Author: Nupur Mahajan
Publication: The Times of India
Date: April 3, 2001
On Indian artists not being accepted
globally
Q. What is wrong with contemporary
Indian artists, considering the deplorable reviews they got after the Tate
show in London?
A. Everything is all right. Indians
down the ages have been the best artists, and this continues to date. Western
art world wrote the art history and never included Indian art. Its' been
a conspicuous thing. Though we have been working seriously, they blindly
put it as Indian artists have nothing to say. But ten years down the line
they'll wake up and realise that all the art is elsewhere.
Q. Is it a question of lack of experience,
or lack of skill?
A. Neither. Indian artists are
the most educated and dynamic. We do not believe in fifteen minutes of
fame and in the western fascination with 'isms'. According to them (the
West) Indian art froze after Harappa.
Q. how can a new beginning be made
in the Indian art scene?
A. The Indian art scene is already
opening; the beginning has already been made. The country need to get organised
and we need a solid base for art appreciation. Galleries need to be on
a surer footing, and the art market needs to expand. In fact ten artists
including myself, Tyeb, Ram Kumar, Pyne, and Husain are going to New York
for a show on May 11.
Q. Where do Indian artists stand
on a global scale?
A. They are at par with the best
in the world.
Q. What of the Indian schools of
art? Should there be stress on academism or inspiration?
A. There was a time when the Baroda
school was ruling, and the stamp of the teacher was very strong. This is
changing. Academism curbs freedom, and there have always been rebels. At
the same time schools give you a solid back-ground in art history. There
needs to be a balance.
