Art Buzz: S T R E T C H by Nataraj Sharma (New York)

S T R E T C H by Nataraj Sharma Bodhi Art, New York, NY USA United States of America
Bodhi Art is proud to bring to New York Nataraj Sharma’s traveling exhibition titled ‘S T R E T C H’, completed during his 2006 residency at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute [STPI]. In ‘S T R E T C H’, paintings and mixed media etchings in paper, pulp and prints, Nataraj Sharma continues to explore the relationships between urbanization, landscapes and the human presence at the interstices of modernity. The opening of ‘S T R E T C H’ coincides with New York’s Asia Week - the focal point for significant Asian art auctions and gallery shows. The Asian Art Fair is widely lauded as the world’s leading Asian art fair and this year Bodhi Art is proud to participate and showcase the works of many Indian artists at this prestigious fair. Read Indepth Article at http://www.absolutearts.com

Art Exhibitions - Bangalore

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

One of the exhibitions is about colors, while the other group show offers an eclectic variety.

Jenny Bhatt’s recent works titled ‘Breathing Color’ are abstract works that resonate with colors. According to the artist, “the current series of works continues to explore reality vis-à-vis perception and the urban, Indian, feminine identity in a rapidly changing globalised world… In the visual realm, color is chosen as a means to achieve this, and for the space that it occupies within science, philosophy, religion and spirituality.” Patches of color, where some have a peripheral marbling effect are intended to stir the viewer with its vibrational energy and rhythmic patterns.


The exhibition is on till March 26 between 11:00 am - 7:00 pm except Sundays at The Hatworks Boulevard, 32 Cunningham Road, Bangalore – 52.

In this other show ten artists from Karnataka come together to exhibit their recent works. Artists AM Prakash, Basavaraj Jane, BS Desai, Kishore Kumar, Madhu Desai, MC Chetti, Mohan Sitnur, MS Murthy, PS Kademani and VB Biradar, have put together about twenty paintings, which vary in their content and style. There are colorful abstracts, Buddha figures, imagery based on folklore, a few inspired from rural scenes and some with spiritual undertones. Although most of these artists are not very well known, it is a good effort since provides the local artists a platform, and helps in showcasing their works.

The exhibition is on till March 23 between 10:00 am - 7:00 pm at Lakshana Art Gallery, 29/2 Race Course Road, Near Aradhya Circle, Bangalore -1.

(Published in Financial Times, Bangalore)

Art Exhibition - A visual representation of Aurangzeb’s reign

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

I met Francois Gautier earlier this week, when he was in Bangalore for the preview of the art exhibition he has organized.

This exhibition of miniature paintings is based on original documents and firmans (edicts) from Aurangzeb’s reign preserved in museums in Rajasthan, mainly the Bikaner archives. The paintings depict scenes from this period in the Moghol miniature style of painting. A visual representation of facts and events based on historical records, the works offer valuable insights into a dark and turbulent period that marked the beginning of the fall of the Moghol Empire.

Francois Gautier, a French journalist and writer residing in India for the last twenty years, is the man responsible for putting together the concept and the show. He reveals, “The documents and the paintings on display are based entirely on original archives, and we’re the first ones to exhibit them.” His organization FACT (Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism) has been active in creating global awareness on the plight of the Kashmiri Hindus. Gautier believes this exhibition is highly relevant today as it encourages religions to be more enlightened and tolerant.

Aurangzeb’s reign - a period ill famous for violence, cruelty, and religious intolerance has been depicted through drawings, paintings and explanatory text. Prince Dara Shukoh (Aurangzeb’s brother) translating the Upanishads, his farcical trial, demolition of temples, burial of music, and Aurangzeb writing his will are some of the paintings on display. Details of events and historical facts have also been put up along with each painting.

The Moghol miniature style of paintings is on the decline and Gautier hopes an exhibition such as this will revive interest in the art form. The exhibition will travel to Delhi, Mysore, Pune and other cities in the country.

The exhibition is on till March 25 at Gallery G, Bangalore.

(Published in Times of India, Bangalore)

Organizing an Art Exhibition

How to Organize an Art Exhibition -Tips on organizing a successful art exhibition

Recently, there has been a spurt in the number of art exhibitions in Bangalore. At some of these shows it was disheartening to see that there were hardly any visitors, almost no media coverage and consequently no sales. For all upcoming artists who are not sponsored by art galleries, organizing an exhibition of their artworks is a challenge in itself. Unfortunately, talent by itself is not sufficient, marketing and packaging have become very important ingredients in defining one’s success in almost every field.

