Looking out of the window

Art which is without boundaries: that is the idea behind ‘Daira’ explains Atika Amjad pointing out the open ended circle which comprises the logo and reminds us that our limitations are only as confining as we let them to be.

Started in 2001 by two sisters, Atika Amjad and Atya Amjad, Daira is an eight year old gallery that has become a fixture of  Hyderabad’s cultural landscape. After a successful show earlier this year in March titled ‘Art in Object’ an innovative exhibit of how art can be functional, Daira brings for lovers of art, its latest project ‘The Nano Show’: A thirty day exhibit of one Ft by one Ft small format paintings by 23 artists priced at Rs 1000 each.

Inspired from the Tata Nano, the project seeks to make art more affordable and viable for all stake holders: the gallery, new artists and clients. “To make art a necessity and not a luxury.” proclaims Atika Amjad, owner of the Gallery. Gone are the days when one had to be familiar with the names of Rembrandt or Van Gogh to be considered worthy of appreciating art. While the ‘investment’ interest the market  saw a couple of years ago may not be a stellar example, the changing aesthetics of the Indian middle class accompanied by the availability of disposable income has made collecting art more than a passion of the elite. Why then settle for generic prints and common place wall hanging when you can buy an original piece of art?

Atika Amjad who conceptualized the exhibit said the whole things were executed in less than two months. “We approached a few artists, mostly fresh out of college or in their final years. 23 artists from all over Andhra Pradesh  have showcased their pieces. This is an ongoing project. More artists are going to be featured from Kerala, Delhi, Lucknow, Baroda etc.  The profit will come from the volumes sold. So far the response has been over whelming.”

Atika is quick to point out that the reduced price has not meant a proportionate reduction of quality. “Artists were interviewed and selected on the basis of their future plans for personal growth. They were invited to come and discuss the works to be showcased.’

The exhibit is an eclectic mix of all styles brought together by the common thread of their small size format. From objective, abstract, landscapes, interior and exteriors to Indian ink and sculpture, the potential client has an array of work to choose from. The paintings again address several themes from ones as simple and lucid as memories of college to feminist interpretations on Indian ink by Swati K to a refreshing look at the city of Hyderabad in the works of Kota Lakhsmi Narayan. Over 70 % of the paintings have already been sold and some artists have even sold all twelve of their collection and have even come out with a second set of works to acquiesce popular demand.

Following this show which comes to an end on the 4th August, Daira will be presenting ‘Royal Dictate’ by artist Masuram Ravi Kant, a royalty theme event cum exhibition of works on the 6^th of August, 2009.