Jain Spirit 2004 03 No 18

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 38

All photos by James Maturin-Baird.
Courtesy of The Hunter Gallery, Long Melford, UK.
Ο
ver centuries, art has given us a window into civilisations, cultures, lifestyles and traditions of the world. Throughout history, religions have been the prime motivator and inspiration of art. The Jain tradition is a fascinating example of this, where patronage of the arts has long been recognised as a virtue. This was recently seen at an exhibition, The Peaceful Liberators - Jain Art from India', at the Victoria and Albert Museum, which showed varied and comprehensive works of Jain art emerging over the years. The outstanding catalogue of this exhibition demonstrates the diversity and depth of Jain art very vividly.
People collect art for various reasons. Some of them collect items because they like to have beautiful things that enrich their surroundings and give them aesthetic pleasure. Some collect art for religious reasons. Others want to develop a collection as an investment. Again others want to own something that is a part of history or will become so in the future. Whatever the reasons, collecting art is enjoyable and inspiring. I have discovered this from my own experience.
Most households and offices display some form of art. It could be a family photograph or a religious sculpture or a print. Instead, why not select original paintings? Originals are always one of a kind. If that artist becomes well known, there may be many collectors interested in the paintings that you have acquired. It is like bringing the artist's imagination into your home. It can become a daily reminder of your own creative potential.
Start by looking at art. Visit museums. If there is a particular artist that has inspired you, buy the catalogue. Read it and keep it as a reference book. Follow the work of the artist throughout his life and follow his style. This will assist you in deciding your own sense of what is appealing. Also, visit galleries and art fairs. Ask to be put on the gallery mailing lists so that you will be invited to the previews. Art fairs allow you to see works of multiple artists and of different styles at one time. I always find it helpful to talk to the exhibition organisers and gallery owners to find out information about the artist, view a diary of their previous exhibitions and how the work was acquired. The Internet also has thousands of art sites and a lot of information is available online. Spend time just looking at the various sites. Surfing the net for information is easy and can be done at your convenience.
It is helpful to look at newspapers, art magazines and read reviews. Try and visit an exhibition that has been reviewed in the newspaper or an art magazine. That way you can compare the critic's view to your own impressions about the exhibition. Although your opinion may differ to the reviewer's, it can help you assess how others may view a particular artist in the future. This process will help you decide what you really like and what you would enjoy bringing home. Maybe a particular painting moves or inspires you.
DIVYA MALDE REFLECTS ON THE JOY OF COLLECTING ORIGINAL ART
BRINGING
CREATIVITY