Galleries from India at Art Basel Miami

Art Basel Miami Beach is considered the most important art event not only in the US, but also internationally.

An introductory note to it mentions:

“It’s a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 40 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture, design. Every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel Miami Beach, making it the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.

"Top-quality exhibitions in the museums of South Florida and special programs for art collectors and curators also help make the event a special time for encountering art. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers. Special exhibit sections feature performance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.”

This year, nearly 300 galleries took part in the fair. There were three galleries from India as well. Their aim was to access more clients and draw more exposure for the artists. Here’s a look at what they offered at this major international art show.

Nature Morte along with Bose Pacia showcased the works of artists Aditya Pande, Radhika Khimji and Suhasini Kejriwal. According to Peter Nagy, the section of the fair they were in (Art Nova) dictated that they had to show only three with something in common. Accordingly, all three participants approached painting from the perspective of new techniques and strategies like collage, installation and digital media. Chemould Prescott Road showed the works of Rashid Rana, whereas Bangalore based Gallery Ske showcased the works of artists Avinash Veeraraghavan and Sudarshan Shetty.

Book of the year

Driven by their desire to chart a unique course, authors Purrshottam Bhaggeria and Pavan Malhotra have conceptualized and penned this captivating coffee table book. They take the readers along onto a fascinating journey into the exclusive world of discerning collectors and their eclectic collection. The book makes a honest attempt to highlight their definitive aesthetic vision, deep-rooted philanthropy, support and commitment to Indian art and artists.

As Indian contemporary art shines globally, ‘Elite Collectors of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art’ by authors (Publishers: Elite Media; Price: Rs 15,000 for a limited edition of 2,000 numbered copies) has turned the spotlight on renowned collectors such as Parmeshwar Godrej, Suresh Neotia, Tina Ambani, Harsh Goenka, Rajshree Pathy, Sangeeta Jindal, Abhishek Poddar among others), some are less well known Rakesh Agarwal, Mahesh Chandra, Mahinder Tak, Ashwani Kakkar, Malvinder Mohan Singh, Prashant Tuslyan, Sanjay Lalbhai, Rajiv Jehangir Chaudhuri and Dinesh Thacker.

Then there are some international collectors like Masanori Fukuoka and the late Chester Herwitz who find a mention in this first comprehensive tome on art collectors. Barring a few notable exceptions like Anupam Poddar, Lekha Poddar, Nitin Bhayana, Priya Paul, and the de Boers, this attractive coffee table book reflects the passion of avid art collectors.

The publication is a sincere and research based exercise to provide a glimpse into the rich collections of some of India’s top collectors, and their associations with the artists. ‘Elite Collectors of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art’ opens a window onto a wonderful world of passionate collectors. It introduces the readers to their eclectic and engaging collection.

‘Elite Collectors of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art’ is worth collecting for it showcases selected and favorite works of art of each collector, symbolizing their discerning eye and eclectic tastes.

‘Five Position Papers on the Republic’

‘Detour’ is a double-layered title. At one level, it refers to the manner in which one must sometimes go away to come back, move away from the object of love, attention or ideological commitment, in order to more fully understand and articulate it. Likewise, the photographic image registers a detour: it is generated at a remove from experienced reality, is born in the
photographer’s imagination, then connects back with the circumstances that sparked it off….”

This is how a curatorial note by art critic Ranjit Hoskote introduces a new exhibit at Mumbai based Gallery Chemould. It features artists Dayanita Singh, Sonia Jabbar, Ram Rahman, Ravi Agarwal and Samar Jodha Elaborating on the background of the show, Ranjit Hoskote notes in his essay: “When Shireen Gandhy of Chemould Prescott Road invited me to curate an exhibition commemorating the centennial of Gandhi’s seminal work, Hind Swaraj (1909), I responded with enthusiasm. " He adds:

"I have turned to this complex text many times in the last 25 years, and to other key texts from the vibrant intellectual landscape of late-colonial India. By turns illuminating, exasperating and inspiring, these utopian and redemptive writings remind us that ‘nationalism’ was not a single script; that the India these thinkers envisioned was, and will always be, a work in progress.

