The India Art Fair ART EXPO INDIA 2009 at Nehru Centre DAY-1

It was 25th sept. 2009 , at around 11 am started a special Preview for invited people ART EXPO INDIA 2009, the much-awaited event on India’s art calendar, has been held at Nehru Centre, Mumbai last week. The who’s who of the art world including renowned artists, art experts, collectors, patrons and aspiring investors thronged the venue to celebrate the throbbing spirit of modern and contemporary Indian art.

Art Expo India aims to offer the wave of new Indian talent a perfect launch pad on the domestic and international market. An encouragement to young painters so that collectors notice them coupled with a boost to the culture of value-based investing in art is reflected in AEI’s program, which features a series of insightful talks on art related themes.

Acknowledged for her insight of contemporary art trends, Kay Saatchi discussed the nuances of the fine art of collecting art in conversation with in the inaugural session. She has co-curated several exhibitions for the Saatchi Collection. She vigorously promotes young artists in her role as the founding director of the Artists and Collectors Exchange.

Art expert Mallika Sagar Advani conversed with Kay Saatchi who elaborated on the intricate maze of relationships between an artist and a collector, between a dealer and an artist, and a dealer and a collector, hinting that the interlinking of interests has to be based on trust. She provided valuable tips on becoming a successful collector and also offered tips to aspiring curators and gallery owners

During her conversation with Mallika Sagar Advani at the inaugural talk session at Art Expo India 2009, art expert Kay Saatchi revealed at the outset that anticipation is the key when it comes to building your art collection.

She added: “The process involves immense amount of groundwork – visiting art schools, checking out shows at art galleries, spotting the new talent, and finding out who are the next art stars.” She narrated how she studied close to 600 artists’ works to pick her top 20 as part of a similar such exercise.

What are the attributes to watch out for in an emerging artist, she was asked, According to Kay Saatchi, coupled with a certain amount of skill, what she looks for is the artist’s commitment and passion to make art. Integrity and determination are necessary along with the natural talent, she emphasized.

Mallika Sagar Advani’s pertinent queries regarding the current complex dynamics of contemporary art and its evolving structure prompted responses from Kay Saatchi based on her deep understanding and practical experience. The conversation also touched upon various aspects like her role as a curator, her involvement in an artist’s career, the broader market mechanics, the transition to auction dominated art market from a gallery dominated one, the changed norms of collecting, maintaining and upgrading an art collection.

The moderator also tracked Kay Saatchi’s own evolution as an art collector-curator, seeking her opinion on things that create value in an artwork. It was an engrossing and entertaining discussion as Priyanka Sethi summed it up at the end, stating: “The conversation was stimulating, honest and extremely informative. The more, we think, we know about the art world, we find something new, something more interesting and something more exciting, and something even shocking every time. That’s the beauty and joy of art.” But then we need helping hand from experts like Mallika Sagar Advani and Kay Saatchi to discover it.


The Ashok Art Gallery is internationally known for one of its most important holdings: more than 2000 major works by the world's most significant Artists.Over the past years, as Ashok Art Gallery has become a major centre for contemporary visual art, the Gallery has built a strong collection of contemporary work of different artists, became a sponsor of the STANDUP-SPEAKOUT Artshow, Organized by Art Of Living Foundation and United Nations.Organized an International Contenmporary Art Exhibition including artists from USA, The Nederlands, Pakistan and India.We have also participated at Art Expo India Mumbai and India Art Summit New Delhi.

Art Expo India 2009 will act as a window to peep into Indian art and its growing Market

After a significant fall in art prices last autumn, domestic as well as international galleries are optimistic about the contemporary art market. Experts predict a sooner than expected, however, a gradual recovery.

According to ArtTactic, a market research firm, the market sure has strengthened after a noticeable drop in average prices for contemporary Indian art at the recent auctions (roughly 76% during the period of September 2008 and March 2009). Average auction prices for Indian art are currently at around $24,536, up from the lows of $13,827 in March 2009.

