Recap of Indian art scene in 2011 - I

Sorrow was perhaps overarching sentiment in 2011 as Indian art witnessed the death of its two stalwarts - Jehangir Sabavala and M F Husain- bringing to an end a glorious era.

While Husain, who started as a billboard painter, became a globally recognized artist, modern painter Sabavala was known for his mesmerizing mixed impressionist as well as cubist styles. The former died in self-exile in London at the age of 95, whereas Sabavala died at the age of 89.

Also two other prominent personalities in the domain of art, Sohan Qadri and Biren De, passed away. While De was known for his geometric, luminous works of art, artist-poet Qadri was renowned for his unique tantrik ideology laced with art.

Of course, as the PTI news report mentioned, all was not sheer gloom for Indian art this year as the country gave a warn welcome to renowned artist S H Raza, celebrating his homecoming after six long decades of stay in Paris. One of the founder members of the Progressive Art Group (PAG), along with the likes of Husain, Souza and Gaitonde, he carved a niche for himself.

The year 2011 also heralded several new initiatives, beginnings and launches; Officials of the Paris-based Louvre came calling at the year end with an aim of exploring strategic partnership for its voyage into the country’s thriving art scene. As we all know, Louvre is one of the world's most renowned and widely visited museums.

In another significant development, an official Indian pavilion was showcased at the prestigious Venice Biennale in June. The official Indian showcase was supported by the Union Ministry of Culture and New Delhi-based Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA). There are plans in place to set up 1st Indian art Biennale in the beginning of the new year. It is reportedly directed by India’s two most celebrated artists, namely Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu.