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Since the Aakriti logo has become familiar in the art-circles, many of us art lovers, look forward to the announcement of the next show being mounted at the Gallery, or to the news of Aakriti, collaborating with other Art Galleries to mount a show in art centres, other than Kolkata. In the present art scenario, this logo stands for curated shows, well produced catalogues (with the stimulating write-ups on art and artists by Critics, art historians and artists themselves) and the showcasing of the works under the state of art lighting. A visit to the Gallery has become a matter of pride.
Recently, when I received the catalogue of the show curated by my longtime friend, Jogen Chowdhury, I was thrilled and excited by the idea behind the show. To request an artist and a teacher of repute like Jogen Chowdhury, to curate a show of new young talents, and showcase works not so familiar to the art-fraternity, was a refreshing concept in addressing the need of our ever evolving art-world for talent-must. Naturally as a teacher, who had encouraged so many aspiring artists, and who is always keen to promote them, Jogen Chowdhury has introduced to us some innovative artists and made us curious about their works. We all know that such shows require brave efforts, and are time consuming for both the curator and the gallery, and thus are more commendable and creditable. The tradition of showcasing works of generation next every year at its premises, is proof enough, as to how much Aakriti cares for the young talents, in the field of painting, drawing, sculptures, and other media.
Along with the showcasing of the works by young talents, Aakriti's efforts in 'unearthing' old works, by the artists of yesteryears, is also endearing. By way of mounting the works of artists of yesteryears, Aakriti has sent across the message that, in the glitter of selling and buying art, let us not forget those who in their own creative way have contributed to the growth of contemporary art, in Kolkata and elsewhere. Every time I visit the Gallery I admire Vikram, when he informs me about an artist of an older generation, who had been forgotten, or had been nearly forgotten, and with whom, he has made new contacts, and is in regular touch, for collecting or showcasing his I her works. I am quite sure that in the coming times, Vikram's efforts in tracing down the 'forgotten' will bear fruitful results, and we will be able to unearth some of the missing links in our contemporary Indian art.
Vikram always brings in a personal touch in all his communications, and contacts. He visits the artists and their studios, personally, makes it a point to give support to the other art-activities in the town, and visits group and solo-shows mounted elsewhere. Every time I am in Kolkata, he inform's me about the art-happenings in town, and given an opportunity, I like to be with him, wherever he is going, to an inauguration, or a book-launch or any such occasion. In his youthful and energetic company, I feel happy discussing art, and other related issue, and always feels joyous when he talks about his future plans.
The way Aakriti has been regular in all its activities, is also to be taken note of. Not a day passes in the Gallery, when a new show, a new venture is not being planned. And this planning is never in isolation, or haphazard, it has got a bearing to the total activities of the show. Keep it up Aakriti, keep it up Vikram and Priya.
-- Prayag Shukla
12th September, 2007
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