Art beyond commerce

IT'S NOT just a place where portfolios are promoted. The Apparao Galleries, Chennai, is the right destination for those with an insatiable appetite for gaining knowledge in the Fine Arts.

Nestled in a quiet corner, in posh Wallace Garden, Nungambakkam, Apparao Galleries opens up a world of art to the connoisseurs and laity of Chennai. Paintings crowd the walls of the storeyed building (the staircase too) and the floor is a delightful clutter with mounds of canvas and objets d' art. Amidst the din of artistic activity in her spacious terrace-garden converted into a gallery, Sharan Apparao, proprietrix, reclines for a tete- a-tete on her itinerary for the coming months. Sharan's raison d 'etre instantly reminds you of the Coke commercial. Yes. She eats, sleeps and drinks ART.

"We don't want to be mere art sellers," she points out plainly. "We hope to go beyond the purview of business, to educate and sensitise the public."

Rightly so, the Apparao Galleries recently launched its educational awareness programme titled "Tracing the traditions in Indian Painting." The seven-part illustrated lecture series has been spread over five months. While the first lecture (on Mughal miniatures) in the series opened to an enthusiastic response in July, the ongoing programme will cover diverse areas ranging from Rajput miniatures to current trends in the South Indian Contemporary Art Movement in the near future.

"The objective is to promote an awareness of Indian art down the ages. The lectures will be addressed by eminent personalities in the field, such as Ashraf S. Bhagat, Alamelu and Razia. They are open to the public and no entry fee will be charged. Through these lucid and informative lectures we hope to detach art from commerce and help people enjoy and respond to it better," says Sharan, radiating confidence.

This Fine Arts graduate from Stella Maris College goes on the explain: "In my 16-years in the business, I have realised that there is a deep craving for knowledge of the arts among aficionados as well as amateurs. These programmes aim at addressing the need for simplified, non-esoteric information. Art institutions cater only for limited students. Where will the other art lovers go?"

Sharan's "Tracing the traditions of Indian paintings" is the latest feather in her artistic cap. Only a few months ago, she started "A Portfolio of Art Happenings", to "promote youngsters with hardly any avenue for exposure". Her instinct and the artist's self-motivation and technical skill help her in selecting the one to be featured in Portfolio. An interesting aspect of this mini-gallery is that the exhibits here do not exceed Rs. 5,000. "Chennai is not really a happening place for art when compared to other metros. The galleries have a responsibility in fostering fresh talent. In fact, some of the works by youngsters showcase tremendous promise, great energy and contemporary appeal."

That Sharan has left no stone unturned in her artistic pursuits is evident from the fact that after targeting youngsters, she turned to children and young adults with a host of "Outreach" programmes. Calligraphy, paper-making, jewellery-making and kids crafts are some of the courses offered with timings suitable for children. The fee ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 750 for these classes.

While all these programmes try to take art beyond monetary frontiers, the gallery, which stocks a comprehensive range of works by both top-notch artists and promising youngsters, provides the "much-needed resources to keep the show going". The clientele includes corporate houses, avid collectors and even the not-so-discerning, who are offered consultation on what to choose. And mind you, though art is a tough business it demands soft sell. Last minute backing out, undercutting prices.... all need shrewd business acumen to tackle. And sure Sharan has it in plenty.

With the commitment to popularise Indian art in foreign lands, the Apparao Galleries made its foray into the international scene with representatives scattered all over - Hong Kong, Singapore, e, New York, London, San Francisco, etc.

Cultivating a taste for art without any pedantic formalism is no easy task. And this, Sharan has taken up, to enable art lovers to dispense with time, cost and fatigue involved in tracking down information. With the "Tracing .... " series and many more similar programmes on the anvil, art buffs can hope to add more colour to the canvas of their lives.

T. KRITHIKA REDDY

The itinerary

Rajput miniatures - August 25

Bazaar and 19th Century painting - September 22

Ravi Verma - September 29

Modernism and the beginning of the art movement in South India - October 27

First generation South Indian artist and art activity - October 28

Current trends in the South Indian contemporary art movement - November 24

The lectures will be held at 6.30 p.m. For details contact 8272226 or 8223726.

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