For the last few years, Vis-a-Vis gallery has been showing fine works from designers priced under a thousand rupees. This year, in collaboration with one of Delhi's top art galleries, Art Inc, the show, happily called 999, has included some works from artists, particularly painters. The 999 show in the year 2000 then has a range of work, some of which is both unusual (made exclusively for this show) as well as inexpensive.
There are gems to be found both within the artists and the designers. Predictably, the artist's works find the quickest buyers, because most of them offer work similar to what they exhibit. Consider Delhi based artist Probir Gupta. Here, there are three of his collage-like works, all priced at Rs 999. Although it is invalid to compare the prices of his work in the market, a guesstimate proves interesting. Three years back, similar works, nearly 3 feet by one foot, cost approximately Rs 12,000. He then used nearly no collage _ only thick paint, on wood. Now, on display are works, two of which involve intricate paper cutting, and one could hazard a guess that they would have been priced in a regular show at least Rs 4,000-5,000.
There are other, equally, if not more exciting works: Sheila Makhijani, who recently showed in the gallery, works on concepts more than tangible objects. It is difficult, (though not impossible) to own something by her, because she works despite the market, as it were. In 999, her assemblage of painted over cricket balls in ice-cream glasses combine wit with incisive cerebral input. Painter Anjum Singh's tautness-laden compositions on glass tiles are no less delightful and unusual.
Also Read
Some of the artists's works are like previews, because will show later next season at Art Inc., but their works will naturally not be available for Rs 999. In fact, the point is how the two _ a `real price' in the market and the `lowered'price in this case, will actually serve as a first step towards nudging the hesitant to acquire art and think about the idea of enjoying living with such stuff around. At these prices, it is at once possible, though only once.
The second part of the show is an eclectic mix of ceramists, designers and others. Some of them are unexceptional, even tacky, others good, but available in shops for similar prices and finally, work that comprises the backbone of this section. The metal section, with designs from Thomas and Niharika is, in parts, made of such stuff. Some of Leena Batra's ceramics also qualify as do Ritu and Radha's coasters, with paper cut-outs. Some of the large hanging lanterns, strong leather flow vases and cases are also worth seeing.
The organizers, on their part, are trying to facilitate everyone _ mostly the city's middle classes _ who can afford this low limit, to buy and live with a beautiful product, otherwise financially and conceptually beyond limits.
The point is quite simple: 999 is an exhibition where, if you are selective, you can find several treasures. It is useful to make it a point to know when it will take place, and be there before the opening, during which most _though not all _ of the best is sold. This time, for example, the artists sold first, and then the designers. However, within each, there is still good stuff left. The way to look at this event is not as a one-off lucky buy (often compulsive because of the prices), but as an event that allows you to acquire funky products and art, (or less funky products and art), at prices at which you can afford to experiment. Don't buy what you don't want to live with, but be sure to see what's going each year. Invest your time, energy, and money not in a product, but in the event. Open till June 4.