"This centennial is an occasion to consider whether the history of postcolonial India has been, not a linear progression towards new life-themes, but a roundabout return to the fundamental questions Hind Swaraj asks. Has post-1947 India been no more than a detour that brings us back to the debate between the two protagonists of Gandhi’s century-old dialogue: the Editor, embodying the reasoned and peaceful mode of emancipation, and the Reader, a belligerent advocate of violent revolution?

The Hind Swaraj centennial also registers six decades of independence: we pause to compare foundational text with actual outcome; we trace the directions that India, incarnating one among several geographical translations of the conceptual Hind of Gandhi’s title, has taken."

In this context, the detour is a productive trope of digression, self-interrogation and re-dedication.

Two decades of a rewarding art journey

On eve of his new show at Mumbai’s Gallery BMB, Bose Krishnamachari explains the secret of his stunning portfolio of nearly six hundred artworks that he has collected over a period of nearly five years.

Throwing light on his passion for collecting art in a free-wheeling interview to Jigna P of The Hindustan Times, the versatile artist shares the nuances of this exciting and enriching process. A show of his works is also being held to mark 20 years of his career in which he has established himself as an artist, collector, curator and, a gallerist of high caliber.

He recounts the first artwork he collected was done by Professor Ingle from Sir J. J. School of Art. He had rusticated the artist while studying there. Later, he bought another work at a sale of 1,000 ink drawings while studying at Goldsmith in the UK.

He did not have enough money then, still he bought it for nearly 60 pounds. Since then he has expanded his collection. Explaining how he has managed to do that, the versatile art personality states: “I believe in Karl Marx’s famous statement that ‘man is his own maker’. I like to make things happen with my dedication and hard work. I do not really plan my career. Nothing else except marriage was planned in my life. I’m not a dreamer. If I don’t have money and I want something, I earn the money and collect it.”

His message for art collectors is be generous with your passion and love. Make things happen. He thinks galleries should try to educate people about collecting art – what to invest in and what not because wrong suggestions can make things go wrong.Do check out the celebrated artist-curator-collector’s monumental LaVA (Laboratory of Visual Arts) project at Mumbai’s Gallery BMB unveils to mark two fulfilling decades of his art career.

Indian art market showing signs of recovery

Success of the winter 2009 auction by online auctioneer Saffronart indicates a return of confidence in the art market, a news report in the leading publication Times of India, quoting PTI claims.

The auction also included sculptures, paintings and drawings by several renowned contemporary artists like Raqib Shaw, Jagannath Panda, Subodh Gupta and Anju Dodiya all of whom did well. An untitled canvas by late Manjit Bawa went for a whopping Rs1.7 crore. This set a new record for the legendary artist from the country for his work.

The auction house revealed that the world record price achieved for his work was against an upper estimate of Rs 90 lakh. Importantly, the auction managed to gross Rs 20 crore by selling good 78 of the 100 lots that were on offer for bidding.

Nearly 62 percent of the works easily exceeded their pre-sale estimates. Along with Manjit Bawa, other modernists such as F. N. Souza, S. H. Raza, Tyeb Mehta, Jagdish Swaminathan and Akbar Padamsee led the sale with top prices. The auction also included sculptures, paintings and drawings by several renowned contemporary artists like Raqib Shaw, Jagannath Panda, Subodh Gupta and Anju Dodiya.

M. F. Husain's 'Untitled' work fetched Rs1.4 crore against Rs83 lakh, an estimated upper price. Subodh Gupta's 2005 untitled work led the satisfying sales among contemporaries by grossing Rs1.2 crore. This was against an upper estimate of Rs90 lakh.

