Art Buzz

List of Art Galleries, Bangalore

Here's a list of art galleries in Bangalore:

1. Gallery Sumukha
2. Time & Space Art Gallery
3. Crimson Art Resource
4. Mahua Art Gallery
5. Galerie Sara Arakkal
6. KYNKYNY
7. Gallery G

Contemporary art market heading towards stabilization

(Nalini S Malaviya)

A market report by the leading auction house Sothebys points out that the recent results from auctions of art suggests that the Contemporary art market appears to be stabilizing after several years of rapid growth. Although, the report takes into consideration all contemporary art, it is an important summarization that will have an impact on the growth of the Indian art market as well. The report suggests that the collector base appears to be broadening, which means that the market is likely to see a further stabilization in the future. It also discounts the idea that the art market prices are likely to fall due to the rapid rise seen in the last few years.

According to the ArtTactic Indian art market analysis, contemporary Indian art is gaining momentum, and more Indian works are likely to be seen in Western contemporary auction. In fact, the report suggests that this may even happen probably at the expense of Chinese contemporary art. Newer partnerships that are being forged between leading galleries and Indian artists will have far-reaching impact on the prices and will provide greater exposure to Indian artists. According to these reports the future of Indian art market looks secure, at the moment.

All eyes are now on the Saffronart autumn online auction of Contemporary Indian art, which will take place online from September 3 - 4. This auction features 130 works by 62 artists of modern and contemporary Indian art. Previews will be held in New York and Mumbai prior to the online auction. Next in line is Sothebys Modern and Contemporary Indian art auction, which will be held on Sep 18 in New York. The sale features 127 lots by senior and upcoming artists from the country. Jamini Roy, FN Souza, Ganesh Pyne, Atul Dodiya, Baiju Parthan, Jitish Kallat, Hema Upadhaya are some of the artists whose works will be auctioned at the sale. Collectors and investors will find it interesting to see the results from these two auctions as they will further indicate the growth rate of the Indian art market.

(Published in Financial Times. ET online - title for the story erroneously reads Contemporary art edging towards stagnation instead of stabilization)

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)