Bartha & Senarclens Partners, Singapore, in collaboration with Nature Morte Gallery, New Delhi, is pleased to present Eye of India - A Selection of Contemporary Indian Artists. The selection features works by renowned and contemporary artists Jagannath Panda, Josh PS, Mithu Sen, Seher Shah, Samaraendra Raj Singh, Thukral & Tagra and Hema Upadhyay. 
 
The show will open on April 29, 2010, at Bartha & Senarclens exclusive gallery in the city centre for select clientele. In addition selected works by these artists will also be presented within an exclusive exhibition at the Singapore Free Port during its official inauguration on the 18th and 19th of May 2010. The artists have been exhibited in major art centers including London, New York, Paris and Berlin. The show features works in a variety of media including painting, drawings and photographic works. 
 
According to Frédéric de Senarclens, founder and partner of Bartha and Senarclens, “we are inspired by the rich diversity of contemporary works from India. The Indian art scene while very established and sophisticated was largely indigenous until recently. Through this show in Singapore, we hope to contribute to the growing international interest in Indian art and be the conduit between contemporary Indian artists and art collectors.”
 
The exhibition communicates the circumstances experienced by Indian artists today - a long and powerful cultural and aesthetic history, the rapid drive to modernization and transformation of everyday life under globalization. The works demonstrate the search by these artists for a distinct artistic vision and identity within this world, while remaining close to their traditional roots and history. Eye of India illustrates the unique perspectives and vision of each individual artist. Collectively the works present the variety of themes, issues and internal conflicts tackled by contemporary Indian artists today. 
 
A work by artist pair Jiten Thukral & Sumir Tagra entitled “Dominus Aeris – Mirage 12” focuses on the dream-come-true style of consumer culture that characterizes Indiaʼs rapidly growing middle class. The work depicts a newly prevalent and post-modern architectural style commonly found throughout India known as “Punjabi Baroque”. Propagated by developers without the input of architects, the misguided and confused style reflects the jumble of sensibilities that can often characterize Indiaʼs new exploding middle-income class. The artists portray these suburban homes as fantastical castles, floating upon clouds of flowers, playfully commenting on the starry eyed feelings underlying such developments.
 
Another work entitled “The Being” by Jagannath Panda comments on the implications of mass urbanization. The large painting depicts a rhinoceros passing along a building site. The almost life-size rhino projects a future where animals at odds with the burgeoning urban environment. The skins of the animals in the artistʼs work are often partly articulated with brocade textiles, an element that has become a signature material for him. Jagannathʼs work explores the diversity of expressions and symbolisms possible through animal images and forms.
 
“The artists we have chosen for this exhibition address social issues that are as relevant in modern day India as they are in the rest of the world. We believe this selection presents perspectives that audiences can readily identify with engaging them in a dialogue between different cultures in our globalised society.”