Lockdown… Shutdown… Cancelled… Travel Ban… Plunging Markets… Quarantine… Isolation.
These are just some of the words that we wake up to these days, words that
define our current reality. Undoubtedly an unprecedented time for all of us,
there are still a number of creative ways for the artistically inclined to get
through this enforced period of isolation and gloom.
As an art curator, one is am always encouraging people to look
at and buy more art. Not because of the investment value of art, though that
aspect has been proven beyond doubt in recent staggering sales and auctions
around the world, but because I believe the experience – the sheer thrill of
buying an original work of art and the sheer pleasure of looking at it whenever
you want to – nurtures some aspect of your own creative being. If the work of
art in question appreciates while you are appreciating it, even better.
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But while markets take a beating worldwide and it is unlikely
that people will be buying much art in the near future, I am still optimistic
that when one comes through the coronavirus crisis, there will be a resurgence
in spending, with the sheer relief at being let out of quarantine. And instead
of spending mindlessly, why not make a difference and pick up a reasonably
priced painting. Let’s face it, in the best of times, artists who rely solely
on art to make a living go through periods of financial uncertainty. At a time
like this, when anticipated exhibitions are being postponed or cancelled, and
the mood is low, it goes without saying that there is a need for all of us to step
up as a community and support the large and vibrant pool of talented artists in
Goa.
Among the messages that bombard us constantly about the virus, I
received one that really stood out. It said that instead of asking for refunds
for tickets booked to theatre shows and cultural events, we could let that
money go instead, considering it a donation to the organisation, as it would
keep the art institution from shutting down. The message really resonated with
me as thousands of art and culture related livelihoods are at stake.
Pulling together in these days of social distancing and buying
in to the art world would again foster a sense of community and create a sense
of connection through art.
If you are an art collector or interested in culture, now is the
time to reflect and read about art and artists in Goa – who they are, what
their individual form of expression is and what is their particular way of
seeing the world.
If you are an artist, it is a good time for self reflection and
“sharpening the saw”, as Stephen Covey says. Work on your strengths, hone your
technique and learn more about what is going on in the international art scene
through virtual gallery and museum tours. In fact, for anybody interested in
art, it is a good idea to travel the world virtually through the multiple
digital initiatives out there…the Google Arts & Culture platform for one,
and the many exhibitions that can be viewed online. While all of us are keen to
limit our ‘exposure’ to Covid-19, this could be a really meaningful time to
increase our exposure to the art world. For instance, did you know that two of
the greatest Old Masters of the Italian Renaissance – Michelangelo (1475-1564)
and Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) – survived a series of plagues rampant across
Western Europe, producing a breathtaking and enduring legacy of artworks?
In
our current corona times, it has been so heart-warming to read about how kids
in Italy have taken to art to cope with the strain of quarantine. Since most
schools are closed, this would be a good time to set kids up with art supplies
and let their imaginations roam free. Remember, our current bleak times are a
phase and this too shall pass. It is a time for all of us who are creatively
inclined to nourish, replenish and support the wonderfully vibrant creative
spirit that runs through Goa. So… stay home… stay safe… stay sharp!