In an effort to add momentum to the recovery, Art Expo India 2009 is bringing together the country's largest fine and popular art galleries, art dealers, artists, experts and art publishers. Apart from thousands of quality art works by Indian artists, it will include international galleries that will bring works from their top . Art Expo India 2009, in a way, provides art investors and collectors a cross section of Indian and world art.

Their spontaneous response suggests that most exhibitors are keen on showing their best works in the financial capital of India. They want to use the fair as an opportunity to develop a network, add to their contacts, enhance collaborations and gauge the mood of the domestic market.
From 25‐27th September 2009, the cosmopolitan financial capital of India, Mumbai will be hosting the celebrated Indian contemporary Art Expo. Leading Indian and nternational art galleries will be taking part in this event. The Art Expo promises to be a significant cultural and social event in the Indian Subcontinent. The discussions at the Art Expo feature prominent international art world personalities including Kay Saatchi, Judith Greer, Princess Tatjana zu Schaumburg‐Lippe, Kirsty Ogg and many other Museum curators, consultants and collectors. Now in its 2nd year, it is the largest art fair devoted to modern and contemporary Indian Art. Organised at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai, this year’s show exhibits a wide mix of cutting edge, eclectic and exciting art works. A series of interactive conversations with experts will demystify the language & knowledge of art to visitors.
The Art Expo India is a high profile meeting ground for art dealers, galleries, artists and collectors. This expo has popularised Indian contemporary art across cultural, social and economical boundaries in India and internationally and plays a catalytic role in building a market for contemporary Indian art both in India and globally. It is a high end shopping event presenting a wide array of works by famous and upcoming Indian artists. Publishers, dealers and gallery owners will showcase cutting edge work in different media ‐ from paintings and sculpture to prints and photography. The exhibition holds the largest gathering of art professionals in India and is the only place where one can meet thousands of new collectors and artists on a one‐to‐one basis.
Over 10,000 art lovers including collectors, buyers and corporate decision makers, high net worth individuals, leading Indian business families, CXOs from different multinationals and celebrities from Bollywood will be attending this prestigious social event in the Indian art calendar.
Featured Speakers at the EXPO Kay Saatchi will be delivering the keynote on spotting young talent and building up an art collection.

Some of the other renowned and featured speakers are:
1. Judith Greer ‐ International art collector and author
2. Kirsty Ogg ‐ Co‐Curator of The White chapel gallery
3. Ranjit Hoskote – Contemporary Indian poet, art critic, cultural theorist and
independent curator
4. Jitish Kallat – Dynamic and acclaimed worldwide, Indian Contemporary artist.
5. Sharan Apparao ‐ India’s leading contemporary art gallerists producing
exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai
6. Menaka Kumari Shah – Christies Representative for India
7. Dr. Alka Pande – Consultant Art Advisor, Curator of Visual Arts Gallery at the
India Habitat Centre in New Delhi and a prolific writer on Indology and art history
and author of several well‐acclaimed books.
8. Satish Manashinde ‐ Renowned lawyer
9. Anjolie Ela Menon – India’s leading contemporary female artist. Her paintings
are in several major collections
10. Bose Krishnamachari – Famous multi‐disciplinary artist who has exhibited in
numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally
11. Shantanu Poredi – Renowned architect. Designed many interesting international
and Indian projects
12. Rajshree Pathy – Eminent entrepreneur and businesswoman and Art
Connoisseur
Visitors will include art collectors, connassiours, architects and interior designers, buyers and corporate decision makers. These important visitors will be specially invited to attend the show. At least 20,000 quality visitors are expected.

Exhibitors of ART EXPO INDIA 2009

Apparao Galleries Madras, ICIA Mumbai, Sakshi Mumbai, Latitude 28 Delhi, Jolrong.com Singapore / Bangladesh, Indian Art Ideas Delhi , Dhoomimal Gallery Delhi, Art Musings Mumbai, Art Seefeld Switzerland, Gallery Beyond Mumbai, Ishka Cochin, Priyasri Art Gallery Mumbai, Sara Arakkal Banglore, Ashok Art Gallery Delhi, Gurgaon Art Centre Delhi, Art Inc Delhi, Wonderwall Delhi, Pink Ginger Arts, 1x1 Art Gallery Dubai, Marigold Fine Art Delhi
Despite the recession and the subsequent fall in prices, experts feel the market for fine art is still very strong, though not as hyped as it was a couple of years ago. Importantly, long term collectors want to use this phase to build on their portfolios. Especially, a host of investors-individual as well institutional- from European and American art circuit are looking to add Indian art to their collections. For many of them Indian art is still new. Art Expo India 2009 will act as a window for them to peep into Indian art

