Wine, cheese and some art musings....

One of the things, I love about Mumbai is the robust art and culture scene prevailing here. This city serves a heady concoction of various art forms throughout the year. I love art! I wish I could sculpt, curate art shows or paint at least! Since I can’t, I try to visit every possible exhibition in the city. This creative pursuit is such a high !

Attending art preview is even a greater kick! The ensemble of people is a great example of marketing and PR excercise! There are always plenty of interesting things going on worth a juicy, realistic plot for a Madhur Bhandarkar style of movie.

At some corner, a corporate executive’s wife, with a sparkle in her eyes, boasts how she grabbed a famous artist’s work. An old Bollywood celebrity relives a few moments of his lost glory in a small group.A television celebrity fervently attempts to be noticed while some socialite walks in flaunting an arm candy, half his age and enjoys envious looks coming his way! A politician or two, some sharp business brains and people from entertainment, media and art world make a happy picture with glass of sparkling wines and cheese platter.What I admire most at such occasions is the dignified, healthy detachment shown by some old art connoisseurs and artists.

The mad frenzy in Indian art market is reflected in the way things are changing in the art world. Artists want to have bigger shows and association with reputed galleries, hoping it to result into participation at prestigious international auctions. Galleries want better brand positioning, broader client base and be ahead in the race of identifying, engaging and promoting potentially great artists, likely to be considered “hot properties“. Everybody wants to acquire art at the right time and price, lest they miss the ride. Sounds familiar? Yeah, it’s just like stock market or any other asset class. It’s as fierce a game. Albeit, the way it is played, is far more creative and sophisticated. The sad part is, in this whole game, the core essence of art – creativity, does not get the prominence that it so rightfully deserves. A lethal combination of shrewd business acumen, greed, power and money has overpowered aesthetic dimension of art.

I have been very fortunate to have enriching interactions with some of the great artists at the exhibitions. Most of them are very happy to share and answer the questions that I always pose. They love it when it comes from person like me who doesn’t have academic burden or influence of any concepts in art. I have learnt so much from these conversations and I always cherish them!

Like everything around us, world of art too is evolving. Galleries are no more boring places where only "elite" go. They are reflection of changed approach and mindsets of the new age artists. I love some new galleries, with very inviting, contemporary ambience and lovely cafes. Few galleries have started interactive sessions encouraging dialogues between the artists and their audience. That is great news for an art lover like me. It’s time to say cheers! And no, I don’t mind witnessing tales of cocktails at art previews. By the way,I am a teetotaler!