East Village
When I decided to curate East Village and put together artists coming from Bihar, I knew it would somehow reinforce the notions of stereotype and regional identity. However, when I thought about this show, my intention was and continues to be different: to create a platform for artists from Bihar, where I grew up and to give space to a group of artists whose work is not often seen. Making shows is the most important lesson any practicing artist can have. I have restricted my selection to 9 artists only, which does not mean that they are the only ones working in Bihar; there are many other artists, whose practice must be equally steady and conscientious, challenging the limits of their practice within their context and background. All in this show are using different mediums and in East Village, I precisely intend to show the diversity of their practice. Bihar is a very remote place on the map of contemporary art. Even if there is a college of Art in Patna and many artists pass out from this college, it hasn't held artistic classes for the last 50 years and has hardly any teachers to teach the students. This holds the same for many small cities across India and so we must support in whatever way we can. Coming from this same background I know how important it is, for the artists who are in the show, to display their work in cities like Delhi or Mumbai. These are major platforms in India for the arts and I must thank, Sree Goswami owner and director of Project 88 for her faith in the artists and trusting me. Subodh Gupta
