Art and Patronage

Art under patronage being cause of criticism by the Art Historians. There are valid reasons for the same.Art under any king or ruler displays the kings personal flavour and preferences. It also indicates inclination towards his (religious) faith. Like we have classical art under Gupta Kings with great Buddhist and Hindu Art and architecture. Similarly, in Pahari miniature there is preference for Vaishnav influence. So we experience in Mughal miniatures a tendencies of depicting more of Court life and portraits of royals. These are varied examples of different periods in history, to highlight this fact. But this patronge of art is equally relevant today.
Each artist before he gets into this profession has this question in his sub conscious- who will acknowledge my talent? While teaching this new breed of artist, I have faced it very often. Earning or commercial aspect of art also contributes to it. Most of the time these individuals are pressurised to not to pursue art as full time occupation for the same reason. At the same time, we are fortunate to have Corporates emerging as a support to the art and artists. Art auctioneers like Osians are coming with various viable options for the art. These corporates have well thought out strategies and plans to promote art and artists. But it is essential, that such corporates should not come under the influence of established artists. I would rather suggest these corporates to promote younger generation. Not only it will help the new brigade to bring the freshness of its individual talent, it is also a better investment for the corporates. As works of these artists are easily available with lesser investment. This also make sense as, by promoting already established artists these promoters are closing the path of new thought and experimentation in art field.
The most viable and constructive step to promote art should be by recognising the fresh talent, thought and experimentation at the learning stage. Each art college organises annual art exhibition to showcase talent of its students. It could be a great opportunity for the promoters to recognise and acknowledge new trends and trendsetters. It can prove to be both need and fulfillment of both the new generation artist and the promoters.

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