Happy days are here again..

'With this raging pandemic on, who is going to visit an art exhibition? Why would anyone risk catching the virus just to see some artwork?' was the topic of anxiety filled discussions before each of these events. Going ahead with these participations seemed foolish. Fingers crossed, I did it anyway. Thankfully, all went well.

January 2022 began with a week-long solo exhibition of my paintings at the iconic Jehangir Art gallery in Mumbai India. The exact duration when the third wave of the pandemic peaked in the city. Surprisingly, despite the mandate to check the vaccination proof certificates at the gallery entrance, the footfall seemed unaffected and the audience response was no different from the pre-pandemic times. I had what can surely be termed as a very successful show.

Five months later, in what is typically considered ‘off-season’ in the art world, an art festival saw footfall that was probably the same as before 2020, if not more. I had a successful show here as well.

I speak from personal experience when I say that 2022 has seen art events bounce back to near normalcy, with masks in place for those who are still cautious. There is energy in peoples’ stride, joyful eagerness in their attitude and zest in the air. It has been a sheer pleasure being outdoors and showcasing my work to the world. Social media posts by art galleries and museums show that their doors are open to the public again. The hesitancy to visit enclosed public spaces seems to have melted away. People at large are overcoming their fears of falling ill and being pragmatic.

Artists capitalised on the pandemic period to create art with fresh perspectives, undisturbed. My lifestyle did not change much because of the pandemic. I spend most of my waking hours alone in my studio anyway. Life wouldn't have been any different for most artists. Exactly what we fervently wish for in normal times. What remained was the ability to show all the work done to the world.

September or October onwards, until the beginning of summer, is typically considered the 'art season' globally. The buzz around the many events scheduled to happen in the remaining months of 2022 and then well into 2023 is already doing the rounds. The surge in activity is surely a positive trend for us. The buzz is going to be back in our lives too! We artists are looking forward to having great opportunities to exhibit our work for better visibility.

A 100 years ago the world bounced back from the previous pandemic, and fared better than it did before it. I see no reason to believe anything different this time around! As the global economy improves, I can see exciting times ahead for us artists. Connoisseurs and investors must already be on the move looking for good artworks and budding artists.

I would like to take the opportunity to wish each and every one in the field on fine arts a very very happy and successful future!

After all 'happy days are here again..’

----

This piece was published in Colour Canvas issue of 1st Aug 2022