All's fair in arty pursuits

Art fairs across the globe create new dimensions to promote art, and despite breaking the classic four-walled gallery concept, succeeding in art is in itself a phenomenal victory.

One such marvellous art fair was recently held in the plush Leela Palace in the city. On display were the exquisite wizardry of 100 exquisite artists from across India and in combination with some exquisite jewellers from the city.

The three levels of The Colonnade featured both contemporary and modern art, new medium art forms like video installations and sculptures.

Different types of art connoisseurs came to the fair with distinctive tastes, and with so much of art on display they were spoilt for choice.

A key objective of the IAGF 2016 was to expose works from all over India, which included both Indian masters as well as fresh undiscovered talent at the highest international level. 

Footfall exceeded the previous year said Meena Das Narayan, organiser and curator and one of the standout artists of the IAGF, “We received artwork from all parts of India, including Aligarh. The artists featuring in the event  included everyone from Yusuf Arakkal to Milind Nayak, Subrata Das, Sachin Jaltare, Jatin Das  to younger artists like Sunil Bambal, Sujata Sah Sejekan and Hansraj Kumawat. Overall, the response has been better than I expected. We also organised a competition among schools and the artwork that emerged was very impressive. Most importantly, we need Bengalureans to take pride in this fair that we are trying to use to make the city the hub for art and jewellery in the coming years. I hope in the coming years dedicated art collectors, architects and interior designers will encourage a lot more artists by buying their works and spreading the word, it has to be a movement where all are involved.”

Some of the artworks at the art fair were a sight to behold, with an eclectic mix of contemporary, mixed media and king size sculptures, the fair had artists in full strength.

Veteran artists like Rekha Rao and Mani M Mani offered their support and were in full praise of the magnitude of the fair. The opening was an incredibly colourful evening which saw Bharathnatyam and classical dance by talented dancers like Madhu Natraj.

Such art fairs not only offer a breath of fresh air but also bring all artists under one roof and give collectors a unique opportunity to witness rich talent on display. One can be assured that the next year’s edition will break new boundaries and sure be bigger, better and ooze grandeur.
— The writer is an art curator
and art expert