Smaller artworks more in demand

It appears that size matters when it comes to sale of artworks. Artists who have a penchant for large-sized canvasses are often asked by galleries to scale down their creations. Online galleries in particular find smaller format works move faster than the larger ones. Living in apartments, especially in metros, translates into multifunctional living spaces, which makes it impossible for buyers to display art that is large-sized. Most of the buyers still buy art for its decorative value and for the sole purpose of putting it up on the wall and beautifying the space. Although, recently, buyers have begun to combine art's aesthetic value with its investment potential, the problem of space remains. There are those investors who buy art and stash it in their cupboards and storerooms but one must remember that paintings can get damaged easily. Scratches, tears, mould, insects are just some of the problems that one can face if the environmental and storage conditions are not conducive. Therefore, it is advisable to hang paintings on the wall and availability of space then becomes a crucial element. Smaller-sized works are generally more affordable and that is also another important factor that aids its popularity.

There are many artists who like to paint on canvasses bigger than 4x5 feet but to find space for them in an apartment maybe a challenge. For instance, Bangalore-based artist Murali Cheeroth who works with very large canvasses feels that he has been getting a very good response for them from his buyers during shows. But, he admits, that an online gallery has approached him and has advised him to come out with a range of smaller works. This, incidentally, can be a challenge for artists who get used to larger-than-life portrayals. On the other hand, corporate offices prefer to go for larger works that can take up a wall. In fact, murals are also popular with corporate set ups. The impact of a large painting, mural or sculpture, is magnified due to its sheer size and it is this very fact that draws the discerning buyer who also has ample wall space.

(Published in Financial Times)

The week that was - Bangalore

Surprisingly, just when I thought nothing happens in summer, there was a lot of creative activity in the city. Remember the sculpture workshop I had talked about a couple of weeks ago? Well it ended recently with all the artists having created at least 1 sculptural piece. The good thing about a workshop such as this is that it offers a fantastic opportunity to watch artists at work. To see the changing shape of the clay over the days was an exciting process. The inimitable Laxma Goud finished with three pieces – complete with ornate designs and elaborate detailing. Talk about energy! Alex Mathew created a fascinating clay model of Francisco Goya’s etching ‘The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters’. I look forward to seeing that in bronze. Jyotsna Bhatt from Baroda worked and conditioned the clay diligently over and over again just as she does with her ceramic pieces, to finally make a delightful cat. Some of you will remember the Ahmedabad based sculptor Karl Antao who had an exhibition of his sculptures in the city last year. Working along similar lines, he made busts of a man and woman joined together at the base. I have to say his works are quite intense and cerebral. I enjoyed Manjunath Kamath’s self-portrait with a quizzical and satirical touch. Reghu and his take on rural men and women are quite well known in Bangalore, he made a similar model here too. All the clay models will be cast in bronze later on and will hopefully be put up for public viewing.

The Kala Utsav was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture at the newly renovated Venkatappa Art Gallery. Artist SG Vasudev’s catalogue - the Kannada version of his last show ‘Past Forward’ was released during the festival. There seemed to be quite a few artists (50, I’m told) participating in the 5-day event, but unfortunately most of the works that were put up were quite mediocre. However, there were some interesting paintings from Ken School of Art and a few sculptures from CAVA, Mysore.

Finally, last Friday, Ravikumar Kashi held a daylong informal preview of his paper installations that are going to be a part of an international art fair to be held later in the year in Santa Fe. The books have been made out of paper pulp and I had seen some of them before at his studio, but the other works titled ‘What if’ have been made recently. These are similar to an earlier series ‘Armour’ that he had done a couple of years ago.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Brand Value in Art

The list of branded watches, bags, and designer clothing now has a new addition - the painting on the wall. Not just any painting but one created by an artist who is a brand by himself. Going by recent auction reports it seems that new records are being created for artists who are perceived as huge brands. The price tags associated with certain artists can only be explained by their brand value. Internationally as well as within the country this trend is catching on big time. Indian artists have never had it better before. Brand Husain is immense and not only because of his art. His penchant for courting controversies and his constant presence in media ensures that his brand value never dips. Just as celebrity participation in talk shows and reality programmes on the small screen have spun success stories for the producers and advertisers, so have a select group of artists for their collectors and investors. The man on the street may not have heard of the local artist living down the lane but will surely have heard of Husain.

