People are still reeling from recession and its effects on contemporary art market: Ishrat Kanga

GV Sanjay Reddy (Vice Chairman, GVK), Bhushan Gagrani (Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra) and Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee (director general, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) caught up with each other over tea and coffee after arriving at the venue for the inaugural edition of ET Panache Dialogues.

Mukherjee and Reddy echoed similar thoughts about art playing an important part in aiding the younger generation’s search for a cultural identity. “The younger generation isn’t able to connect back to their identity as Indians,” Reddy said. “The only way that identity will return is when people start appreciating the wealth of knowledge, history, culture, the social fabric that we’ve had for centuries. Exposure to art is one way to bring it back.”

‘Is art elitist?’ Perhaps. But it needed to become so for new art movements to emerge as a reaction. That was the view that Gagrani presented to his co-panelists. Artist Bose Krishnamachari joined Mukherjee, Gagrani and Reddy as the quartet warmed up for an engaging, hour-long conversation on art.

Gagrani made a strong case for augmented reality in increasing accessibility to renowned art. “In the form of augmented reality, people can appreciate the art from their home or wherever they are regardless. That also is a part of art appreciation,” he said.

Saffronart cofounder Minal Vazirani gave the example of the High Line project in New York City as a public space that made cultural attractions, temporary exhibits and performances accessible to the general public. Art did not have to stay confined to museums and galleries, she said.

Public - private partnerships can do wonders for the development of art and culture in India. That was the consensus at the table. In that context, having Reddy (who represents the private sector) as well as Mukherjee (who heads a public institution) and Gagrani (who holds holds a Government position) at the table added 360 degree dimensions to the conversation.

Almost everyone is familiar with Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. But how many have visited the Bihar Museum in Patna to view the 3rd century BCE Didarganj Yakshi sculpture, considered one of the finest examples of Mauryan art? That was a question raised by Mukherjee while pointing out the bias towards Western artists.

Reddy revealed that there were big plans in store for the upcoming airport at Navi Mumbai. T2 (the International terminal in Mumbai) which is lauded for the grand display of India’s art and craft may even be bested in that department.

Gayatri Ruia, director, Phoenix Mills, shared the company’s vision of their malls doubling up as spaces for customers to enjoy art. The new age customer wants more from their shopping destination, she said.