Sabavala: True, it does not matter really if you belong to a generation that works with wood or fibre glass; whether you are an artist from Kerala or Mumbai. What ultimately matters is that one leaves your show feeling that one has gained something; the work has touched one’s life in a way that is not superficial or ‘clever’. I must say that I find some new media works a little bewildering and not easy to enter. Sometimes one is left wondering if this is art at all or just novelty.

Komu: New media art can be bewildering since it’s in a nascent stage. There is not enough awareness about it, for it is not even taught in art colleges. While the medium is very inclusive and incorporates disciplines like Internet art, performance art and digital art, people are yet to accept these as art forms. While in the West there is already a platform for it, in India it is still considered a new art form. With time and more awareness, people will find this less bewildering.

Sabavala: Well, Riyas. It was lovely meeting you. All the best for your show.

Komu: Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.

(Conversation moderated
by Georgina Maddox)