It is no surprise that art as a profession is catching the imagination of many youngsters. The million dollar records that are set and broken at international auctions spell glamour and attraction. Some of these artists who have a great international appeal and presence have acquired almost a cult status. People seem to covet their works irrespective of the fact whether they can relate to it or not. MF Husain, SH Raza, FN Souza, Subodh Gupta, Jitish Kallat are just some of the names that have become bigger than their art. The demand for these artists has grown dramatically over the years and has translated into phenomenal sales as well. These artists have become synonymous with status and a ready recall value, which adds to their brand value. Even the uninitiated approach art galleries and dealers with names from this list to ensure their investments remains safe and appreciates well in the next few years. It does appear that in art too the brand rules.

(Published in Financial Times)

Art : Anu Jain

One of my readers Abha told me about artist Anu Jain. Anu had her first art exhibition in Bangalore recently, and although I could not see the works at the gallery, I did visit her website and I have to say I'm so impressed with this gutsy girl. Differently abled, she paints by holding her brush in between her elbows, but you need to look at her sketches and paintings to realise the amount of effort she must be putting in - incredible detailing and layering. There is so much of spontaneity and joy in her paintings that one can only applaud her indomitable spirit. Do see her works at her website. http://anujain.org

A world of fantasy - Gurusiddappa GE

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

Bangalore based artist Gurusiddappa GE held a special preview of his recent works in the city. Titled ‘The first rain after a long summer’ this particular series will be exhibited later in Mumbai. A world of fantasy is created where ordinary people - men, women and children are transported into the realms of an imaginary zone. There are only 14 canvases on display, but Gurusiddappa’s predilection with larger than life images continues, and therefore his paintings dominate through sheer size and fantastic imagery. Technically Gurusiddappa is extraordinarily competent and his skill is remarkably demonstrated in these works as well.


Gurusiddappa won the National Award from the Lalitkala Academy, New Delhi in 2004. He completed his BFA in Painting from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat and then went on to do his MFA from MS University, Baroda. Gurusiddappa belongs to Chitradurga district in Karnataka and traces of his early days of childhood are evident in this particular series. The star lit sky, magical moments found in everyday elements, and ordinary people who dominate the canvas. Not to forget the children who caress the moon and ride mythical creatures against a backdrop of a glittering sky. What stands out is that there is a sense of theatrics and drama in his paintings. When you look at the dark sky with a million stars, or the moon held in the palm of a child as he flies across the sky riding a fabled creature, a delicious sense of nostalgia and warmth pervades. The canvases with children - presented in various forms – playful, innocent, curious and mischievous invoke a naïve appeal. In most of these works there are surreal elements that have been cleverly infused along with other elements of fantasy, which only add to their visual charm. This seems to work well in most of the paintings, except a few.

Gurusiddappa has drawn from his own experiences; for instance he worked earlier with street children and this has helped him to relate to their perspective and present it effectively. In one of the works, a couple of children look on while a pair of street dogs sway on a swing.
The other strong influence that is evident is his theatre experience - as an actor and a set designer – in the larger than life imagery and the arresting backdrops. According to Gurusiddappa literature and poetry in particular has also given shape to his art. This series is in many ways like the stanzas of a poem - each verse unfolds with a new canvas. However, some of the works appear repetitive, where the content remain the same and there are only slight variations, which makes them somewhat monotonous for the viewer. For instance, in a painting that could be autobiographical, Gurusiddappa balances his daughter on his legs, while resting against a delightful crescent moon. In the next painting the image is repeated with a woman holding the child on her lap.

The first rain after a long summerOctober 30 – November 2, 2007
Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore
The exhibition then moves to Mumbai from November 30 to December 17 at Sakshi Gallery.
(Initially published on mattersofart.com, but now the site seems to have closed down, so here's the review - NM )