From the ‘Concerns’ Desk ... July 2007
“Culture sells, attracts tourists, generates economic activity, and is an integral part of the entertainment industry. I see no reason why we should regret this. …Capitalism will not be superseded in the foreseeable future. At best it can and must learn to behave more ethically and more equitably, which it does when it is in its own interest. So, rather than simply signalling either successful integration of the local into the global (the optimist’s view) or hegemonic appropriation of the local by the global (the pessimist’s view), I think that art biennials are, quite typically, cultural experiments in the glocal economy”-
Thierry de Duve, French Critic.
52nd Venice Biennale is on. So is 12th Documenta. Art is the ‘in thing’ internationally. India has become a major fix in all these international art expos. There are divided opinions on these international art festivals. One lot says that these models are defunct by now. Yet another lot sees a brighter future.
As Thierry de Duve points out culture has become a product. Instead of condemning it, let us celebrate it with the filters and check measures in place. Curatorial practice too has opened up now. Amrita Gupta Singh who visited the Venice Biennale says that it is not the authority of one curator that decides the global art exposures. It has become an inclusive process and act, even the local communities have a say in these expositions.
Riyas Komu and Nalini Malani make India proud in Venice Biennale. However, India could not present its own pavilion in Venice despite the repeated invitations and requests from the Biennale organizers. Prof.Rajeev Lochan who heads the National Gallery of Modern Art recently explained that the Government of India did not want to spend money on this. In fact, the Biennale Team had asked only for an entry fee which amounts to a few lakhs only.
It is a national shame. But we have learned the techniques of living with shame. And we organize Triennales. There is much hue and cry for an Indian Biennale. Would it be a successful exercise provided our governments (both the state and central) do not have any interest in such things? Can Indian Biennale be purely a Corporate sector sponsored ‘private’ Biennale? Can these ‘new’ leftists who head the Indian Biennale society put up with the overt corporate presence in such ventures?
One should not be pessimistic at this point. Let us celebrate.
We celebrate the Venice Biennale with a cover story and a side story. There is a Baroda update this time too. Artists like Chintan Upadhyay are making changes in the contemporary art scene. We celebrate the changes with an essay.
Interesting interviews, features and reviews make this issue worth remembering.
Art Historian Deepak Bhattacharya passed away on 23rd June 2007. We pay our tributes to the departed young friend and co-art worker.
Enjoy reading
Yours truly,
JohnyML
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