writer stated, and quoting renowned curator Yashodhara Dalmia underlined the fact that folk & tribal artists aren’t the ones perhaps slow in catching us (in fact, probably other way round, as we’ve been a tad slow in recognizing them.)

Of course, there were seasoned collectors like Lekha Poddar spotted the potential of the art form a long ago. The astute art patron noticed a young tribal artist Ramesh Tekam and mesmerized by his peculiar animals and tree of life works done on paper, and realized the work was as ‘contemporary’ as those already there in her collection. The Poddars had even unveiled an ambitious contemporary tribal art exhibition last year, probably the largest ever in India at their non-profit institution.

1x1, a throbbing hub of Indian art for investors abroad

1x1, an emerging art space in Dubai, has established itself as the throbbing hub of modern and Contemporary Indian art in the region. The gallery made its presence felt at previous edition of Art Expo India.

Over the last few years, the gallery has hosted some of the best talent that India has on offer, including intriguing installation and new media work by Riyas Komu, Justin Ponmany, Biju Joze, Chittrovanu Mazumdar, Hema Upadhyay, Pratul Dash, Rajesh Ram, Farhad Husain, Kazi Nazir, Binoy Varghese, Shibu Natesan and Vivek Vilasini.

It has exhibited their unique works to art lovers.1x1 also organized and presented ‘Af-fair’ in 2008. The thematic project was curated by Bose Krishnamachari. It brought together works of artists Anant Joshi, Justin Ponmany, T. V. Santosh, Aji V. N. and Riyas Komu, among others. Other shows presented by 1x1 include ‘The New Place’, ‘Route-en-Route’, ‘Urban/ Image’, ‘ArtParis’ apart from solo shows by Jogen Choudhary, Jatin Das, M.F Husain and Jaideep Mehrotra.

The art gallery since its launch in 2006 has been very much at the forefront of the Contemporary Indian Art scene. It boasts a rich program of cutting edge art exhibitions that continue to wow art lovers as well as critics. In the process, it has been setting new benchmarks. The brain behind it, Malini Gulrajani, has won applause for her deep knowledge and understanding of modern art milieu. She acts as a consultant to serious collectors looking to build on their collection, establishing the gallery as a major brand in art domain.

Leveraging her marketing skills and research, she has been striving to popularize Indian art. Thanks to her efforts the gallery has earned an enviable reputation. Malini Gulrajani often made quick trips to India to buy art; it soon turned into a broad based activity to her involving genuine art lovers. According to her, it has been a slow change and a gradual momentum, with new trends in Indian art market.

A gallery that vigorously promotes Indian art in Dubai

Dubai-based 1x1 Art Gallery, established almost five years ago by art lover Malini Gulrajani, has managed to carve a niche for itself. Since its inception, the venue has established itself as the hub for hosting the best of contemporary Indian art, a segment still relatively under-explored in the Middle East.

Importantly, the gallery owner has brought several top names on Indian art scene to Dubai, including Riyas Komu, Bose Krishnamachari, Vivek Vilasini, Chittrovanu Mazumdar and NN Rimzon, among others. Its recent group exhibition, entitled ‘Fragile’, demonstrated a marked offshoot of interest in its quest to expand its market for contemporary Indian art.

The show witnessed a curious mingling of both Indian and Iranian artists at certain key stages in their respective careers. For example, Pooja Iranna has already experienced reasonable success with her strong architectural monoliths created from staple pins that symbolize encroaching owing to rapid construction. For her collaborative work ‘Holy Ash’ she used nylon thread to create a sort of cosmic map.

Photographer Alireza Fani, one of the three Iranian artists included in the show, tends to evoke the patina of fabulous fashion imagery, and depicts Iran’s middle class. Her works with a tinge of deep introspection are very captivating. There is a sense of normality prompting the protagonists to dig deep within themselves.

The decision to spread and diversify its core activity was taken after a rather prolonged hiatus. The gallery, shut late in 2010, was reopened last October. Malini Gulrajani has been quoted as saying: “I wish to push contemporary Indian art internationally, targeting Hong Kong and Singapore. We are looking at around three to four shows in locations outside Dubai in the near future.”

New and modern art from India is witnessing a significant resurgence of collector interest despite a prevailing sluggishness in the marketplace. And the determined art connoisseur-entrepreneur emphasizes that she is keen to show the works of more and more talented artist from across the subcontinent in the UAE. Her plan is to make the activity broad-based carry it on a wider scale, in a phased manner.

A spotlight on the RPG Academy of Art & Music

Traversing the boundaries of business, RPG Enterprises has enhanced its reputation as a socially committed organization. The group generously contributes toward the welfare of various meaningful social causes. It is actively simultaneously involved in promotion of the sports and arts through RPG Academy of Art & Music.

