New-age artists from India are making a diverse range of work, in response to the increased complexities of 21st-century. Many of them through their art are grappling with issues like rampant urban expansion, growing slums and issues around migration. A new, ambitious show ‘The Empire Strikes Back: Indian Art Today’ at London’s Saatchi Gallery offers a stunning interpretation of new India.
There are works by Atul Dodiya, Chitra Ganesh, Probir Gupta, Sakshi Gupta, Rashid Rana, T. V. Santhosh, Subodh Gupta, Tushar Joag, Jitish Kallat, Reena Saini Kallat, Bharti Kher, Rajan Krishnan, Jaishri Abichandani, Kriti Arora, Huma Bhabha, Huma Mulji, Ajit Chauhan, Shezad Dawood, Mansoor Ali, Justin Ponmany, Schandra Singh, Tallur L.N, Hema Upadhyay, T Venkanna, Pushpamala N and Yamini Nayar.
Their oeuvre contains a strong denunciation of the socio-political implications of impending globalization, largely responsible for the rampant urbanization, the disenfranchisement of remote rural areas and the rise of fundamentalism and intolerance.
Elaborating on the theme, the organizers noted in a statement: "In spite of homegrown contemporary art being underrepresented in public museums in India, its commercial and international success have let small ventures grow into thriving art galleries in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, with outposts opening in the US and Europe.
"The fast flourishing art scene on the one hand and the recent economic upheavals on the other have prompted critical questions about Indian culture and globalization in a nation torn between a dependence on global consumption and a proudly independent mindset. Against this backdrop, contemporary Indian artists are making a wide range of work that responds to the complexities of 21st century India."
The world-renowned Saatchi Gallery observes that its viewer base has greatly increased during the last decade as general awareness and interest in contemporary art develops. Having marked its grand reopening in the 70,000 sq. ft Duke of York’s HQ building right in the heart of London in October 2008, the gallery looks to offer an innovative forum for contemporary art.
As part of its endeavor to present and promote international artists, Saatchi showcases 26 both emerging and established artists from India. Many of them have been rarely or never shown in the UK.
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