Affordable Spring: Where colours spring to life
Galleri Kaya has returned with the exhibition, ‘Affordable Spring’, which offers a selection of 79 pieces from over 30 artists at affordable prices, centred around the energy of spring
During the Covid-19 pandemic, like many others, Galleri Kaya faced challenges in navigating the art world during unprecedented times. It was then that founder Goutam Chakraborty devised the idea of hosting an online event called "Affordable," which helped them sustain themselves at a time when businesses worldwide were struggling.
The event aimed to offer art pieces at accessible prices, attracting both new and seasoned art collectors. Though it has been years since the first iteration of the event was hosted, it still stuck with art enthusiasts.
Under the same banner, Galleri Kaya has returned with the exhibition, 'Affordable Spring', which offers a selection of 79 pieces from over 30 artists at affordable prices. The exhibition opened on 22 February and will run until 9 March.
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With its theme based on Spring, each piece that enveloped the exhibition space exuded a sense of life. Sceneries of luscious flowers, towering trees, and paintings of smiling people surrounded the visitors. Each piece, in its own way, conveyed life and energy, connecting itself to the theme of Spring.
Pieces like 'Innocence' by artist Mohammad Iqbal immediately draw you in. His signature style—portraying characters with large, expressive eyes—perfectly fit right in with the exhibition's theme. Ranjit Das' 'Horse', with its bold brushstrokes, also captures a sense of energy and motion.
However, what caught my eye about the event was the tag, "affordable", in the exhibition title.
"Once while I was in New York, I came across an 'Affordable Art Fair'. Wondering what it was about, I looked into it," reminisced Goutam.
He continues, "Around the globe galleries, artists, and art dealers participate in this event. Like any other art fair, art dealers discover many new artists as it is a global event."
The idea of the event came from there with the aim of making art more accessible to new collectors and art enthusiasts.
"For young people and beginner art collectors, the prices of art pieces are sometimes beyond their capacity. Many times, they might be genuinely interested but because of their limitations they can't purchase the piece," shared Goutam.
Furthermore, Goutam emphasised how the accessible prices did not reflect anything about the art.
"All the participating artists are established. The selection of art pieces doesn't imply that the work is bad. When an artist signs a piece, if there isn't space for at least minimum satisfaction, they won't sign the art piece," stated Goutam.
Whether you walk in to enjoy the vibrant colours or to begin your journey as an art collector, 'Affordable Spring' seems to be the perfect exhibition to visit.
TBS Picks
Introspective by Ranjit Das
The acrylic painting focuses on a figure holding a traditional instrument. The striking colours used are what draw viewers in. The figure is painted with shades of blue and white, contrasted by the warm orange and red background. The warm tones give the painting a sense of energy while the cool tones feel grounding.
Flower vase by Anisuzzaman
The painting is only made up of a few colours but the end product is an image that can put the viewer's mind at ease. The different shades of green are used to create dimension and shape, and the cool tones set in a sense of peace. The blooming white flowers add contrast, as well as a sense of life.
Women by Sheikh Afzal Hossain
The canvas portrays a woman in the middle of a pose, perhaps while dancing. The monochromatic greyscale colours are contrasted with the sharp and dramatic red of her attire. The action of the subject brings in motion and life and the dramatic contrast of colours reemphasises it.
