Installations by M Shanthamani

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

A set of black pickle jars, a pregnant lady along with a potted plant, and an ominous cloud suspended in a dark room appear theatrical and carefully staged to form a set of installations that have been cast with paper pulp and charcoal.
Shanthamani’s preoccupation with fragmentation continues in this exhibition as well. Her last show of paintings dealt with issues arising out of the city’s rapid urbanization, the resultant identity crisis and associated socio-economic concerns. Here too, there is an emphasis on the disintegrating urban environment, ecological imbalances and man-made catastrophes waiting to happen.

The set of four installations, Frozen Phoenix is a paradox, which force one to question whether the human resilience will rise above all odds or will it succumb to the effects of an altered environment. Being a woman artist, Shanthamani is able to bring a greater level of gender sensitivity in her works.
The black pieces of charcoal are a product of millions of years of ecological changes within the earth’s crust, and yet they annihilate in moments before turning to ashes. A symbol of ephemeral-ism, it causes one to reflect on the transience of the human race, and at the same time draws attention to the lingering impacts of irresponsible actions.

The use of charcoal as a metaphor works well in the sculptures and one is irrevocably drawn to the intense interpretations offered by the artist. The black cloud suspended in the dark space creates an eerie and somewhat surreal effect. The pregnant woman appears frail yet resilient as she stands next to the blackened potted plant.
This time Shanthamani’s works are powerful enough to succeed in unsettling the viewer. Part of a curated show, the installations will next move on to New Delhi.

The exhibition continues at Gallery Sumukha till 24th of August

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Prints an affordable option

(Nalini S Malaviya)

Prices of paintings and sculptures have reached astronomical heights and art lovers are now looking for affordable options. Etchings, serigraphs and lithographs are emerging as an alternative to traditional forms of art. Limited edition prints are fast gaining in popularity among all classes of investors and collectors. Prints by modern artists such as Raza and Husain are already in the higher bracket and may even be out of reach for many buyers. Usually in terms of pricing prints cost a fraction of the cost of a painting by the same artist.

In fact, one now hears of collectors who like to invest only in prints and are actively on the lookout for upcoming artists who are proficient in printmaking.
There are a few artists who specialise in printmaking and their works are extremely sought after. Artists such as Krishna Reddy (one of the finest printmakers in the country), Laxma Goud, Zarina Hashmi and Atin Basak are a few names that are known for their fine quality prints.
The initial resistance to prints was mainly due to the fact that printmaking involves multiple copies. However, gradually the perception has changed and people are realising that this too is an original art form. The change has occurred over the years as the awareness about printmaking techniques has permeated the buyer’s consciousness.
An edition size could be as low as five or as high as fifteen, but ideally a lower edition size is preferred.

When buying a print, one should ensure it is a print and not a poster. In case of an intaglio, look for the plate mark which is an indentation along the edges which appears due to the pressure with which the paper is pressed upon in transferring the design. Limited edition prints are signed and numbered (S/N) by the artist. The lower the number of prints the better its investment value, however the higher the number of prints the more affordable it is.

(Published in Financial Times)

Art Buzz (Bangalore) Dilip Kr Ghosh & Surajit Chanda

Art Buzz (Bangalore) Group Show

TOTO AWARDS 2009 - PHOTOGRAPHY - CALL FOR ENTRIES

TOTO AWARDS 2009
PHOTOGRAPHY

CALL FOR ENTRIES

TOTO FUNDS THE ARTS (TFA), in association with TASVEER, invites entries for its second annual TOTO awards for young Indian photographers. Two cash awards of Rs. 25,000 each will be given in January, 2009.

The spirit of the Toto Awards is to identify promise and encourage young talent. THEREFORE, entries are only invited from young people -- over the age of 18, and who will not have celebrated their 30th birthday before January 1, 2009.

The submissions should comprise a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 36 photographs, either in colour or black and white, or a mix of the two.

The photographs should comprise still images. Video photography will not be accepted.
They should be high resolution (print quality): 350-600 dpi.
The submission should be made on CD (three copies) along with hard copies of five photographs of your choice. These should be in reasonable size, i.e. easily visible, but not larger than A-4.
The photographs could be on one theme or an assortment of themes. Your choice.
Submitted material will not be returned.

Entries should reach TOTO FUNDS THE ARTS (TFA) by 4 October, 2008 at the latest.

TOTO FUNDS THE ARTS (TFA)
H 301 Adarsh Gardens, 8th Block, 47th Cross, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 082
Phone: 080-26990549
If you have any further queries, please write to totofundsthearts@yahoo.com

THE FINE PRINT:

Entries must be accompanied by a signed statement confirming the applicant’s date of birth, whether the applicant’s work has been published in print (give details), and also affirming that the submitted work is original. Please ensure that the submitted CDs and prints do not carry your name on them. Submitted entries will be given code numbers to protect applicants’ identities from the jury during the judging process.

Submitted material will not be returned.

The decision of the TFA jury is final and cannot be contested in any forum.

Please note: We reserve the right to use your photographs (if necessary) to publicise the awards and in any in-house materials such as a newsletter. Otherwise, the copyright rests with the photographer and your submission will be put to no other use without your express permission.

TOTO FUNDS THE ARTS (TFA) is a not-for-profit public trust set up in memory of Angirus ‘Toto’ Vellani, who was intensely passionate about music, literature and films. Tasveer is an organisation committed to showcasing the finest in photography.