Painting a Different Picture

With the art boom came the rising interest in the field and several initiatives are now being taken to introduce connoisseurs to artistic nuances and provide an opportunity to the young. If Neepa is scouting for up-and-coming artists,Sanjeev Sharma,director of Zazen Art Centre,is approaching prospective corporates buyers and art collector Seema Bhalla aims to bring together different mediums of art—fine art to performing arts and fashion. Bhalla who has just returned from Lalit Kala Akademi,Delhi,after curating “Momentary Voices of Silence”,an exhibition of works by two Chandigarh-based artists,is busy working on a multi-dimensional art platform that will include elements of music,architecture,theatre,fashion and performing arts.”

“There has to be a structured way to promote art and culture also involving people from all walks of life,” says Sanjeev. He has intitiated a dialogue with companies,buyers and art investors for the promotion of young talent. An artist associated with various galleries as an advisor,Sharma feels that efforts must be consistent. “We will have an advisory for young artists and give them space to work in the gallery. We intend to take their work to different cities and help them reach out to buyers and corporates,” adds Sanjeev who is planning to organise workshops across Punjab. “This will give people an opportunity to view and buy a variety of works,” says Sanjeev.

A wide reach is also why Neepa is planning exhibitions and workshops across India —- from Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar,Kodaikanal and Puducherry. “We will act as business intermediaries and art management and purchase service,” says Neepa. In the current exhibition,she is exhibiting works by Madan Lal,Rajkumar,Anand Shinde and Pramod Arya others. “The exhibition will travel across Punjab. We hope to offer something new and expand our buyer base,” says Neepa.

It all amounts to art management,and Bhalla rightly labels it as a science.