THE ART OF EXPRESSION

ART AND FASHION COME TOGETHER IN A FASCINATING DISPLAY AT THE FIFTH EDITION OF THE INDIA TODAY ART AWARDS

- Smitha Verma & Simi Kuriakose

Speaking at the fifth edition of the annual India Today Art Awards, Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-in-chief of the India Today Group, talked about the importance of art as a safe space to express dissent and as a medium that holds up a mirror to the society. “The world over, as the shadow of political uncertainty, climate change, citizenship issues, and the economic slowdown lengthens, the world of art does what it does best—pour all that angst on to a canvas or channel it into an installation, video or performance. After all, when all else fails, you still have art to escape to,” he said.

Organised in association with Engage L’amante and The India Story, the event, held on February 4 at Delhi’s Oberoi Hotel, not only honoured those from the art fraternity who have made a difference with their work, but also explored how art and fashion draw inspiration from each other and, together, steer artistic and political narratives.

Apart from Aroon Purie, the jury that shortlisted artists under 10 award categories, comprised Rekha Purie, chairperson, Vasant Valley School; Amin Jaffer, chief curator, Al Thani Collection and former international director, Asian Art, Christie’s; restaurateur and writer Aman Nath; Priya Paul, chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels; and Madhu Neotia, initiator and managing trustee, Neotia Arts Trust.