Marketing is not a part of fine arts curriculum in India and although most artists acquire this ability over time, it helps to start right. A combination of creativity, good communication skills, marketing ability and media savvy-ness makes for a successful recipe. And, as most artists will agree, planning for an art show – preview, mailing lists, media coverage, details of the event all require extensive planning to ensure the success of an art show. Here, I have listed out a few points, which may help the new and upcoming artists.

Have ties
It helps to have some kind of a tie-up with an established and reputed art gallery. However, it is not always an easy task and if you are organizing an art exhibition completely on your own, it is important to start planning well before the event. Most art galleries are booked six months to a few years in advance, therefore depending on the timeframe, one can utilize the time to work out the nitty-gritty of the show.

Preview
It helps to organize a preview or an inauguration of the exhibition. These days, many hotels like to be associated with art related events and they could also be approached to provide the venue. Some hotels will do so in exchange of a painting. One can also look for a sponsor who can take care of the cocktails/appetizers for the evening. Do a cost estimate to have an idea about the expenses involved.

Invite and Catalogue
Design a nice invitation card with one or more of your paintings and ensure all relevant details are covered in it. If possible plan to have a catalogue, however this is more often done with sponsored shows.

Mailing list
Many art galleries in return for the rent of their premises will lend their mailing list. Sometimes mailing lists are also available on payment. It helps to have a local contact who can guide you in the right direction.
Plan in such a way that the invite reaches everyone about a week before the event.
If you plan on having a chief guest/guest of honor you will have to work simultaneously on confirming their availability.

‘Press kit’
Remember media plays an important role in providing press coverage and thereby determining the numbers that will visit the show. Put together a ‘press kit’ on a CD – photographs of artworks, artist profile & photograph, write-up on the exhibition such as what is the theme of the show, why was it chosen, what inspires you, how is it different from your earlier works, copy of a catalogue, if any, and an e-invite.
The press kit must be distributed to all local newspapers, magazines and television channel networks. This should be done at least 1 to 3 weeks in advance. If you would like to be covered in various section/supplements of a newspaper, remember, sending a single copy of the press kit is not enough. Take the trouble to find out who heads each section/supplement and mark different sets of the press kit to each of them.
Often freelance writers/art critics cover art related events, if you know their contact details, send them the press kit as well and follow up with a phone call. Alternately, leave a copy of the kit with the respective newspaper office and request them to forward it to the freelancer.

Follow up with a phone call to all the important people who you have invited for the event. Confirm again with your special guests. Please do not hound your guests and reporters with repeated phone calls this can put them off. Some galleries send out smses a day or two before the event to remind guests, one can follow this procedure as well.

If all this is too complicated and you have the cash to spare, hire a PR firm to take care of the publicity. Arty parties are very popular with the press for the Page 3 events section; so don’t forget to invite the press for the preview. Inviting the who’s who of the city will also make sure that the media takes an added interest in the event.

Send in your comments and suggestions (e-mail) on what more can be done to organize a good and successful art show.

Art Review - Abir Patwardhan

(By Nalini S Malaviya )

Abir Patwardhan’s first solo show in the city, presents his recent works that are inspired by nature. In this series titled ‘Prayer for the Porcupine’ Abir lays out a delightful array of fruit and seeds where forms rule and the fluidity of copper charms.

The sculptures draw inspiration from nature but refrain from being literal translations. Analogical at times, they are impressions, and sometimes imaginative renderings from fantasy. ‘Strange Fruit’ split in two has a frightening effect covered with wriggling worms, while ‘The outermost reaches of my mind’ has these long tentacles reaching out in exploration. The sculptures are beautiful, and have been crafted to perfection. With engineering precision and miniature detailing, the artist avoids being repetitive and offers a substantial variety. His sculptures have a sense of the unusual and even a touch of humor at times. Having worked in the past with paper, iron and ceramic amongst other mediums, the present series makes use of beaten copper. Abir first sketches out his concept, which then develops further in his drawings, and by the time he starts work with the metal it evolves in form and shape.

An avid traveler Abir admits he is fascinated by native arts and crafts. He believes such exposure adds perspective to one’s art and also helps in relating real situations to myths and legends. The artist has a master’s degree in fine arts (sculpture) from MS University Baroda, and lives and works in Pune. Prices begin at Rs 30,000.

The exhibition is on till March 14 at Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore –560 027.

(Published in Financial Times, Bangalore)