Showcase of Indian contemporary art here last week draws a big crowd
Last month, the Indian art market recorded a minor rebound following the 2008 slump caused by the global recession. Optimistic signs appeared in March when a Sotheby's sale in New York fetched nearly US$7 million. This renewed confidence was evident in Singapore at the opening of Kala Sutra at The Arts House.
India's Sanchit Art made its first international debut with a collection curated by Arun Ghose, drawing nearly 500 people on opening night. The event, jointly organized with local company Phi Events, featured prominent Indian masters including Jogen Chowdhury, Thota Vaikuntam, Paresh Maity, Jayasri Burman, and Neeraj Goswami.
Sanchit Art's director, Sunil Joshan, stated the intent was to bring the "best out of India" and encourage interaction between the public and the artists. This strategy proved successful, as buyers were seen making last-minute deals even after the show officially closed on the night of April 21. Of the 76 artworks displayed, nearly 40 were sold, including all nine paintings by Vaikuntam.
The exhibition was arguably the largest showcase of Indian contemporary art in Singapore in recent years. Curator Arun Ghose highlighted "Soul" as the defining characteristic of Indian art, which was demonstrated when artists sketched non-stop for visitors. The collection offered a mix of folk and mythological influences, such as Vaikuntam’s village women and the layered canvases of Chowdhury and Burman.
Maity’s signature abstract style and Goswami’s Cubist semi-abstract figures were also featured. Photographer and collector Ranjan Ramchandani praised the quality of the artists, while Paresh Maity described it as one of the "most well-attended exhibitions in Singapore". By the end of the event, the Phi Events team, including Ritika Khattar, Vidya Vasania, and Kavita Bhavnani Rahi, celebrated the successful showcase.