With an average realized lot price of over Rs 25 lakh in comparison to just Rs10.5 lakh six months ago, these strong results clearly suggest the market sentiment has significantly improved, Saffronart CEO and co-founder Dinesh Vazirani was quoted as saying. Clearly, this is one of the most successful sales of the year. The better than expected results of the auction continue the upward trajectory of the Indian art scene.

Husain and Raza show together in London

There was a time when Husain and Raza could not even afford a cup of tea worth two paisa. They shared it from the same cup. Decades later, India's top progressive artists still shine brightly on the international art scene with name, fame and glory.

Depicting their grit and determination, Anubha Sawhney Joshi of The Times News writes: “Both had fire in their belly. They had a mission to demolish the then school of thought, which suppressed everything Indian. And they actually did! Both Husain and Raza, the last of India's living greats, are now settled in countries not their own. However, they continue to paint the world with the glorious colors of India."

M.F. Husain’s ‘Mother Teresa’ series and ‘The Five Rays of Raza’ have been unveiled for public viewing in London. The showcase has moved to Kings Road Gallery courtesy Tanya Baxter Contemporary.

‘The Five Rays of Raza’ shows his new works done in the last couple of years. It is in essence the culmination of seven decades of artistic endeavor. On the other hand, 18 hand-finished prints inspired by Mother Teresa series are a rare treat for art lovers. Mesmerized by this extraordinary persona, and fabulously framed in gothic arches, these iconic works get transformed into stained glass windows. These semi-abstracted works measure at least six feet in height. The series has not been shown in the UK before.

The managing director of Barclays Wealth International Private Bank, Michael Demirel, commented: “It’s a great pleasure to host such a notable exhibit of two highly respected individuals within the contemporary Indian art world. I’m certain this event will be of great interest to both art lovers and collectors alike.”

Christie’s will be sponsoring lecture series on both Indian artists as well as hosting a special program during the exhibitions. The curatorial team comprises Michel Imbert considered an authority on S.H Raza and Raisa Husain.

Indian art is moving far beyond its shores

The year 2009 has witnessed Indian art being showcased from Vienna to Japan and Berlin to New York.

Leading galleries worldwide such as Victoria Miro, Hauser and Wirth and Thomas Gibson in London, Vienna’s Gallery Krinzinger and Berlin based Gallerie Christian Hosp are hosting shows by Indian artists. Simultaneously, Sotheby’s auction of international contemporary art in November in NY had a Jitish Kallat’s work, ‘Dawn Chorus 17’, among many instances of Indian artists finding a wider representation globally.

Here are snapshots of the recent international shows of contemporary Indian art:

• Mori Museum in Japan hosted a show ‘Chalo India’. It was curated by Akiko Miki. This comprehensive exhibition presented an enchanting view of contemporary Indian art.• Hauser and Wirth is showcasing Subodh Gupta’s works.

• Thomas Gibson hosts Raqib Shaw and Rina Banerjee’s works on paper.

• Gallery Krinzinger hosts a group show of various Indian contemporary artists. The show is titled ‘Republic of Illusions’. Curated by Peter Nagy, it includes works by artists such as Sheba Chhachhi, Mithu Sen, Bharat Sikka, and Dayanita Singh among others.

• Gallerie Christian Hosp has had an Asian artists’ group show, comprising a large work by Delhi-based artist Anita Dube.

Confirming the trend to Ashoke Nag of The ET, director of the Mori Museum, Fumio Nanjo, noted: “It goes without saying that the cultural, urban and economic, developments occurring in the country today make it among the most interesting and dynamic nations in the world.”

Much research went into planning the exhibition, spanning over 60 visits to artists’ studios. Ultimately, over 100 artworks by 27 artists and artist groups - many of them new - were selected. They reflect a transformation happening at all levels of today’s Indian society and shed light on lifestyles and hopes of new-age India, providing a fascinating indication of its diverse popular and urban cultures and also address prevailing social issues, the art expert noted. Clearly, Indian art is moving far beyond its shores into uncharted territories.