Shows such as Art Spotting III at Art Positive that displays a collection of paintings, sculptures, installations and digital creations by a group of 20 new emerging artists from across India is an excellent way to understand the latest trends in terms of thematic and materials being employed by artists.

Extending the Line, a group show curated by Julia Villasenor Bell at Vadehra Art Gallery is essentially a selection of drawings made by established and younger artists from the gallery’s own collection. The works explore the significance of line in creative process.

The cultural season begins this year with galleries showcasing younger talent through group shows.
One such group show Allegories at Art Konsult, explores the sensibilities of six young contemporary women artists, who come from diverse backgrounds, but who share a unique sensitivity towards their surroundings based not only on a keen observation but also participation in the same.

The current economic recession is hitting all investments, but especially white collar luxuries such as art. In the long term this may lead to a realignment in the aesthetic sensibilities and redefine what will be considered art, design or conceptual statement, the present concern of artists and galleries is survival.

It has been observed that in most cases art being produced today is not governed by ideology: religious, social or political.

The spectrum of movement in contemporary art in India as elsewhere has veered from AGIT Prop “Art for Ideology’s Sake” to the avant-garde art for art’s sake which eschews any ideology or life form outside of art but pre-fronts instead the ideology and grammar of art-ism, an ideology of fine art etc.

Last week this column highlighted the lack of art of protest in the post-globalised world. This week we look at the other side of the coin, that is the ‘decline and fall’ of ideologically driven art.

Every art historian avers that art of any period reflects the socio-cultural ethos of the age.

During the wedding season, if one were to drive towards the outskirts of any city, one can view the entire panorama of architectural marvels of Europe and royal India. The dome of St Paul jostles with that of Umaid Bhavan, the tower of London is simulated along with palazzo along the Grand Canal.

An interesting show by the Israeli artist Achia Anzi at Threshold Gallery excavates memory, disjuncture and omnipresent violence.