The academy has been a great promoter of art and music ventures. It endorses and promotes thriving Indian art scene by sponsoring significant art exhibits, including ‘Amazing, 2008, featuring 27 young and established artists; ‘Sacred Space’ (2004); RPG Collection of Contemporary Bengal Art, The NGMA, Mumbai (2003); ‘Mela: A Carnival of Indian Art (2002); ‘Self-Portraits & Bombay Artists- Progressive Perspectives’ (2001); ‘The Flashback- Flashforward’ (1999); ‘The Bombay Show’ (1998); ‘50 Years of Freedom of Expression (1997); ‘The Mother Theresa Exhibition’ (1996); and an exhibition of modern paintings & sculptures in Mumbai in 1995, among others.

RPG Academy of Art & Music continues to support and encourage upcoming and talented artists. The idea is to bring real talent to the fore. Another prime example of their commitment to the cause is the annual RPG Art Camp, one among the most eagerly awaited art gatherings in Indian art calendar. The academy has been organizing the camps since 1991.

The event was launched more than two decades ago. Explaining the secret of the art camp’s success, art collector and entrepreneur Harsh Goenka had mentioned: "I think over the years, Vickram (Sethi) and I have worked out a definitive agenda to make it an eclectic mix where senior artists can guide the younger lot; we've also worked to lend more gender diversity to the camp, and over the years international artists of repute have been participating in this event."

Ever year established and emerging artists from across the country and abroad assemble at the RPG beach house at Mumbai’s magnificent Marve Beach for a week. The interactions and discussions between senior and younger artists lead to amazing creative expressions. The relaxed habitat only enhances the creative quality of their wonderful works.

How and why informal settings inspire artists?

Art camps in informal settings across India and abroad have become extremely popular within the artistic fraternity. Soaking in the exotic settings to maximize their creativity is a concept that finds favor with most artists since they are able to talk art, and exchange ideas without any inhibitions. No surprise, several Indian contemporary artists regularly feature in them.

The RPG Academy of Art & Music been holding an annual art camp at Marve Beach, Mumbai since 1991, where young and old artists from across the country come together to interact with each other. The 2012 art camp just concluded in the serene settings of Marve, a beach town in North Mumbai.

The eclectic event is hosted by group chairman and art aficionado, Harsh Goenka, and Vikram Sethi, the director of The Arts Trust. The two art aficionados have carefully nurtured the concept over time. It’s an annual meet which allows artists from different generations, genres, regions and styles to come together to share ideas and paint as well. Apart from senior artists, many young and upcoming ones are invited to give them a chance to interact with senior artists.

The gathering constitutes a perfect setting for painters to create some inspiring masterpieces. The participating artists live and paint together for seven days at the camp. They are specially selected and invited from across the country. As the practitioners of different generations, varying thought processes and styles come together, they are able to learn a few things from each other' albeit inadvertently.

In a way they seek inspiration from each other and engage in a gamut of art-related activities. Every year, they are asked to do self-portraits besides the works of their choice. The broad purpose is to provide the artists with a liberated environment, closeness to nature, and most importantly, the confluence of creative capabilities, which sure has been served over the years at the RPG art camp.

One of India’s top art events is back

The collector base of India is also increasing. A large majority of them look forward to both Art Expo India and India Art Fair (formerly India Art Summit). The events are among the most widely attended and also the most popular art displays. The fair is building on its popularity and scale to capitalize on one of the world's fastest expanding economies and also to cater a large base of HNIs (high net-worth individuals).

Launched in 2008, the 3rd Edition of India Art Fair (previously known as India Art Summit) recorded over a hundred thousand visitors from all top cities in India and more than 65 cities around the world. Out of the total 84 galleries that took part, not less than 34 were international galleries – almost double the number that featured in the previous edition, bringing a fine blend of international and domestic flavor.

Signifying the buoyancy and vibrancy of Indian art market, the 4th Edition of India Art Fair takes place from 25 January, 2012 until 29 January at New Delhi’s spacious NSIC Exhibition Grounds. As always, its organizers are committed to enhancing its scale and the quality of art on offer with the aim of delivering an enriching art experience to the visitors.

Key Highlights from India Art Summit 2011

• 1,28,000 visitors over 4 days from 17 cities in India, and 67 cities around the world
• 84 galleries exhibited from 20 countries in 8000 sq mtr. of exhibition space
• About 80% of galleries sold more than 4-5 works, with some galleries selling
• out completely
• Speakers’ Forum included 42 world renowned experts from India and overseas like Homi Bhabha, Anish Kapoor, Geeta Kapur, Sheena Wagstaff, Hou Hanru and Hans Ulrich Obrist.
• 37 media partners including leading global media like Financial Times, The Art Newspaper, Flash Art International and Canvas
• Marketing and Public Relations worth over Rs. 19 Crores (US $4.1 million) covering India and 180 countries

The new edition again puts the focus firmly on the fast growing contemporary Indian art market. In the last edition, almost all the galleries reported brisk sales, as the fair attracted an impressive number of aspiring collectors. The 4th edition promises to see a greater number of collectors, artists, galleries and audiences from India and across the globe.