The art festival recently held in Chennai demonstrated that the creative economy is largely determined not only by creators but also by viewers. The 'Contemporary Now' festival held its third session in Chennai, gathering collaborations with art galleries from cities such as Calcutta, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
During the event, a diverse collection of artworks was presented in ten different locations across the city. Among the exhibition participants were artists such as Ashwini Bhat, Pradjakta Potnis, Hageshwar Raut, Amitesh Srivastava, Sandip Mukerji, Sadju Kunhan, Pratap Mori, and Benita Persial, as well as many others.
Mixed-media artist Benita Persial noted that now is a favorable time to immerse oneself in art, as social media has significantly strengthened the connection between both emerging artists and the audience.
Previously, access to art was limited to catalogs and visits to a few galleries, which required either waiting for access and exhibitions or expensive trips to other cities. However, according to Persial, online access is now instant and global. Nevertheless, she warns that excessive online presence can be confusing or exert pressure.
Digital platforms and artificial intelligence have simplified and accelerated the process in the art sector, but Persial believes this also reduces the satisfaction derived from the process of searching for or creating something after significant effort.
Festival directors Ashwin Rajagopalan and Priyanjoli Basu expressed satisfaction with the results of the event for the art community in Chennai and beyond. Rajagopalan reported that collectors who usually rarely leave home attended the festival, as well as many art enthusiasts and students who were able to see events happening in other parts of the country thanks to institutional partners in other cities.
There are intentions to hold more sessions of this festival. Rajagopalan added that they might organize two or three editions of 'Contemporary Now', which could take place in Ahmedabad, Baroda, or Santiniketan, in addition to Chennai.
Basu observed that the level of contemporary art presented at the festival may not have previously been showcased in Chennai. She noted that she received many reports about major art events taking place in Delhi and Mumbai, but fewer in Chennai.
The art community expressed the opinion that this event should happen more frequently in Chennai to sustain the discussion, and that the exhibited works should be shown in other places, not just once a year.
Basu pointed to current trends in the Indian art market, noting the growing value of art addressing themes of politics, gender, and climate change. She emphasized that people seek to engage with new narratives and trends, and there is a growing demand for works by young female artists.
Rajagopalan added that many contemporary artists respond to world events, and collectors also respond to such art because it evokes strong emotions in them. He noted that informed collectors are capable of finding more artists working in this direction.
Both directors see the increasing significance of art's role in the modern world, as well as the need to raise the level of art recognition in society. Rajagopalan stated that artists voice the uncertainties and conflicts of the world, and engaging with such art reflects a person's concern for these issues.
Basu urged the audience to discuss art with the people they meet, attend art events, and visit art galleries. She also advised visiting galleries in cities during vacations and viewing museums when traveling abroad, which will help improve understanding and appreciation of art right here in India.
