Art Alive Gallery is one of the leading and forward-looking galleries in India. It was set up in 2001 by Sunaina Anand to aid Indian art practices. Since its inception the Gallery has carved a distinct position by creating an effective visual and literal dialogue in form of curated shows, critically edged catalogues, intra-disciplinary events, art books and seminars. Wherein the initiative is to strengthen inter-disciplinary communication in order to increase public knowledge and stimulate appreciation of Art.
With a firm commitment to art fraternity, the Gallery feels responsible towards both the 20th Century and 21st Century traditions of Indian Art. In response to which, are organized retrospectives to give tribute to legendary Indian artists; while also conceptualize shows that establish methodological links between Modern and Contemporary Art.
The Gallery finds great delight to observe contemporary nuances of modernistic trends, in accordance to which in 2007 was celebrated 85th birthday of S.H. Raza , a tradition in himself by organizing a multi-art event named, ‘Swasti’ that featured a solo show of the artist at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, a group exhibition of Raza Foundation Awardees, a Poetry and Performative Arts festival and a panel discussion on Raza, titled ‘Shoonya aur Aakar’ (Form and Nothingness) with distinguished art critics and writers. Likewise retrospectives and solo shows of distinguished artists have been organized, namely, Thota Vaikuntam, K.S. Radhakrishnan, Shuvaprasanna to tribute modern indigenous artistic trends. The Thota Vaikuntam solo show was also taken to London in 2005.
The Gallery has successfully bridged a distance between the two centuries, while exploring new paradigms by putting up shows like: ‘Bridges’ (2005), ‘Tatva’(2006), ‘An Indian Summer’ (2007) and ‘Generation Next’ (2007). Also it facilitates a platform for innovative, experimental art practices that respond to present socio-cultural dilemmas, amongst which are solo shows: ‘Encounter’ by Veer Munshi (2006), ‘Distinguished Company’ by Nayanna Kanodia (2007), and ‘The Street’ by Yusuf Arakkal (2007). While working towards transforming perceptive sensibilities, group shows were held, like the ‘Fair and Furious’ I &II, on Feminine Fables with 12 contemporary artists in 2003 and 2004 respectively; ‘Ways of Seeing’ (2005) which also won the Habitat Award for the best show of 2005 and recently organized multi-media show ‘Urgent Conversations’ (2008) instigating a discourse over ignored social issues.
Furthermore, supporting publications on Indian Art, Art Alive has published an extraordinary range of books, including catalogues with critically analytical text; limited edition art portfolios with artist’s signatures like litho works by Jogen Chowdhury, T. Vaikuntam, Paresh Maity and more. Amongst the archival publications are a monograph on the life and art of S.H. Raza and T.Vaikuntam in the ‘Art Alive Masters Series’ and the first volume of ‘Faces of Indian Art’ that offers an inside view into the studio of Indian artists through the lens of Nemai Ghosh and the artist’s profiles by distinguished art writers and critics. Also are monographic books with large reproductions of their works on K.S. Radhakrishnan and Paresh Maity. In the pipeline are several monographs and volume series of the above publications.
With the literary ventures and seminars the motive is to enhance audience response and institute a personal connectivity between the viewer and the artist. Keeping this end in view, Art Alive has arranged several seminars and activities in India and abroad in collaboration with reputed institutions and organizations. A Panel discussion ‘Indian Art Today: An Exploration of Contemporary India’, with Dr. Partha Mitter, Prof. Parul Dave Mukherjee and Prof. Francesco Manacorda; an illustrated lecture on ‘A Carnival Sense of the World’ by Timothy Hymen, an eminent painter and art critic; an art workshop for kids in London and more.
Art Alive aspires to build visually and aesthetically active visual experience and assist growth of Indian Art. To showcase Indian Contemporary Art, locally, nationally and internationally; the gallery actively ventures into collaborative programs and participates in several national and international festivals and art fairs.
