09 May 2019
Art encapsulates the culture of a nation and an art exhibition serves as the perfect medium to open people’s eyes to previously unconsidered ways of being in the world, thus altering their view of the world. The meaning of artworks is embedded primarily in the conversations which are held between the artist and the artwork, and then, in turn, between the artwork and the audience.
Highlighting this general approach to making art and art’s societal function as a means of pleasure, as well as critical thinking, the Biennale at Venice has been the pioneering platform for contemporary art for over a century. While setting the pace for other such art institutions, it remains the most prestigious and sought-after event for countries promoting their cultural innovation.
The 58th International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia will open its doors to the public from 11 May to 24 November, 2019. CII is privileged to partner India’s participation at the Biennale under its flagship campaign of India@75 where industry’s promotion of arts and literature is on the priority agenda.
India Pavilion
Under the theme, ‘Our Time for a Future Caring’, the India Pavilion at the 58th International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia is an extension of India’s ongoing programme celebrating 150 Years of Gandhi.
Gandhian values of truth, nonviolence, compassion towards fellow beings and nature, self-reliance, simplicity and sustainability have become an intrinsic part of the Indian ethos. The India Pavilion will revisit these philosophies, which continue to inspire, provoke and challenge the views of the public, intellectuals and artists alike.
India had participated in the 54th edition of this Exhibition earlier. The Steering Committee and Curatorial Committee formed to organize the India Pavilion at this edition of the Biennale marks a significant new partnership between the public and private sectors in India – spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and co-organized by the CII.
Curated by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and commissioned by the Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Pavilion will feature works by an intergenerational group of artists.
Indian Artists at the Biennale
Nandalal Bose: One of India’s nine National Treasure artists, he was commissioned by Gandhi to design the ‘Haripura Panels’, which will be the starting point for the exhibition.
Atul Dodiya: Gandhi as a subject has often featured in Dodiya’s artworks as he explores the aesthetics that ran through his public image as a popular leader.
Rummana Hussain: Her performance, ‘Living on the Margins’, at the National Centre of Performing Arts in 1995 is considered among the first contemporary performative works in India.
G.R. Iranna: He was awarded the National Award from Lalit Kala Academy and the AIFACS Award at the ‘50 Years of Art in Independent India’ show in 1997.
Jitish Kallat: Kallat’s ‘Covering Letter’, a video installation featuring a letter from Gandhi to Hitler projected onto fog will be on display at the Pavilion.
Shakuntala Kulkarni: A recipient of a number of awards and scholarships, Shakuntala’s initial training in visual arts stems from mural painting. Her works have been extensively exhibited with solo and group exhibitions.
Ashim Purkayastha: Drawing from eclectic sources, Purkayastha’s artworks focus around societal reactions to economy and politics.
Fostering creativity is an essential objective for stimulating innovation in Indian business. It also enhances India’s soft footprint in the world, which in turn opens many new doors for businesses. CII’s participation at the Venice Biennale sets the trend for integration of industry and art as envisaged under India@75.
Let’s follow the India Pavilion at the 58th edition of La Biennale di Venezia!