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!