The State of the Indian Museum
As discussed in the past, we are in desperate need of an active, fully functioning museum or institution that will be able to wholly represent the various movements and forms of artistic expression seen in India from the turn of the last century to the present day. While there are advantages and disadvantages to this being a state-run rather than a private enterprise, the fact remains that the lack of an active body at the moment is preventing us from being as well represented as we could be in the international arena. Yes, international gallery shows are growing exponentially, but that restricts our presence to the commercial domain. One of the most exciting prospects of 2008 is the opening of The Devi Art Foundation in New Delhi. It is a private enterprise set up to encourage and develop young talent as well as play an educational role by raising the awareness and exposing Contemporary art to a diverse audience. It will be a welcome and important addition to the existing infrastructure.

Censorship and Freedom of Expression
The last 18 months have seen one too many exhibition shut down or its contents damaged due to certain groups of people taking offense to the shows. Freedom of expression is essential to any creative artist, whether visual or performing. The appropriate law makers and enforcers have a responsibility to ensure that this freedom is protected, within reasonable means. Whether it is making sure that M F Husain’s paintings can be exhibited without worry, or that a young art student can display his works in a university or gallery, certain guidelines should be adhered to. Yielding to bullying tactics repeatedly will lead to the artists’ entire premise being compromised. In the case of an artist like Husain, whose contributions to the development of Indian art are unparalleled, it sends mixed signals to the international art community.

Market Dynamics
2007 ended on a deceptively high note for a group of Contemporary artists. Record (and perhaps irrational) prices were achieved at auctions, leading to the all important question: What next? With prices jumping up to 10 times, previous records for certain artists, the stage could potentially be set for disaster if handled incorrectly. As these are all active artists, it will be up to their primary dealers to ensure that equilibrium is quickly restored and no hasty changes are made to prices. One artist was apparently scared by his price achieved at auction. As far as the Moderns go, 2007 was a relatively quiet year. Auction fatigue has set in to some extent and it will take more than a handful of top quality works to offset that.
Other issues such as art journalism, import duties and tax incentives are also important. For all the issues that we must be mindful of, there are others that have been overcome and sorted out over the last 12 months. However, it is essential to keep the dialogue open so that we can keep evolving.