Art made affordable
The exhibition not only showcases artistic diversity but also breaks down financial and social barriers that have long kept art out of reach for many. 'I was determined to democratise art. There is an absolute joy that art brings; it should be possible for everyone to enjoy' says Baro Market founder Srila Chatterjee, talking about the inspiration behind starting Affordable Art in India, with Sahil Arora, founder of Method.
The exhibition presents a diverse range of artistic voices. 'It doesn't have to be about wealth or circumstance; having a piece of art around can change the way you feel, the way you look, your mood... everything' says Srila.
From National Award winner Anwar Chitrakar's scrollwork to the whimsical wit of Ayesha Broacha, and the expressive calligraphy of Hiral Bhagat, each piece showcased reflects individual and cultural depth of the artists. Geetanjali Das, a renowned Odia artist, continues the Pattachitra legacy using traditional techniques. She crafts her pieces using tamarind as the base and sabudana (sago) to bind the colors.
'I've grown up around art; my grandfather painted Pattachitra, and then my husband, Pranab Narayan Das did too. Baro has helped me take my art further ' says Geetanjali.
Among the standout artworks is Mata ni Pechedi art from Gujarat by Sanjay Chitara & Sons. Sanjay, a fifth-generation custodian of the 300-year-old traditional art form, says, 'If we stop painting, our art will vanish. Each piece is handmade with incredible detail, some figures are just an inch tall. This tradition is sacred to us and passed down only within our family; it cannot be replicated.'
Also on display are works by Vikalp Mishra, agrarian impact artist Hardev Chauhan, Aman Kumar's layered acrylics, and Deepshika Khaitan's Symbolic Composer.
One of the many new voices is Chennai-based artist Narayan Lakshman, whose art journey began with his children, during the pandemic. 'My children taught me a few techniques, and suddenly everything I had absorbed from years of observing art made sense ' he says.
Inspired by Gerhard Richter and V S Gaitonde, Narayan's works carry meditative and minimalist undertones. 'I want my canvases to feel like what silence would look like to help the viewer feel clarity, peace, and a connection with the Universe.' Proceeds from his art, supports girl child education in rural Andhra Pradesh.
'The objective' concludes Srila, 'is to provide the satisfaction of collecting art for those new to the concept, and making it affordable even to a student.'
At Method Contemporary Art Gallery, Defence Colony; Till June 22; 12pm to 8pm
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