MARKET FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

BIKASH CHOUDHURY

It is said ‘Odisha is the land of Art & Architecture’ only in speeches. Recently visited an art camp and exhibition at Jayadev Bhawan organized by ‘Together’ a forum of creative artist and supported by house of TATA; it was evening time and there were hardly any visitors apart from a few students of fine art from Bhubaneswar. Needless to mention there were repertoires of art on display from eminent artists and from students on various shades and techniques on many facets of life apart from the main theme-women issues. Such public apathy of art and artist is unpardonable, largely due to lack of encouragement from the state govt., few sponsors from local Industrial Houses & Business, little appreciation for art by rich & famous residents of Bhubaneswar city & across Odisha and few real connoisseurs of art and craft in political & bureaucratic leadership. All this have conspired against shaping a nascent art market in the city and therefore has not rekindled substantive public interest in art exhibitions which remain poorly attended events. Media has restricted itself to just reporting of art exhibitions and other related events; while its mandate were for shaping the public opinion on art and promote creative artist of the state. During the rules of monarchy the art, architecture and culture was actively promoted by the then rulers and their family as often they had deep personal interest on the subject. However, in our time the Member of Parliament and legislative assembly; who have replaced the ruling class of our history either ignore or don’t encourage art & artist due to lack of personal & family interest and moreover, that does not constitute any potential vote bank to be pursued with cash or kind. How do we create a vibrant market for contemporary art in the city of Bhubaneswar? First of all we need to create awareness among school & college students for appreciation of art and simultaneously develop a taste for art; which would later transform into genuine public interest in art & architecture. Art lovers across the world agree that art has the potential to change the attitude of mankind, inspire new ideas & ideologies in other creative pursuits and also drive innovation in science and technology. All developed societies have espoused the cause of art and artist at all times. Therefore, people in our city, social groups, business organizations, non-govt. organizations and our state govt. should pioneer the cause of promotion of art and artist in the city in the larger interest of socio-economic progress of the state. For a change individuals and organizations in the city should try to invest a certain portion of their surplus resources in buying art works every year; that could encourage artist to travel to the depth of their consciousness and experience to put art on the canvas to make us and our society much richer. No army has ever marched on an empty stomach neither any artist could display his excellence without optimum resources funded by market. And, market is mostly driven by ‘Glamour Quotient’; it is possible to create an aura around the Art & Artist taking a cue from IPL in sports. But, you will need a passionate sponsor and promoter of art like Lalit Modi in cricket. Our city has plenty numbers of business men turned politicians, media barons & bureaucrat turned political party boss, Eduprenures of Global reputation  and mafia turned businessmen with very deep pockets who can have an image makeover by giving a leg up to the art world of Odisha. Our state Govt. could become biggest investor of art in the beginning; apart from facilitating to showcase the very rich Odia School of art & architecture in mature markets like New York, London, Paris and Dubai. Any takers?  

#Flat No: 105, Kalpatru Nivas Apartment, Swarnapuri Road, Patia, Bhubaneswar-751024 India Mob: 9853426657 E-Mail: streben.marke@gmail.com Twitter: @ ideasofhope