New spaces open, old masters rule

New galleries and planned expansions widen the canvas for young artists, but the masters continue to reign at auctions

- Avantika Bhuyan

In 2023, the Indian arts ecosystem regained its vitality after the slow pandemic years. A fresh energy seemed to enter the art space with new fairs, cultural centres and gallery spaces. Some trends from the previous years spilled into 2023 with modern masters maintaining their stronghold at auctions. It was also a year of loss with the death of much-loved personalities such as Professor B.N. Goswamy, Kavita Singh and Gieve Patel, who played a key role in shaping post-independence art and culture discourse in India. One ends 2023 with a deep sense of reflection about the legacies of the past and emerging trends, which will shape art in the country in the years to come.

NEW SPACES, NEW IDEAS

New-age and veteran galleries co-existed beautifully in the contemporary art space this year. Some of the older galleries celebrated key milestones through landmark exhibitions, while the younger ones added fresh chapters to their journey in the form of new spaces. Each of these infused the contemporary arts ecosystem with unique perspectives, ideas and energy. Different mediums and styles were celebrated.

While some galleries brought urban muralists to the fore, others presented shows that revealed a different facet of a senior artist, while a few looked at a different exhibition design language.

Chemould, one of the oldest contemporary art galleries, co-founded by Kekoo Gandhy, turned 60 and told its story through a series of exhibitions. Each reflected on the gallery's public institutional role in the ever-evolving context of Indian contemporary art. As the Chemould team delved into boxes of old invitation cards, stamps and objects belonging to Gandhy, the members realised the critical importance of the archive in a gallery's existence.