The Ashok Art Gallery is internationally known for one of its most important holdings: more than 2000 major works by the world's most significant Artists.Over the past years, as Ashok Art Gallery has become a major centre for contemporary visual art, the Gallery has built a strong collection of contemporary work of different artists.
Last year we became a sponsor of the STANDUP-SPEAKOUT Artshow, Organized by Art Of Living Foundation and United Nations.Organized an International Contenmporary Art Exhibition including artists from USA, The Nederlands, Pakistan and India.We have also participated at Art Expo India 2008 Mumbai and India Art Summit 2008 New Delhi.

Indian Art Expo 2008, a new begining in Indian Art Market

It's an idea whose time has come. Art fairs and expos are held as a matter of routine all over the world. Art Expo India 2008 Mumbai is determined to catch up the global Art Market Trend.
Vickram Sethi, gallerist, curator and entrepreneur, takes this first significant step with Art Expo India 2008, which brings together professionals from various branches of the art world: From galleries to framers, buyers to artists at the World Trade Centre March 14-16, it has been organised by the Trade and Technology Exposition Co (India) Pvt Ltd, established in 1987 as an exhibition organising company headed by Mr Vikram Sethi.
He has managed to bring together art galleries from all over the country, Sethi says, even though many are still hesitant. "They want to wait and see how this one goes," he smiles. Those that have signed up include Emami Chisel Art Pvt. Ltd. , Marvel Art Gallery, Karma Art Gallery, Archer , Ashok Art Gallery, Nitanjali Art Gallery, Arushi Arts Gallery, Art India Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd, Art & Soul, The Osmosis Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Indian Art, Klakriti Art Gallery, The Art Trust, Ashish Balram Nagpal.

In time, Sethi explains, there will also be support services showcased at the Expo — insurance, valuation and more. Art supplies and artists' facilities are not being planned, at the moment. Sethi looks to this collection of industry-associated services being a huge success, since the art market in India is growing rapidly.

"It used to be NRIs buying art, but now every young couple wants to own something that they can be proud of," he says. And this is where they can start.Harsh Goenka and actress Dimple Kapadia cutting the red ribbon and inaugurating the show. Making their arty-hearty presence felt at this ‘making a business out of art’ affair were a number of the city’s gallery owners, artists and art dealers, who came to check out the various stalls and works on display. Artexpo India 2008, which ends last week, offered Mumbaiites a chance to mingle with art industry professionals from across India. Young Indian Artists like Chintan Upadhyay, Pratul Dash, Venkat Bothsa, Amitava Dhar, Sajal Patra, Kanta Kishore, Jamal Ahmed, Gadadhar Ojha, Anup Kumar Chand, Binoy Varghese,Jenson Anto,Pradosh Swain and Sanjeev Sonpimpare were hot favorite amongst all showcased and Ashok Art Gallery’s young artist representation was found most hunting place for all visitors.

Dimple was very impressed with the entire concept of buyers, gallerists and collectors all coming together under one roof. “Art Expo India will open the market for a wide range of products and services,” Vickram Sethi was overheard explaining to a guest.Also present at the show opening were Laila Khan-Rajpal, Pravina and Jamal Mecklai, Sarayu Doshi, Richard and Katherine Tan and artists Sajal Patra, Prithivi Soni, Vinod Manwani, Kanta Kishore, Pradosh Swain, Sanjoy Bose, Chintan Upadhyay, Sanjeev Sonpimpare and Jenny Bhatt. Art for art’s sake, indeed!
Ashok Nayak
Curator and Exhibition Director
http://www.ashokartgallery.com/

indian art expo, indian art fair, Indian art market, Indian young artists