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We all look forward to the Gen Next show each year, as it promises to have on display the new innovative works by young artists from the country and elsewhere. For those who cherish the expressive use of the art material enhancing the intent of a certain work, Gen Next seems to be the event. As I remember, every show in the past, has offered some artists who are engaged in the exploration of the material they select for their work. The exploration is not devoid of the essential content they would like to put forth, yet the manner in which they treat the material often seems fascinating, and draw our attention separately. In this age of freedom to experiment and use any material one would like to play with, windows of newer perceptions have certainly opened up. In terms of form/s, this has also offered the artists endless possibilities. Hence , not only in installations, but in paintings, drawings, sculptures, and even in graphic prints, one finds that from the electronic and technological gadgets, to objects found in Nature and man-made things, a lot is being used these days to create artworks. Subsequently, one is able to create works in a focused and imaginative manner, decoding potent images with the aid of various materials not used heretofore.
GenNext has also introduced some artists who happen to bring with a verve a certain flavor of the region to which they belong, and enchantingly give the figures and objects a mythical world of their own. The works of Karnataka artist Santosh D.Andrade from the last show can be cited in this regard. The doors and windows, the corridors and stairs of the traditional houses evocatively created a whole gamut of narratives from the older generations.
We are aware of the fact that an artist has always needed a platform to present his/her works, not only for public viewing but also for critical examination and appreciation. GenNext seems to be engaged in their singular approach to bring to us not only fresh and new ideas, but also a visual vocabulary which stimulates, and addresses the issues of our times as well. It has undoubtedly become an inspiring platform, where, in the initial short-listing itself, the works are judged rigorously according to their merits, and in the final selection, they stand out for all of us to be viewed intently. Aakriti, along with its other meaningful activities, has thus created an open and ongoing dialogue with the young artists, brought together in a manner where varied experiences can be shared.
Launch of a new art journal by Emami Chisel Art this year has further strengthened the GenNext platform, since the journal is going to focus on the younger generation of artists as well. Its aim is to bring out emotive intents of new trends and new directions, to be shared with them.
- Prayag Shukla
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