• 
• 
• 
• 

Art as Entrepreneurship: Tukral and Tagra

India’s latest art brand ‘Tukral and Tagra’ (T&T) had their exclusive show at the Credit Suisse Art and Entrepreneurship during Art Dubai. Art entrepreneur and writer Ashwini Pai Bahadur catches up with T&T in Dubai and engage them in an interesting conversation. Excerpts from the interview:

Ashwini Pai Bahadur: I am intrigued with your twosome branding T&T, as India's "happening" generation of artists .From your involvements in communications to breaking boundaries in art and crafts,  you seem to have an inherent desire to produce democratic art for the masses .Can you share with me where it all began and how and also the secrets of success of your dynamic dual partnership in art?
 
Tukarl &Tagra: We met in college of art and started sharing our works, Very soon we realized that we also shared some common dreams, a similar thought process and were equally passionate about doing something vague which we hadn’t a clue. We were always inclined towards new ideas and a fresh approach.

APB: What is the inspiration behind the choice of your signature brand Bosedk. It is fascinating how you have made use of an abusive Punjabi term  to recreate a fashionable art statement. What are your views?

T&T: In 2003 when we conceived this Anglicized Punjabi - raw ruthless abuse, we didn’t know that it had so much of potential. Honestly, we cracked it during a typical drunken session, and the next morning we were serious about it.

APB : Can you share your thoughts about the work you have exhibited in the "Art & Entrepreneurship "exhibition presented by Credit Suisse .Your work ( The metropolis -2 , 2007 acrylic , oil on canvas diptych 183x366 cm ) received much critical acclaim and appreciation from an international audience at the fair .How does it reflect both yours and Credit Suisse 'ideas of entrepreneurship.

T&T: As we see objects around, growing, emerging, mounting- the 'metropolis' justifies the cosmos context. Its a scene which is universal and around each one of us whether in heavy traffic on the roads or the bustle of shopping malls, searching for that ideal moisturizer for you and your kids, scouting for extra refined oils, or extra fitted under pants. The work opens views of daily life which is highly infected by consumer products.

APB: Explain the relationships between your individual personalities and your artistic personalities
 
T&T: I think we play most of the day and share a balance between responsibilities and madness. We compliment each other in such a way that one can start where the other stops.

APB: Who are your role models?
 
T&T: Damien Hirst and Subodh Gupta.

APB: What is the relationship between art and the democratization process?
 
T&T: Not everyone can afford art. We have been working on concepts which can be produced as "art multiples" which educates and inspires our peers. For example: PUT IT ON project - underpants, and flip flops.
 
APB : Which has been your favorite work so far?
 
T&T: All of them.

APB: Does art have the power to change society or society to change art in today’s scenario?

T&T: Its tough. Art is a specialized language. Very few people understand it like 'Quantum physics'.
Its very tough in India as most of us are still struggling to get over our basic needs.

APB : How does it feel to have created a World record for your work Somnium Genero-Turbo(triptych) November 2007 where the painting sold for US $ 462,500 at Hong Kong Christies auction?

T&T: We felt Good. - Somnium Genero - dream catcher, which was a result of a nostalgic journey of dreams and gadgets from our past. It struggles between machines that captures dreams or dreams in itself. We are showing this in Sydney with Gallery Barry Keldoulis this April.

APB: What are your future plans?
 
T&T: We are off to Tokyo this week, we make a cafe in the art fair..Somnium Café at Tokyo Art 08.

APB: Can you explain the methodology used to translate the five core values of entrepreneurship of Credit Suisse ie Vision ,Knowledge , Network , Family , and Social responsibility into your art work with  reference to only the Metropolis diptych that you exhibited at the show.

T&T: When we got the values of Credit Suisse, we thought of making it in our way, by focusing on the idea of consumerism. We appreciate the concept of entrepreneurship in art, and we strongly believe in it.