A dozen years of patronising young artists

CHENNAI: It’s no big secret that art works of renowned artists are highly priced. And the works of young and struggling artists not paid much attention. So often, both art collectors and artists return home disappointed without making a significant purchase or sale. In order to up the buyer-seller equation and create a healthy relationship among them, Vinnyasa Premeir Art Gallery initiated the Affordable Art Show 12 years ago. “The annual summer art show is a brilliant platform for young and upcoming artists. Experienced and established artists can also participate. At least 50 artists have displayed their works this year,” says Viji Nagashwaran, gallery owner. Having continued this tradition for more than a decade, Vinnyasa can today boast of an exclusive lineup of popular artists whose early works were showcased at the art show A testimony to that is self-taught city artist Shivaram. Popular in the art circle, Shivaram continues to showcase his works at the show. He says, “I had no formal training in art, which made things tough for me. I first exhibited my work at the Affordable Art Show in 2005, and there has been no looking back since. I slowly established an audience for my works and have been able to reach beyond elite art connoiseurs. People now recognise me and are willing to buy my works.” This year, Shivaram has already sold two of his paintings themed Indian Abstracts at `10,000 each.At the show, the art works are priced significantly lower to sell better. This year, the works are  priced from `1,000 to `20,000. The price of an art work is discussed and negotiated between the gallerist and the artists, explains Viji. “At the show, buyers get to choose from a wide range of works. There are figuritive, abstract, modern, semi-modern, landscapes and semi-figurative works in acrylic-on-canvas, oil-on-canvas and watercolour media. Over 150 works are on display this year.Solomon and Potrarasan, comparatively young artists who have their works on display for the fourth and second year respectively, agree that the annual Affordable Art Show is nothing short of a launchpad for young and aspiring artists. “I hope to make a mark in the art industry soon. It is a huge opportunity for new artists like us, and I am sure I will be able to establish a wider audience through this show,” says a hopeful Potrarasan.‘Annual Affordable Art Show: Art for All’ is on at Vinnyasa Premier Art Galery, 21/11, 1st Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore until 25 June 25. For details, call 24982515 .