Indian artists big hit with foreign galleries at art fair

Internationally celebrated artist Subodh Gupta occupied a pride of place at the entrance to the Fair, with Galleria Continua from Italy displaying his yet another 'steel wonder' titled 'Mirror Stage' bearing his trademark signature.

"We are proud to present the works of internationally renowned artist Subodh Gupta and his iconic steel installation priced at 275,000 euros and two of his oil paintings at 50,000 euros each," Mylene Ferrand of the gallery told PTI.

Gallery Continua also presented another Gupta beside his namesake. Mumbai artist Shilpa Gupta large hazy-looking "self-reflective" photographs are indeed drew many eyeballs at the fair.

But, it's not just Italy showering its love on Indian artists, a gallery from Baltic region of Latvia presented solely the works of Indian artists and takes pride in their collection.

"We are only presenting Indian artists here but I must tell you that as foreign artists at our gallery back in Latvia we only have Indian artists," Ivonna Veiherte of Art Gallery 21 from Riga, Latvia told PTI.

With works of artists like Krishna Murari and Baala R, the gallery drew visitors by the horde.

"This work by Baala titled 'Organic Life, Artificial Life' tagged at Rs 18 lakhs is our prized collection here as it tells so many stories," Ivonna added

'Organic' represented through a concrete engraving a mixed metal meshwork with a wall installation coupled with floor-based metallic nest made out of rusted iron scrapes is a "commentary on our changing society and its values".

The artist hosted by the Latvian gallery, Krishna Murari whose two works are on display but his giant squirrel riding an oxygen cylinder and wearing an oxygen mask is certainly inviting eyeballs and curiosity.

"Krishna is a very talented Indian artist. He was also nominated for the Best Artist category at the Art Vilnius in Lithuania in 2012," said Ivonna.

Countries not carrying Indian works too expressed pleasure at being in company of the Indian artists.

Mickael Adjdj of the French LTD Gallery said ,"We are happy to come to India for the first time. Indian artists are very talented and we wanted to come, interact and experience their work here." MORE