'Art must connect with life'

Art historian Christine Litz studied Art History and German Literature in Cologne and Bochum. Her compatriot Susanne Titz also studied art history and literatures at Cologne, Hamburg and Bonn universities. The former is known to be an expert curator of several solo and group shows while in Museum Ludwig, including Max Ernst, Salvadore Dali and Pop Art shows of artists like Andy Warhol. Susanne Titz has estblished herself as an authority on contemporary art.

In a recent interview with Ashoke Nag of The ET Bureau both spoke of the presence of Indian art in Germany. Susanne Titz mentioned that it is being displayed in certain regions. There are usually community shows of artists from the country along with those from China, Norway and Russia, all shown together. Indian art is shown in centers, such as Munich, Dusseldorf and Cologne and in international locales like Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

She informed: “The newer generation artists of the eighties and nineties as well as some of the older artists are there...the Expressionists, if I may term them, apart from the Kalighat drawings. There are collectors of Indian art in Germany, and its also seen in the Berlin Museum.”

Interestingly, the expert pointed out that the French as well as German Modernists were influenced by Indian art. Describing the art scenario in Germany, Christine Litz stated that some artists do paint for the market, but there are others who don’t treat art as any other object to attract the audience. She revealed: “Art in Berlin is indeed fascinating. You find art happening in public spaces and old shops. One sees writers, artists and curators working together and so also exhibits for the broader audience.

According to Christine Litz, art is not merely about prices, and that it must connect with life.