With each passing year, artistic talent in India seems to grow exponentially; however, the financial support to young artists entering the domain has remained limited. The Inlaks Fine Art Awards emerged alongside the overall growth of interest in Indian art, and has over the years significantly contributed to the success of young artists who transition from educational institutions to the country’s art scene.

The Foundation supports four to five artists, selected by an eminent jury, for a year with a monetary grant. It also enables the artists to participate in a one month residency programme in India. This year, we announced the five awardees for 2024 at an event in Mumbai, in the presence of the trustees, alumni and interested members from the arts field. The jury comprised Sheela Gowda, Sahej Rahal, Sanchayan Ghosh and Premjish Achari.

(L-R) Jury members Sanchayan Ghosh and Sheela Gowda (3rd from right) with awardees Mothe Mahesh, Anup Let, Jit Natta, Surajit Mudi and Sewali Deka

The evening began with a virtual keynote address by Azad Shivdasani, Chairman of the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, who reiterated the importance of art and artists in a thriving democracy. This was followed by enthralling performances evoking myriad emotions, by Dhinesh Kumar and Sravan Selvan, the 2022 recipients of the Inlaks Attakkalari Dance Studentship.

Sravan Selvan and Dhinesh Kumar perform their duet ‘Togetherness of Being Alone’

The promising young Fine Art awardees then gave the audience a glimpse into their areas of interest, practices and plans for the year ahead through presentations and conversation. Attendees discovered a new language to practice art called ‘Queer Landscape’, devised by Anup Let. They heard of Jit Natta’s  installations and performances rooted in the heritage of Bengal’s Natta community. They marveled at the vision of Mothe Mahesh, who creates art from mechanical components to make us ponder the nature of our existence. And they were immersed in Sewali Deka’s art reflecting rural Assamese life, as well as Surajit Mudi’s fresh take on photography and performative image making.

The rapt audience

The Awardees then had a chance to meet the past Inlaks Alumni in the reception that followed and delve into interesting conversations.

From identity to exploitation, from contemporary culture and rural life to the complexity of our emotional landscapes, the range of themes these artists explore are dazzlingly diverse and thought-provoking. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be featuring each of them and offering a closer look at their work. Meanwhile, enjoy a glimpse of the event through some photos.

Photo Credit: Kwantum Photoz

Past and current Inlaks awardees and scholars

Attendees mingling at the post award reception

Attendees mingling at the post award reception