In 1928, prominent Indian artists came together under the banner of All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) to decorate India House in London.
The society sent its first All India Art Exhibition to London and the works of four artists — Dhirendra Krishan Deb Burman, Ranada Ukil, Lalit Mohan Sen, Sudhangshu Choudhury — were selected and still adorn India House in London. The exhibition itself was appreciated and circulated to various European countries, returning to India only in 1932.
This week, AIFACS opened the 85th edition of the All India Art Exhibition in New Delhi, giving art lovers in the capital a month-long treat.
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Inaugurated by sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, this year’s edition saw thousands of entries by artists in varied sections like painting, sculpture, graphic and drawing. Judges selected 239 works and over 40 artists, each a master in his medium, were recommended for cash awards.
This exhibition has now become a platform for young and upcoming artists to exhibit their work to the public.
“Artists from all states, regions or schools learn the aesthetic values of their own works as well as in general but they all converge towards the society on a single platform to compare and compete,” said Ram V Sutar, President, AIFACS. The exhibition’s rising popularity has led to it being held in two parts in order to accommodate more artists and works.
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Over the years, the exhibition has seen a monumental change in concepts and thinking, with artists experimenting with style, medium and themes.
The changing language of art has also urged the society to seriously consider including New Media and Digital Media art as a fifth section in forthcoming editions. Displayed in the four galleries of AIFACS, the works paint a very clear picture of the immense talent and creativity displayed by Indian artists and sculptors.
Bottomline: The 85th edition of the All India Art Exhibition gives art lovers a month-long treat
All India Art Exhibition, 2012
Where:All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, 1, Rafi Marg, New Delhi
When:December 3-31, 2012