India Art Festival highlights emerging talent: Artists find a platform in Bengaluru

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The India Art Festival (IAF) concluded its third edition in Bengaluru on Sunday at the Palace Ground, Kings Court.

Over four days, the event showcased an array of artistic talent, hosting over 25 galleries and 400 artists from 40 cities.

Diverse mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and installations were featured, and the festival introduced the Artists' Pavilion, facilitating direct engagement between viewers and artists.

This year's festival was special because most of the artists were new and trying to make a name for themselves in the art world.

The India Art Festival (IAF) provided a big opportunity for these aspiring artists to show their work to many people and meet other artists.

Aiswarya Padmanabhan, a contemporary artist specialising in Kerala mural arts said, “This exhibition extends beyond artists merely showcasing and selling their artwork; it's a dynamic space for meaningful interaction. Over the past four days, I've gained valuable insights into the vibrant Arctic community. Not only have I expanded my understanding of artistic perspectives, but my network within the art community has also significantly broadened.”

Artists discontent: Exhibition woes

The exhibition was marred by poor organisation, leaving many artists dissatisfied with the venue.

Numerous artists expressed the sentiment that it wasn't an ideal space to showcase their artwork.

Visitors, although expressing admiration, lacked the necessary respect for the displayed pieces.

Despite receiving praise, artists faced a challenge in selling their work, with prospective buyers deeming the artworks as "too pricey."

Compounding the issue, space constraints forced some artists to place their pieces on the floor, leading to concerns about the compromise of their masterpieces.

Several artists lamented that their works would now require extensive rework due to the less-than-ideal conditions.

The exhibition, despite its potential, fell short of providing a conducive environment for both artists and art enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of thoughtful organisation in such artistic showcases.