Smaller canvases big hit among art connoisseurs

The concept of smaller canvases is not new. P Gopinath, a senior artist participating in this exhibition, recalled, “The visionary artist and founding father of Cholamandal, KCS Paniker had conducted the first ever small format art show way back in 1971 in Pune, followed by Mumbai and Chennai in 1972. The small-sized art works were sold for anything between Rs 25 to Rs 100. We sold quite a bit even back then. Since then, we have regularly conducted this exhibition to encourage young artists and new buyers. Now, the other galleries too have started this trend.”

S Saravanan, President, Progressive painters Association, said that the compact canvases are an indication of changing times, with smaller living spaces becoming the norm in our urban milieu. “Nowadays, people don’t have a large wall space to hang big works of art. So, with smaller art works, our aim was to reach out to art lovers, who can’t afford the larger canvases. Art should not just be for the rich. Art is a necessity – not a luxury. So, we have close to 30 artists participating in this exhibition, working with diverse media, ranging from canvas to welded metal and even granite,” explained this artist. 

Jacob Jebaraj, Secretary of PPA, said they are planning to have a camp to encourage more artists to work with smaller canvases. “The Micro Camp on April 10 is to inspire artists to think on a micro level – not just in terms of working in smaller canvases but also in form – to look at the world through a micro lens. Now, everything in life has become micro – from phones to gadgets,” he added. 

This art exhibition is conducted by the Progressive Painters Association (PPA), one of the oldest associations in the country. “Paniker started PPA in 1944, when there were no takers for works by young artists, who were also shunned by the seniors. This 72-year-old body has been encouraging young artists and newer ideas. Even now, after all these years, after all these years, new ideas and new concepts are emerging. That’s what we always wanted,” concluded Gopinath, who was a former president of the PPA.