Three Indian Artists at Christies' HK Asian Contemporary Art (Day Sale)
Uma Nair02 June 2010
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/plumage/entry/three-indian-artists-at-christies
Top among the three were Thukral and Tagra the ingenuous twosome who create works that look like a modern day tapestry. Their work of a set of apartments with flowers and leaves and a lush tree sold for a handsome HK$400,000/($51,769). This note from Christie’s reflects their work best: Working collaboratively since 2000, celebrated artists Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra address current issues in urban India though a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, fashion and product design, as well as graphic and interior design. The work of this uniquely versatile duo is characterized by exuberant colour and elaborate imagery. Their hyper-media fusion reflects the dynamism and ambition of India's rapidly growing economy, while commenting on consumerism and social aspirations. Drawing from pop culture, national history and city life, Thukral & Tagra meld their respective backgrounds in fine arts and graphic design into a distinctive and vibrant contemporary style.
Powerful yet whimsical, Dominus Aeris Mirage - 3 (Lot 1695) depicts this fascination with consumerism and explores urbanization and displacement in the ever expanding metropolis. Dominus Aeris means "Master of the Air", Mirage refers to optical illusions and combined, this title points toward the artists' mastery of the imagined. Ironically these flowers, trees and birds have grown to massive proportions and engulf the high rise apartment blocks, and a vertical tower of clouds dominates the composition. Another tiny dwelling floats in the sky on a lotus flower, whilst an electrical tower sinks into the barely visible horizon. Combining fantasy with reality, Thukral & Tagra achieve a playful, cutting-edge dialogue which combines a rare mix of high culture and reflective, ironic kitsch.
Powerful yet whimsical, Dominus Aeris Mirage - 3 (Lot 1695) depicts this fascination with consumerism and explores urbanization and displacement in the ever expanding metropolis. Dominus Aeris means "Master of the Air", Mirage refers to optical illusions and combined, this title points toward the artists' mastery of the imagined. Ironically these flowers, trees and birds have grown to massive proportions and engulf the high rise apartment blocks, and a vertical tower of clouds dominates the composition. Another tiny dwelling floats in the sky on a lotus flower, whilst an electrical tower sinks into the barely visible horizon. Combining fantasy with reality, Thukral & Tagra achieve a playful, cutting-edge dialogue which combines a rare mix of high culture and reflective, ironic kitsch.
THUKRAL & TAGRA (B. 1976 & 1979 respectively). Dominus Aeris Mirage-3, Acrylic, Oil on Canvas painted in June 2009The second work belonged to Anirban Mitra who created mythic symbols and fused multiple imagery. Titled Anirban Mitra India it sold for HK$75,000/($9,707).
ANIRBAN MITRA (B. 1981). Acrylic on Canvas painted in 2009
The third work belonged to George Martin. Cross Section of Metaphysics –II sold for HK$60,000/($7,765). George Martin had this unforgettable show at Palette Art Gallery in Delhi. His works are a spectral of luscious colour. He paints a magical view of the world around us, which appears to be spinning at a dizzying speed. His acrylic abstractions exuberate copious amounts of energy and are an ultimate representation of modern urban life. There are no limitations to colour or form in Martin’s visual extravaganza; in a single canvas he is able to merge multiple cultures. However, when viewed more carefully, Martin’s densely populated compositions resonate the transitory and disunited true nature of our world.
GEORGE MARTIN (B. 1973). Cross Section of Metaphysics - II, painted in 2006
