Nandini Valli, Fancy Dress, photo provided by SAKSHI Gallery, Bombay
The Generation in Transition exhibition presents the artworks of the young generation of artists of Indian origin, living and working in India, and also in America and Europe. It is the first extensive showcase of contemporary art from this region in Central Europe in recent years.
For about twenty years now, India has been experiencing an enormous economic and technological development, which has had a substantial impact on the social structures. This change, with its good and bad aspects, is frequently reflected in the works of contemporary artists, especially in those of the youngest ones who have grown up in these interesting times of transition.
The title of the show was borrowed from the title of a photographic series by Anay Mann, who portrays his contemporaries - "an urban generation that is constantly seeking to define itself", trying to find their place between local tradition, history and the more and more globalized and technicized reality they live in.
Over the last ten years, contemporary art from India has become very popular. Big group exhibitions have so far been shown in Europe, the United States and China. Commercial galleries - mostly from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore - have built the local art-market and became important players on the international scene. Non-commercial organizations - such as KHOJ and SARAI Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in Delhi, 1 Shanti Road in Bangalore and many more, as well as progressive art-schools, are opening up spaces for more independent ideas and projects.
Tthe show in Poland concentrates on young artists (including some from the diaspora) in attempt to grasp the state of mind of their generation. The idea was not only to present existing works, but also to invite some participants to create projects especially for the exhibition. The show includes many artists, with different concerns and attitudes, and numerous modes of artistic expression. It features contemporary ideas, and the media of contemporary artists: photography, film, video installation, sculpture, drawing, painting and animation.
Organiser: Zachęta National Gallery of Art
This event is part of the Attention Culture! Cultural Programme of the 2011 Polish EU Presidency.
Event description provided by organisers.