Introduction
In a resounding recognition of India’s growing prominence in the global art scene, five Indians have secured coveted positions in the Art Review’s Power 100: Most Influential People in Art. This esteemed list acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the art world, shaping and influencing contemporary discourse. Let’s delve into the profiles of these trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on the canvas of international art.
1. Bose Krishnamachari – Rank 38
Bose Krishnamachari, an artist and the co-founder/director of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, has earned the 38th position on the Power 100 list. Bose Krishnamachari has significantly impacted the global art scene through his multifaceted roles as an artist, curator, and co-founder/director of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Notably, his creation of the biennale, a premier contemporary art exhibition, has elevated India’s standing in the international art world. Despite challenges, Krishnamachari’s curatorial vision emphasises the value of international artists within a local context, contributing to the event’s acclaim as India’s foremost contemporary showcase. His commitment to democratising art is evident in exhibitions that engage diverse themes and showcase neurodiverse artists, fostering inclusivity. Beyond cultural impact, his recognition in the Art Review’s Power 100 attests to his global influence, solidifying his position as a key figure shaping contemporary art discourse and reinforcing India’s prominence on the world stage. Krishnamachari’s enduring contributions extend beyond geographical boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and artistic fabric of the global community.
2. Prateek Raja & Priyanka Raja – Rank 62
Ranked at 62, Prateek Raja and Priyanka Raja, the co-founders of Experimenter in Kolkata, have created a space that transcends traditional gallery norms. Described as ‘a space for fearlessness,’ Experimenter champions intellectual rigour and experimentation over commercial interests. The gallery’s program, marked by a political sensibility, features exhibitions like “No Starting Point for Revolution” and “In Between Notes.” Beyond their gallery endeavours, the duo organises the Experimenter Curators’ Hub, fostering dialogue with prominent figures in the art world. Their impact extends to Mumbai, where Experimenter’s third space opened last year, hosting thought-provoking exhibitions addressing historical narratives.
3. Dayanita Singh – Rank 78
Dayanita Singh, an artist known for disrupting photography through innovative photo-books and exhibition formats, claims the 78th spot. Singh’s approach challenges the conventional retrospective, as seen in her largest-ever exhibition, “Dancing with my Camera,” spanning three decades. Singh’s work is characterised by constant evolution, with her ‘minimuseums’ of concertinaed books and portable display walls allowing viewers to participate in the sequencing of her photographs. Her exploration of marginalised subjects, such as gender identity, predates current art world trends, showcasing her keen eye and empathetic approach.
4. Natasha Ginwala – Rank 94
Artistic director of Colomboscope and co-curator of the upcoming Sharjah Biennial, Natasha Ginwala secures the 94th position on the Power 100 list. Ginwala’s exhibition, “Indigo Waves and Other Stories,” exemplifies her expansive thinking, using the Indian Ocean as a muse to connect cultures, food, histories, and politics. Her role as artistic director of the biannual Sri Lankan art festival, Colomboscope, demonstrates her commitment to promoting diverse voices in the art world. Looking ahead, Ginwala is set to co-curate Sharjah Biennial 16 in 2025, solidifying her influence on a global scale.
As these five individuals continue to shape the narrative of contemporary art, their inclusion in the Art Review’s Power 100 speaks for India’s rising significance in the global artistic landscape. Their diverse contributions reflect not only individual brilliance but also the richness and depth of the Indian art scene, leaving an enduring impact on the world stage.
