With as many as many as 16 galleries from abroad, the second edition of the India Art Summit at the Pragati Maidan in Delhi was conspicuous by the considerable growth in the presence of art galleries both from the country as well as overseas marking remarkable growth in the number of participants and presence of the artworks.

Undeterred by the gloom in the global economic scenario, the exhibitors, particularly those from the abroad evinced deep interest in the potential of the Indian art market as some of them called it the ‘market of hope’ amidst the global recession.

Katja W. Ott, representing Beck & Eggeling gallery from Dusseldorf, Germany felt privileged as she disclosed that they are exhibiting in India for the first time and representing five contemporary artists including Desmond Lazaro (UK), Viveek Sharma, Sonia Mehra (India) Chawla, George Martin and Hema Upadhyay.

When asked about the prospects of an art summit in a developing country like India, Katja explained, how, with the societal changes, people in countries like India are becoming increasingly aware of arts making the country a potential place as the art market.

Talking about the impact of recession on the art market, Katja says, “Current global crisis had an impact on art market and the buyers have become more careful, these days. Instead of shares and stocks people these days are investing more and more in arts,” explains Katja.

Stefan Wimmer, managing partner, Beck & Eggeling (Germany), talking about the Indian art market feels that with the welfare growing in the developing countries, like India, and a greater number of people living a better life, the potential is all set to grow. Talking about the India art summit he says, “It has been a good chance for the European art galleries to come and explore the Indian art market,” Stefan summarises.

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