'Commercialisation has led to emergence of new talent in art'

New Delhi, Dec 10: Many major artists, including stalwarts like Jatin Das, have expressed disappointment at the widespread commercialisation of the art market. But Satish Gujral, a pioneer of contemporary Indian art, believes commercialisation has also led to the emergence of new talent.

Gujral, whose sculpture “Trinity” was recently showcased at Bikaner House here, also said commercialisation had also resulted in a certain degree of awareness.

“It’s true there has been massive commercialisation, but it has led to the emergence of new talent. While commercialisation (was driven by) ‘business’ and (uprooted) authentic talent in art, it has also brought in some kind of awareness of the industry,” the 91-year-old Gujral, a revered figure in the world of arts, told IANS in an interview.

Elaborating, he said that art has always been a strong expression of our culture. “It was everywhere, be it in temples, or in royal courts. It was also considered an excellent medium to capture stories that were worth rrating,” he said. “Even today, artists have immense talent and express their visions or imagitions to the world through exceptiol paintings. There is no dearth of talent, but what is lacking is the right platform to communicate to the world,” said the Padma Vibhushan awardee, whose elder brother, Inder Kumar Gujral, was India’s 13th Prime Minister and served for 11 months in 1997-98. (IANS)