The Art Observer
If India is one of the youngest nations as per number of youngsters in the population, let us not ignore the number of creative young minds and hands all set to express. No wonder art galleries are mushrooming all over, particularly in the big cities. Many art lovers are not gallery hoppers and we feel Art that is well presented is better enjoyed and it must reach the true ‘Rasik’. The Art Observer is a determined step in this direction.
The Art Observer is a monthly art journal launched by Shanker Art Foundation, the founder of ARTinfoINDIA.COM and organiser of the prestigious annual Children Art Contest. In this aesthetically designed journal, quality articles on art and artists written by well-known art writers and critics are available. Adequate information related to art, programmes, exhibitions etc. also find a suitable place.
Shanker Art Foundation is a Gurugram-based independent, national, not-for-profit organization that promotes art and artists in the Indian subcontinent and supports contemporary art.
The Art Observer Monthly Art Reflections is published on 15th of every month by Shanker Art Foundation and distributed through courier to art collectors, art professionals, eminent persons, institutions and art lovers whose correspondence address are in our database and whoever wants to remain informed of current issues, debates and trends in contemporary art.
Our Approach
Shanker Art Foundation is based in Gurugram, India with the objective of fostering a robust cultural art landscape. We are always endeavouring to engage art-based communities and explore the possibilities of supporting artists and art organisations. Our radical approach which has evolved post-inception is about promoting new as well as vintage talents, developing and sustaining the art practitioners and partnering with the art fraternity. We are responsive to the artistic priorities of the local population and take care to engage local artists and organisations. We are technically sound and aim to provide state-of-the-art online surf and are equipped with advanced data storage facilities. We believe in surviving and thriving by working together. By exploring new models in organising art exhibitions, workshops, discussion panels for the creation of individual works, the Shanker Art Foundation is always in pursuit of developing a thriving art ecology that is evolving and dynamic in creating a team that reflects society by involving people from every walks of life. We as an Art concern endeavour to prioritise effective talent development strategies and chart out paths of individual achievement and collective progress.
Our Story
Always energised to make art reach the maximum and to inspire art creators and beholders, our online initiative blossomed in 2012 when ARTinfoINDIA.COM (an initiative of Shanker Art Foundation) organised its first ever art exhibition titled GRATITUDE 2012 wherein 33 contemporary artists of Gurugram participated in full gusto. The exhibition was held at the National Art Centre, Gurugram to mark its 33rd Anniversary under eminent artist Shri Roop Chand who is the founder and chairman of the centre. Since then there has been no looking back and we have been on the surge to explore and exhibit talent. We believe what matters the most is getting behind the creative potential and passion and helping it to vividly manifest. The avenues are limitless and we endeavour to bring the art to life, inspiring the patrons to discover the spirit of imagination that lies within everyone. We connect one and all with the art in rich and varied ways and explore anew through the beauty and expressive power of the art.
Our Inspiration and Advisors
After working in a school for a while, he came to Chandigarh in 1960 and established Bal Bhawan under the president-ship of Nar Hari Vishnu Gadgil, the Governor of Punjab. He started with a few students who came after school time and in five months, there were about 900 students in Art, Music and Dance. Apart from director-ship, he took painting and clay modelling classes it was Tagore Centenary year. Bal Bhawan celebrated it .He organised an exhibition of 200 students' paintings in sector18 in a Govt. building which was a temporary arrangement for Bal Bhawan. This was the first big exhibition in Chandigarh. For the planning of Bal Bhawan's own building He happened to came to know Le Corbusier The builder of Chandigarh and gave him sketches of Oriential motifs.
After about eight months, he left Bal Bhawan and joined Government College for women. Dr. Mulk Raj Anand had joined the Punjab University as Tagore Professor of Art and Literature. He came in his touch and Roop Chand started organising national and international artists' exhibition at the University.
In 2009, D S Kapoor was nominated as the Principal of this college. D S Kapoor has been honoured with State Award for three times for his contribution in the art & Culture by the Governor of Punjab cum administrators Chandigarh on Independence Day and Republic day in 2000, 2008 and 2012. He also received an award of honour on Teacher's Day. He was awarded for his work by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy in 2004.
However, his desire to keep working forever, during 2012, he was picked up by the Government of Haryana and was appointed Dean, State University of visual and performing arts, Rohtak. He is also the founder President of “Kala Maitri” Alumni association of Art College. He is the founder and performed as Officer on Special Duty at NID, 2016-2020. (National Institute of Design-Kurukshetra)
He has launched National level campaign for adding value to the life of artists through his self-coined slogan and much-appreciated belief 'Jai Kalakar' in continuation of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan.
Her fascination for art compels her to explore the meaning and intricate details concerning the function and purpose of art, within methodology of exploring the concept of art within transition of paintings from realistic to abstract, of which her articles gets published in various journals and magazines;
An inborn passion for paintings never detaches her from painting: her oil paintings display literary meanings through quasi perfect forms, exploring layers of colours through wash technique; while her acrylics, beyond all forms, search for unique colour connections and texture.
However, her main preoccupation is Social work. She is also trustee at Main Tendue Delhi (www.maintenduedelhi.org) which supports 10 Indian ngos.
Meet our Team
Kishore is audaciously working towards the growth of art. He launched Art Portal the ARTinfoINDIA.COM and initiated Children Art Contest in 2012. Since then it is being organized every year and is theme specific.
Kishore also patiently mustered the names and profiles of nearly above 300 artists from Haryana and is working on finalizing the directory.
“I like to mix my magics.” She says, “I use mixed media to integrate sensations into coherent painterly forms, where one can see intensification, clarification and interpretation of experiences in various degrees. The brushwork is declaration of my personal freedom where mixed media supports me in creating visual variety. In a few words, it’s a correspondence between feeling, form and technique, where my painting continues to change and grow at every step.”
Alka is an artist, a researcher, a writer and a poet settled in Bangalore. She has been in a Higher Education job and has taught as Asso Professor in a Post Graduate College for fifteen years. She is currently a Coordinator in E-learning project by MHRD in association with Dayalbagh University, Agra. She is an Editor of a journal- Artistic Narration; recipient of many prestigious awards and honours; has held and participated in many All India and International exhibitions; published reviews and research papers in renowned journals, magazines and newspapers. She has been a resource person in many Universities and also a content writer of demonstrations of famous artists.
His works have been published in leading metropolitan newspapers and magazines in India & abroad. His experience of Motion Picture Photography has helped him enhance his skills.
After having a graceful presence and versatile experience in India, he moved a step forward and made an international presence (2008-2012) to expand his professional territory and personal learning in Dubai, UAE.
His milestones & Accolades count a Coffee Table Book named – AT HOME-ACROSS THE WORLD, Official Photographer for Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai and Bharat Rang Mahotsava organized by National School of Drama, New Delhi.
He is a recipient of Senior Fellowship award in Photography by Expert Committee constituted by The Ministry of Culture.
She has a keen interest in art and enjoys doing drawing and painting whenever she gets time.
