DAG at India Art Fair

There is much anticipation and excitement as the India Art Fair opens its doors for viewing today. With renown works, international exhibits and some of the masters theres a lot to look forward to. Ahead of the fair, IANSlife took the opportunity to speak with one of Indias leading galleries, DAG, about there exhibit at IAF.DAG will feature an iconic series 'Masterpieces: 100 years of Indian Art at India Art Fair 2020,' showcasing carefully chosen Masters of modern Indian art. In conversation with Mr. Ashish Anand, MD & CEO of DAG, we find out more details.

There is a wave of patriotism currently across the country; do you think this will find a reflection in contemporary art?

Anand: A variety of concerns and aspects, some subjective, others objective, impact the practice of different artists. Art and artists, as literature and litterateurs, are a product of their times, and have addressed socio-economic and social concerns. That said, I would hesitate to point to any pattern in artistic practice.

'Masterpieces: 100 years of Indian Art at India Art Fair 2020' why is it important to focus on the Masters?

Anand: A showcasing such as ours at India Art Fair 2020 provides a glimpse of the best Indian modern art has to offer - essentially, the masterpieces of the masters of Indian art. Such a showcasing provides us with an heightened understanding of the quality and breadth of modern Indian art while also providing a historical and social narrative that essentially enriches our perspectives of ourselves and our histories. DAG's offering is thoughtfully and carefully curated, and includes the finest collection of modern art ever seen in one space.

Ranging from superlative instances of unknown artists' painting in the style described as Early Bengal to a stunning portrait of a jewelled dancer from the south, from the delicate wash style associated with the Bengal School (Kshitindranath Majumdar) to the pathbreaking Progressives (K K Ara, M F Husain, Krishen Khanna, S H Raza) and a phenomenal representation of the Madras Art Movement (K Sultan Ali). From the folk modernism of Jamini Roy to Madhvi Parekh, from the brilliant abstraction of J Swaminathan to that of Shanti Dave, DAG has chosen each work following diligent research for unusual and high-quality paintings and sculptures (Prabhakar Barwe and Mrinalini Mukherjee).

In terms of the business of art, how successful has the India Art Fair been in generating sales, international awareness and promoting Indian artists?

Anand: India Art Fair remains relevant and important for Indian art and artists. People from all over the world- a range of people, from connoisseurs and collectors to artists and art historians, to those beginning their journey of understanding and enjoying art-come to attend the fair, highlighting its importance in showcasing Indian art to large and diverse audiences.DAG recently has a new address in the Capital, close on its heels was Kolkata.