The current concern of the global industry is ‘recession’ and art is facing its challenges, too. Since art is an expressive medium or direct reflection of our immediate and past social, political and psychological dimensions, it is certainly associated with any cultural and economical graph, even more than it seems on surface. Recession and depression are walking hand in hand and unfortunately, most of us, in various fields are well aware of the drastic and approaching change.
But, what interests me is — how this recession or crisis will shape a new ‘characteristic form of perception’ for art-oriented people on a very unconscious level? A ‘crisis’, whether economical or emotional, always gives birth to ‘new ideologies and philosophies’, which had been the seed of any important movement in art, organizations and communities. It’s once again a phase rule survival of the fittest reigns. I believe, only the best of quality, talent and careful introspection will survive its existence through this demanding time. This phase will create better art and artists.
I've recently even heard a few people say that art might not last. Perhaps, they fail to understand that art like God is a feeling, a mirror to any existing civilization and one of the most primitive professions, which may suffer for a while but will certainly never die.
We, perhaps, do not learn to value anything when there is too much of it, around us. For instance, there were too many artists, too much art and too many collectors during the ‘Art Boom’. Now, I'm happy that the ‘crisis’ is making both artists and art collectors more selective.
It's time for more preparation, hard work, innovation and re-evaluation of past actions for the art world.
I'm happy that may be now people will understand the meaning of ‘Fine Arts and Spirituality’ and will give a second thought before buying ‘dead wall hangings’ or purely ‘applied art’ with plastic faces and synthetic colours, which are used only for the purpose of decorating drawing rooms. I'm sure the same collectors will take a hard look on each painting before investing in them and that is a good thing. This wide gap of thought between appreciating and purchasing art will surely make way for sincere artists to evolve with time.
This is the time for the new age thinkers, entrepreneurs, poets, artists, and intellects to bring in a change in the old pattern to create ‘The New Age Art’.
- Piu Sarkar
The Writer is an artist based in Kolkata. She has held seven solo exhibitions and has already participated in many group exhibitions with galleries in U.A.E., Singapore and Bangladesh. In India she has participated in "Harmony Art Show" by Reliance Group, Drawing and Painting for AIFACS, Lalit Kala Academy etc.
