Artist Gigi Scaria was center stage at an opening in the new Adam
Aronson Fine Arts Center on Saturday 4/16/16. He was at home in spite of the
fact that he would be flying to New York City before returning to his home in
New Delhi, India in the next 10 days. The exhibition opening event featured a selection of Indian teas and sweets.
The
latest of the Laumeier Conversation Series provides an informal setting
for discussion about art. Participants are encouraged in this forum to share
ideas and ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere. Laumeier Sculpture Park
Curator of Exhibitions Dana Turkovic shared a bit about this installment, the
latest in this a new series of commissions, collaborations and programs under
the theme of New Territories: BRICS,
a twist on the economic acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
calls attention to market forces driving the global economy. Gigi Scaria is a follow-up to the exhibition opened in
October 2015 by the Raqs Media Collective from
New Delhi where three artists - Jeebesh
Bagchi, Monica Narula, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta explored the concepts of
fairness in our world. (Raqs outdoor tree installation can still be viewed
along trails at Laumeier.)
Gigi Scaria’s towering piece influenced by the woodhenge at Cahokia
mounds in neighboring Illinois creates an intriguing gathering place in the
gallery. He visited Cahokia more than
two years ago in the context of meetings with Laumeier curatorial staff. Today
a work outside is in progress is placed adjacent to the estate house and
visible as you make your way into the heart of the park toward the south lawn.
Gigi Scaria is interested in symbols and the impact of time on cities around
the world.
Scaria’s installation for the Kochi Biennale in 2014 –
Chronicle of the Shores Foretold is represented along with two other photos in
the gallery. Three video presentations are also a part of the gallery
exhibition and give a sense of scale in which Gigi works. Chronicle of the
Shores Foretold, demonstrates the artist’s ability to integrate location and
legend into large scale public works. A 2.5 ton steel bell lifted into place at
a small dock serves as a sort of fountain of Arabian sea water spilling through
drilled holes.
Over lunch at Vietnamese Restaurant Pho Grand, the artist
gracefully responded to questions about his life and art. He smiles for a group
shot with Laumeier’s programs manager, docent co-chairs, and registrar/collections
manager. Next week Gigi will be aboard a 15 hour flight to New Dehli and we’ll
be richer for having shared tea, conversation and a meal. Small world.
The Kochi Biennal is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi, Kerala. It is the first Biennale being held in India an initiative of the Kochi-Biennale Foundation with support from the goverment of Kerala. The exhibition was set in spaces across Kochi, Miziris and surrounding islands. The shows were held in existing galleries and halls, and site-specific installations in public spaces, heritage buildings and disused structures.
The Kochi Biennal is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi, Kerala. It is the first Biennale being held in India an initiative of the Kochi-Biennale Foundation with support from the goverment of Kerala. The exhibition was set in spaces across Kochi, Miziris and surrounding islands. The shows were held in existing galleries and halls, and site-specific installations in public spaces, heritage buildings and disused structures.
