Every so often , I receive email invites from Himanshu Verma announcing his latest curatorial extravaganzas. And every so often , I am left wondering how this man single handedly pulls off such well rounded , multidisciplinary exhibitions with such frequency & cohesion. His shows are always socially and culturally relevant, marrying the nouvea and the archaic, the visual with the auditory and cinematic , theater & street plays . His curatorial juxtaposing is never discordant and always correlated. I wonder , what makes Himanshu Verma tick
Stephan Weitzel ; Metrospective
When and how did you get into the wonderful world of Indian contemporary art?
In 2005, when I curated an exhibition, 'Metrospective: Visual Representations of Metrosexuality' in Bombay. It was mostly an accident, I was working on a project on masculinity, which was academically oriented, but then I said, "Hey, it will be fun if some contemporary art blokes were teased with the idea of representing the new masculinity!" and then came an exhibition, and a festival. And I decided it's time to forget academics and enjoy art! No looking back since then, only forward.
In 2005, when I curated an exhibition, 'Metrospective: Visual Representations of Metrosexuality' in Bombay. It was mostly an accident, I was working on a project on masculinity, which was academically oriented, but then I said, "Hey, it will be fun if some contemporary art blokes were teased with the idea of representing the new masculinity!" and then came an exhibition, and a festival. And I decided it's time to forget academics and enjoy art! No looking back since then, only forward.
Where/what are your roots?
Delhi, total Delhi boy, I love Delhi. I am a graduate in English literature, and that's all I can boast
of formal education!
Delhi, total Delhi boy, I love Delhi. I am a graduate in English literature, and that's all I can boast
of formal education!
Clanvironment ; Monsoon Festival
Tell us a little about Redearth.
Redearth is an arts organisation that celebrates arts of all kinds sans frontiers. From visual art to festivals to music, and a range of other art forms! I curate a range of exhibitions / events, that celebrate traditional Indian festivals with contemporary art to ones that explore themes like masculinity, photography, and now calendar art.
Redearth is an arts organisation that celebrates arts of all kinds sans frontiers. From visual art to festivals to music, and a range of other art forms! I curate a range of exhibitions / events, that celebrate traditional Indian festivals with contemporary art to ones that explore themes like masculinity, photography, and now calendar art.
Rajendra Kapse; Monsoon Festival
What do you foresee for the future of Indian Contemporary Art(ICA)? Do you think we are missing the point by over hyping & commercializing it?
Yes, so far, it's been about the commercial hype. Creative infrastructure has been missing, a big lacunae. There are signs of amending this, but it will be a while before we get there. It's a pity we do not know how to crack this, because India has stunning talent in the arts, but lacks people who can bring it all together to make magic!
Yes, so far, it's been about the commercial hype. Creative infrastructure has been missing, a big lacunae. There are signs of amending this, but it will be a while before we get there. It's a pity we do not know how to crack this, because India has stunning talent in the arts, but lacks people who can bring it all together to make magic!
Biplap Muzibar Rahman ; The Dark Room
What was is like breaking into the art scene, with a completely unique concept? Did you have a lot of friends and contacts in the industry?
It was very easy, since people related to the concept (fortunately). I didn’t know anyone, but was lucky enough to be supported by artists, and for my work to be recognised by the people who mattered.
It was very easy, since people related to the concept (fortunately). I didn’t know anyone, but was lucky enough to be supported by artists, and for my work to be recognised by the people who mattered.
Who are your fav artists ?
Hmm, Andy Warhol, N. Pushpamala, Biplab Muzibar Rahman, Rajendra Kapse.
Pranay Lal ; The Dark Room
Khoya Khoya Chand, vintage, tragic & romantic.
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Red Earth and Apparao Galleries present an exhibition featuring artworks by contemporary artists on the theme of Calendar Art. The ubiquitous and eclectic genre of Indian calendar art has formed the mainstay of popular visual culture in India. It covers a range of themes, notably, Religious Calendars, Patriotic Calendars, Filmic Calendars, and Landscapes / Decorative calendars.
Venue: Apparao Galleries, Triveni Garden Theatre, 205 Tansen Marg, Mandi House, Near Bengali Market, New Delhi 110001; from 19 Jan -30 Jan 2009 ;11 am to 7 pm
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