Young Art Support: Giving New Artists a Voice
Young Artists Support is an initiative run by three Indian artists looking to support an up and coming generation of artists who’s exposure has been limited by COVID-19. We interviewed its founders.
Who are you guys? How long have you been professional artists?
We are all practicing visual artists for the last couple of years from various parts of India.
(Abhishek and Ekta are currently residing in Vadodara and Al-Qawi lives in Mumbai)
What is the Young Artists Support?
We are a platform for Indian Art Students and those who graduated in 2020 to sell artwork at affordable prices.
Students couldn't have their Annual Degee display this year, which is usually a real boost at the beginning of their career so we wanted to help in any way we could to gain some visibility.
Ah so this was partly a result of the COVID, do you plan on keeping it going past the pandemic (assuming no zombie apocalypse)?
Yes, this was inspired by movements such as #CarpeArteSupports and #ArtChainIndia. We wanted to make a space especially for those graduating this year or in 2021 and we want to continue this until next year atleast.
What particular problems were you trying to solve by creating it?
We wanted to provide a free of cost platform for Young Students and recent Grads to sell work. We recognised that there were exisiting spaces that graciously helped students too but we wanted YAS to simply be an additional space to provide them with the visibility they'd need, especially right now, where the world market's suffering.
Interesting, and where are your clients from? Are you reaching people outside of India?
Our buyers are mostly from India but we have clients outside too, namely US, Singapore etc. The client is responsible for the shipping cost so the artist isnt burdened. Also, it depends on if the artist is able to ship abroad too.
What are the biggest challenges for new artists in India?
Visibility, credibility, being able to get shows and sell.
What's the path to achieving those things? Is it now about building an online presence or more traditionally through galleries?
It's both, one must definitely have an online presence, but the most important is to stay true to your art. We feel with dedication and love towards your art practice you will be able to make a space for yourself in whatever capacity.
Best cities for new artists in India?
Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodara.
Why? People are probably not as familiar with Vadadora, what makes it good for artists?
Vadodara also known as Baroda has one of the best Art Schools in India and many renowned artists as alums. It is bustling with Galleries and artists but it may not be as commercial a place as other metropolitan cities therefore it is lesser known. However for art practitioners and those who seek a slow paced development in their work, Baroda is the ideal place. Over 1400 artists reside here.
Connect with them on instagram @youngartsupport
