This is the third visit of British artist Angus Pryor to India but this time it is special. He has curated a show of seven UK artists, which is on display at the Visual Arts Gallery at IHC. The show focuses on critical narratives. Angus, who teaches at the University of Kent, UK, says all artists involved create a themed story in their work. “It is a show that has something for all audiences.
This is my third trip to India and I find that the people here are completely genuine and lovers of art and culture. I am hoping that Indian audiences will respond to an eclectic array of work.”Just like India, the art scene in Britain too is similar, wherein, high art is considered a prerogative of a certain section of people. “The art scenario in Britain is exactly the same as in India. The museums are free and they have an excellent education programme but high art is still seen as the province of the intellectuals and the elite,” he shares with Metrolife.
Commenting on the art scene in Delhi, he says there are some very good art institutions. “India has a rich history and I would like that to be seen as the starting point rather than looking at the West. Like everywhere, corporates are beginning to develop a scene in Delhi too. It has great artists.
There are fantastic art schools here and the future lies here with their curriculum,” says Angus, who has made a painting absorbed in Indian culture, referencing Delhi and its Mughal tradition. “I love the Mughal art and miniatures. I respect history and Indian art has a fantastic history,” he adds.In Delhi for almost 30 days, Angus is hopeful of visiting not just one but many historic structures. “Akshardham Temple, Safdarjung Tomb, Bangla Saheb Gurdwara, the list of places I want to visit is very long. I love the museums also which I have visited on previous occasions too,” he says.
Not only the monuments, the Briton has a fetish for Indian food too. “I enjoy butter chicken curry, dal and rice. I tried pistachio sweets and they were divine.” Ask him what comes to mind with the word India, he replies, “A great big smile, colours, atmosphere’s smell as well as all the religious iconography. My favourite is Hanuman. They say you either love it or hate India. I love it,” he sums up.
