What to expect at the Voices of Women Exhibition in New Delhi

 

Tell us a little about Voices of Women and how it uniquely celebrates art in India.
Voices of Women is the sixth exhibition, which I have organised under the Young Collectors’ Pop-Up umbrella. It focuses exclusively on showcasing the works of women artists from across India. Many of these artists are inspired by traditional Indian art, for instance, Ekta Singha’s works are inspired by India’s rich history of miniature painting, whereas Tarini’s works look like they are almost adopting a South Asian tribal style of art.

How did you go about selecting the artists and artworks featured in the exhibition?
Selecting the artists and artworks was an exciting and heavily researched task. Young Collectors’ Pop-Up showcases promising contemporary art; my journey as an advisor started when friends would ask me for help with their collections. So even today many of the artists showcased in these exhibitions are artists I have collected myself. I research their education and exhibition history, as well as the thought process behind why their art looks the way it does. I also tried to curate for diversity in the medium as well.

Who are the participating artists and some newcomers to look forward to?
Tarini Sethi, Ekta Singha, Anushree Rabadia, Malavika Rajnarayan, Tanushree Sakar, Vijaya Chauhan, Neha Luthra, Astha Patel,
For both Tanushree and Neha, this is one of their first times showcasing their works in India so I’m definitely excited to see how the audience responds to their works.

In what ways does the exhibition challenge stereotypes associated with women artists, both within the Indian context and globally?
The diversity in curation challenges the notion that women artists or art created has to be a certain way. The diversity allows the viewer to realise that there is no limitation on what art women can create. Further, platforms like ‘Voices of Women contribute to changing this narrative in the disparity of representation between men and women, by allowing for women-only platforms to exist, it bridges the gap between the opportunity disparity. It does not create disparity for men, it simply brings women closer to an equal footing in terms of representation.

You mentioned that the exhibition showcases how each woman responds to contemporary stimuli. Could you provide examples of some of these themes and how they are represented in the artworks?
Neha’s works talk about forests around her in Rajasthan and their beauty but also how they are dwindling due to deforestation. Climate change and its impact on the world around us is very tangible among all of us.

What are the newer kinds of arts being created by the youth of India? In terms of technique and medium.
I would say younger artists are moving back home, what I mean by this is that so many of them are deploying contemporary takes on traditional Indian art styles. Even those artists who are incorporating Western styles, like Tanushree whose works are reminiscent of Renaissance paintings. She has showcased nude women in a style that they weren’t previously shown.  Younger artists are so well-researched and read and not afraid to make a style or art form their own.

The art showcased through sculptures has also boomed, what are your thoughts?
The art showcased through sculptures has indeed experienced a renaissance, mirroring societal shifts and cultural evolution. Sculptures now serve as dynamic reflections of contemporary narratives, transcending traditional bounds. Their proliferation signifies a deeper engagement with form, materiality, and conceptual depth.

Tell us about the art transformation in the country.
The transformation of art in our country is a mix of innovation and diversity. From traditional to avant-garde, artists are redefining boundaries, embracing technology, and challenging conventions. This evolution enriches our cultural landscape and pushes creative boundaries forward.

Is the market slowly opening up towards upcoming Indian artists? How do exhibits like Voices of Women further fuel this?
Yes definitely, so many newer buyers are coming to the market and engaging with all genres and kinds of art.Voices of Women and Young Collectors’ Pop Up in general provides a safe, no-judgment space that is your first step into the art world. It’s a great opportunity for discourse and engagement between contemporary collectors and artists,