Host of new talent in art field
Hyderabad: The ecosystem of contemporary art in India is a thriving playground teeming with the richness of creativity displayed by the artists of the present. And, if one is looking to start building a contemporary art collection there are a plethora of artists engaged in different forms of practices whose works are sure to entice you.
While acquiring contemporary art, it is advisable to follow the time-tested advice of starting small and going by your taste instead of what’s popular.
With several lots being offered without a reserve, the upcoming ‘Present Future,’ contemporary art auction presents a splendid opportunity to take your first step towards building a collection with enthralling pieces by artists of younger generations whose works represent the prevalent art trends and gives an insight into the future of contemporary art.
One of the artists to watch out for is Nikhil Chaganlal who has a mastery over creating vibrant colourful interior landscapes that are often autobiographical. Reminiscent of childhood homes, these interiors are alive with objects, elaborate furnishings and express a vulnerability that is complemented by layers of decadence and fantasy.
Arunanshu Chowdhury explores the theme of historical memory portraying his subjects across multiple mediums such as acrylic on canvas, marble dust on fibreglass, and watercolour. His works are a reaction to the violent nature of society and emanate a feeling of intense vulnerability. Heavily influenced by the politics of current times, Chowdhury uses his art as a means of expressing his anguish at the frivolous nature of contemporary society.
Paintings by artist Abir Karmarkar are executed with extreme attention to detail. His hyper-realistic interiors created with a synthesis of vivid colours and reflection render his work a sense of deceptive photorealism.
Also, embracing photorealism to create hyper-realistic imagery on canvas is artist Shibu Natesan. Said to be a pioneer of ‘mediatic realism’ in India, Natesan creates works that look like photographs from a distance but turn into something rich and strange upon close inspection.
Prasanta Sahu’s paintings which function as social commentary are drawn from personal experience. He uses ready images borrowed from myriad sources like newspapers or magazines. These images carry specific meanings in their own space and create an edgy co-existence of conflicting values when reorganised within vividly painted areas of the canvas.
Chittrovanu Mazumdar is an artist of Bengali-Indian and French descent whose large scale canvases are executed with bold brush strokes, abstract layers and figurative imagery. Evoking powerful responses, his work can add that touch of a profound brilliance to an art collection.
Works by artist Saju Kunhan are intensely personal and represent the existence of a larger community. He explores the themes of migration and displacement through his method of image transfers on teak wood.
A proficient printmaker, Viraj Naik’s mediums of choice are acrylics and watercolours. His works, often figurative, emanate a distinct Goan feel. The artist is very well-known for his drawings, etchings, and sculptures of hybridised subjects that are inspired by mythology and folklore.
Amalgamating the human and the animal in his works, Naik believes, “There is no difference between man and animal. We are also animals.” His paintings which are an exploration of the dark or beastly side of man are a reflection of our own internal psyche.
A multidisciplinary artist, Sonia Mehra Chawla explores notions of selfhood and nature with her art practice. Using a variety of media including photography, fine art printmaking, video, installation and painting, she explores the crossroads of arts and science with a focus on humane engagement with the natural world.
Jagannath Panda is another artist whose works concern the degradation of natural habitats. Drawing inspiration from his home state of Odisha and the ceaselessly developing city of Gurgaon where he now lives, the artist explores a juncture where animals as an extension of humans stand in suffering and contention with the rapid urbanisation.
With 115 works by 83 contemporary artists, AstaGuru’s upcoming auction is scheduled on February 10 to 11, 2022.
Ankita Talreja, Senior Specialist, AstraGuru.
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