The Times, they are a changin!

Well, now that the 'R' word has stuck around longer in our lives than we thought it would, perhaps we should look at the bright side of things and the opportunities (yes, I did say opportunities) that come with it. As far as art in the city goes, galleries are doing shows (they can't shut shop) and more mindfully. There are fewer shows of longer duration, but an entirely new set seems to have sprung up, since its not a time when art finds a lot of buyers. So gallerists are picking very interesting art- art that's almost impossible to sell (locally, atleast), but is out of the box and pushes the envelope. This is a good to see. Suddenly there are more experimental projects, more discussions on content and aesthetics and less of the obscene numbers that flew around for prices.And the art world is about art again!
They're all traveling to international 'Dukaans'- those well orchestrated, fine tuned versions of trade fairs that wouldn't stoop to defining themselves that way, but are doing us all some good none the less, in terms of exposure for the artists shown and
looking at what's going on with art at the venues and the parts of the world that are represented at the fair. When the gallerist travels and sees a lot of edgy art, that sort of thing becomes more acceptable to show her in India. In the old days (even 5 years ago) they didn't travel even half as much!
For artists, its a good time to catch up on reading - art and other subjects, though I know for a fact that there's a large population of artists that doesn't read! Its a good time to think (well, some of them don't do that either, I'm afraid) about the work and the direction its taking or should be taking and experimenting. Its a time to do what you always wanted to do - for your work and for yourself - get a fitness regime, trek, see old friends, catch up on the good films, theatre and the performing arts - all that you had no time for earlier. And, as in my case, write a new post on an old blog or learn a new software. Work peacefully without people asking for work too often and basically get a life.
I wonder if other artists think in terms of a work-life balance. I certainly do, and have decided to restrict myself to an 8 hour daily work schedule so that I can give some time to fitness and other pursuits and get a breather outside the workspace. Travel is another option - the airlines have slashed airfares, and vacation deals are good in the summer as families travel at this time.
Friends who are setting up new businesses are working just as much at any time - recession or no recession. Or they're trying to save old businesses. Those who disliked their jobs and quit or got laid off have it good in a way too, though they're anxious about how things will shape up and when the tide turns.
Its a time to explore wider interests, update or create that website you wanted and spend more quality time with people who matter. And yes, everybody seems to have the time for it!

What's 'Cutting Edge'?

Going by the kind of shows being put up by leading galleries in Mumbai at the moment, it looks like 'Cutting Edge' means anything but painting! If its installation, digital photography, video art, or fibre glass sculpture (mind you, the traditional mediums like clay and stone disqualify the artwork immediately), its 'Contemporary', its 'Cutting Edge'.
This is a strange phenomenon. One would think the choice of medium would be dictated by the concept, but it seems dictated by a perceived trend - that which is accepted by the West (West here, refers to the US and Western Europe) or that which is acceptable by the West. The trouble is, the West, especially the US, has not known India long enough to be able to understand its culture in depth. It is therefore natural that they respond only to those works that are similar to what they see around them, or those that address their own issues. Owing to the economic situation of India today, the social and cultural milieu are changing rapidly- our issues are different. How many artists are addressing these? How many make art that is in our own context?
The other issue ofcourse is that of national or cultural identity as well as globalisation. One wonders if being global means an identity that is not local or culture specific. Does it mean that art that claims to be global must therefore be like art coming out of anywhere and everywhere, without indigenous specificity? Perhaps it is the current marketing formula - 'Give-em-what-they-wanna-see'.
Also, its funny that the West has gone through this whole cycle of sensational artwork (Damien Hirst, Tracy Emin) Pop Art Installation (Jeff Koons) etc and come a full circle back to painting.
And of course, a painting can be 'Cutting Edge' too....but why haven't too many people thought about that?!
The other way to be 'Cutting Edge' is to have shown quite a lot outside India.
We still seem to need the Westerner's pat on the back to validate us and the work we do.
That says much about our identity crisis