Art Buzz (Nov 28, 2006)

Charming Nation an exhibition of paintings by NS Harsha
till Nov 29 at Max Mueller Bhavan

Exhibition of recent paintings by Unnikrishnan
till Nov 29 at Chitrakala Parishath

Exhibition of recent paintings by Paresh Hazra
Nov 29 to Dec 1 at Welcom Art Gallery
Dec 2 to 8 at Rightlines Art Gallery

Review - Shankar Kendale

Art director to painter. Shankar Kendale gave up a successful career in the advertising world to become a full time artist. The transition happened about ten years ago, when he took a year-long break to explore his painterly skills. His works are mostly figurative, although he has done a few abstracts in the past. The current series features portraits of men and women amidst rural settings. Kendale places his subjects against rustic settings, adds pots and other rural bits and pieces to create a pretty picture. He is technically sound and has a good sense of light and shade. The backgrounds in general are fairly abstracted apart from a door or a step against which he props his subject. Traces of his design background are evident in all his works – in the composition and choice of colors. Overall, pleasant works and reasonably priced.

Prices range between Rs 25,000 and Rs 70,000.

The exhibition is on till Nov 30 at KYNKYNY.

Art Buzz

There is a lot more happening in the art world this winter in Bangalore...

Recent paintings by Jyoti & Shantkumar Hattarki
Nov 24 to Dec 9, 2006 at Crimson art gallery at Hatworks Boulevard

Paintings by Reba Hore
Nov 27 to Dec 7, 2006 at Gallery Sumukha



Abstract Notions - photographs by Shibu Arakkal
Nov 25 to Dec 5, 2006 at Galerie Sara Arakkal

Gallery Sumukha opened in Chennai on November 15 with a group show entitled “Take Two”. The gallery was inaugurated by Jogen Chowdhury, with Laxma Goud as Guest of Honour. The exhibition features 78 works combined in unexpected cross-generational groupings and thematic ensembles. The striking variety of works - paintings, sculptures, etchings - together propose a series of conversations among the works and accentuate important innovations in Indian Contemporary Art. The exhibition signifies Sumukha's efforts in removing regional borders in Indian Contemporary Art by showcasing pan-Indian artists.

More events you know of... mail me...

Contemporary Indian Art – what about quality?

Gone are the days when artists had complete freedom to express their creativity in various ways. With greater creative freedom came more experiments and newer art trends. Whereas now due to the phenomenal growth in art prices, commercialization of art has taken a turn where more and more galleries are dictating terms to artists. Not only are artists ‘under contract’ by art galleries, but galleries have begun telling them what to work on. Based on the current demand, galleries ensure that the artist delivers, even if it means repeating series with a few minor changes. This is not based on general global trends but specific to the market demand of that particular artist. Shankar Kendale, a Bangalore based artist says, “The demand for my figurative works is much more than my abstracts and most galleries insist that I keep giving them figurative works. I have not been able to work on abstracts for the last two years.” On the plus side this translates into more sales. Despite the regular source of income some artists feel in five to ten years they run the risk of getting stereotyped. Gallery owner Namrata Radhakrishnan feels, “the artists too should take a stand and refuse to create works that look like they are mass-produced. In the long run this trend will harm both the artist as well as the gallery.”

With greater demand, the contracted artist is also forced to supply a certain number of works to the gallery. Noted artist SG Vasudev cautions, “With galleries dictating terms the artist will be soon reduced to a craftsman.” He questions, “you might be safe in accepting such commissions but are you happy as an artist?” He insists there is a huge demand for good art and there are people willing to wait for your next series to invest in. Cleary, there is increasing compromise in the quality of the artworks. Generally, younger artists trying to find a foothold in the world of art are more susceptible to succumbing under pressure. Vasudev advises, “It is important to have the right perspective and grow step by step.” The contemporary Indian art market is all set to grow further, renewed focus on quality and use of best practices will ensure it makes a greater mark in the International arena.

Art Buzz

Bengal Art - A group show - an exhibition of paintings and sculptures
Nov 19 - 23: Mahua at The Leela at Mahua
Nov 24 - 30: Mahua at Dollar Colony

Friends of a Feather - bird and animal figurines in clay by Leila Bose Powar
till Nov 25 at Time and Space Art Gallery

Ayam, a mix of abstracts and Madhubani paintings by Sugandha Mehta
till Nov 20 at Chitrakala Parishat

Mythologies and Memories by Vishwajyoti Ghosh
Nov 20 - 27 at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore