Saturday, June 8, 2013

A foundation committed to promote the best of Indian art

The Devi Art Foundation, established specifically for facilitating the creative expression viewership base, also looks to promote unique artistic practice in India. The space encourages innovation that is unconstrained by any commercial limitations so as to afford talented artists from the thriving region producing cutting edge, experimental art. What are the goals and objectives of the platform?

While the captivating collection was initiated in the 1980’s by Lekha Poddar with works from the Bengal School, the Progressive Artists Group (PAG), and others active at the time, Anupam’s own interests lie in experimental and cutting edge art forms. His forays into the world of art started with pursuing of works by several artists of his generation including Subodh Gupta, Sudarshan Shetty, Bharti Kher, A. Balasubramaniam, Mithu Sen and Anita Dube – to whose practice he thought he could well relate.

By undermining perceived geo-political divides, its objective is to nurture a meaningful dialogue from within the Sub-continent amongst various art practitioners, to enhance the understanding of our shared history. Apart from acting as a hub for contemporary artists, it strives to interact with, and encourage emerging curators and critics, helping to vent their concerns.

A series of lectures and talks are held to accompany the exhibits in an effort to bridge the gap existing between art production and the masses. Supplementing this is a concerted education/outreach program aimed at encouraging a culture where art turns into a subject matter of discussion and debate. The focus is on select exhibitions each year, curated out of the Lekha and Anupam Poddar Collection on view for a substantial period for sustained engagement.

One among the most comprehensive compilations of contemporary India art, the collection is comprised of significant works in diverse media such as painting,  interactive installation, video, sculpture, and photography. It carries representations of the country’s rich folk and tribal traditions, with other countries in the Sub-continent also having a substantial voice.

Growing out of this private passion – with a much greater charge through its exhibitions, artists' interactions, and education and outreach program – the Devi Art Foundation, is committed to introducing contemporary art practice to public discourse.

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