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Opinion Theory & practice

This refers to ‘Framing Photography’ by Georgina Maddox. I was amazed to read about a seminar at JNU,where theories were discussed as something of a revelation.

The Indian Express

April 5, 2011 12:32 AM IST First published on: Apr 5, 2011 at 12:32 AM IST

Theory & practice

* This refers to ‘Framing Photography’ by Georgina Maddox (IE,April 1). I was amazed to read about a seminar at JNU,where theories were discussed as something of a revelation by visiting anthropologist and art historian Christopher Pinney and others regarding the possibility of demolishing distinctions between high and low art. These are issues that I have not only addressed as an artist for over a decade,but made manifest in a series of solo shows from the late-1990s onwards in Delhi,Paris and London,culminating in a large exhibition in Chelsea,New York,in 2000 entitled “Gods and Others”.

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In an attempt to bridge the gap between the so-called “high and low” art,the visual matrix of our own times provided valuable source material,raising calendar art,Bollywood and circus posters from the ubiquitous to the exclusive — by shifting the venue from the puja room and the street to the walls of the contemporary gallery.

Following in the wake of my early initiatives,a movement developed — appropriated by many young artists and with group shows such as “Kitsch Kitsch Hota Hai”. Today,the gap seems to be not between “high and low” art but between the actual practitioners of the visual arts and the growing band of insular art theorists. It is truly a shame that one is unable to take out a patent on an original and creative idea.

— Anjolie Ela Menon,New Delhi

Then and now

* This refers to ‘Cup that overflows’ (IE,April 4). History was made at Wankhede Stadium on April 2. Remember,when Kapil’s Devils humbled the mighty West Indies in 1983 at Lords,doubts were raised in some quarters as to whether the victory was a flash in the pan. This time around,India were among the favourites. The team seemed determined and confident. It was a delight to see the captain getting back into form at the most appropriate time and scripting a perfect finish with a towering six. That will be remembered by Indians for a long time to come.

— Srinivasan Umashankar,Nagpur

Captain Cool

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* Throughout the tournament,Mahendra Singh Dhoni never looked perturbed or puzzled. He made the victory at Wankhede look so easy and achievable despite very early setbacks. May it last,the form and cohesion of the present Indian cricket team.

— N.K. Das Gupta,Kolkata

All in the family

* The Board of Control for Cricket in India was quick to announce heavy cash prizes for the players,selectors and support staff alike. Do our players really need this?

— Bhosale Tejas,Pune

* The Indian team did a fabulous job and their effort has brought us the World Cup. Sachin failed in the final,but he did a good job throughout the tournament.

— Bhavesh Jani,Nala Soparat

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