Introduction
Abir India has established itself as an important platform for upcoming Indian artists, providing them with a special opportunity over the world to showcase their talent and propel their artistic careers. The transformative impact of the annual First Take competition has launched an array of acts to recognition, both national and international. Here are encouraging success stories of a few of First Take’s featured winners.
1. Priyaranjan Purkait
Priyaranjan Purkait, the winner of Abir India’s First Take 2021, is known for a unique combination of folkloric and contemporary artistic features. His work also probes questions of personal and cultural identity and it has attracted both collectors and critics. Since appearing on First Take, Purkait has achieved several career-defining milestones, including a solo show at Gallery Dot Walk, as well as taking part in prestigious shows like Repainting The Board Room and Art in the Age of Apocalypse. His journey underscores First Take’s ability to spotlight groundbreaking and provocative artists.
2. Skarma Sonam Tashi
Skarma Sonam Tashi’s work is heavily inspired by the landscapes and cultural ethos of Ladakh and he is a 2024 First Take winner. His work merges traditional techniques with sustainable practices and addresses global topics like climate change and cultural preservation. Winning First Take helped amplify Tashi’s voice, opening doors to showcase his work and promote Ladakh’s unique heritage.
3. Sriparna Dutta
Sriparna Dutta is an up and coming contemporary Indian artist whose artworks weave a complex narrative. A First Take winner, she has emerged to recognition for her inventive use of materials and exploration of themes like identity, memory and social change. Many of these artists have since risen to prominence, and the success of First Take has led to collaborations with key galleries and participation in major exhibitions, ensuring her weight as an artist.
4. Dhruvi Jain
Dhruvi Jain’s exploration of ecologically conscious themes using earth friendly materials earned her high accolades at First Take. Her artistry draws focus to current global challenges such as sustainability and conservation, striking a chord with the modern-day viewer. It served as a launchpad for partnerships with plastic-free organizations and establishing herself as a leading voice for sustainable art.
5. Rajashree Dutta Choudhury
With its resonance of human touch, Rajashree Dutta Choudhury’s work speaks about the relational space intersecting academia and art, addressing complex socio-political histories through visual vocabulary. Her First Take win drew attention to her probing work, allowing her to show at both academic venues and public art spaces. Dutta Choudhury’s path is a testimony to how Abir India cultivates artists to speak to the powerful and provoke conversation.
6. Aryan Nandakishor Patil
Labour rights and class disparity inspire Aryan Nandakishor Patil’s art, which references the the symbolically charged figures of Indian temple architecture. His notoriety from First Take then gave him a platform for discussing these important topics on a stage where he got recognized across the nation, and in other countries as well. Patil’s passionate work showcases the power of art as a tool for social change — a mission that is championed by Abir India.
How First Take Transformed the Landscape
First Take has become a launching pad for emerging talent, providing mentorship and exposure, as well as the opportunity to interface with leading art professionals. These are success stories that embody the ways in which the platform has helped artists innovate, tackle pressing issues within society, and reshape the landscape of contemporary Indian art.
Feature Image: Winners of Abir Indian first Take 2024 |Courtesy: Abir India
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