No cheers for Budweiser, cheers to Art for freedom!

A SUMMARY OF THE MOST EXCITING ART NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

While we focus on Indian art, we can’t obviously function in a vacuum. It’s a small world and everything is connected, especially on the web. So, let’s train our spotlight across the world map to see what’s going on — from art trends to socio-political issues to everything that affects the great aesthetic global consciousness. Or, let’s just travel the world and have some fun!

Art for Freedom gets great response. Virtual Art Showcase on April 15, which is World Art Day

The Art for Freedom Challenge has received over 200 registrations under the artist and non-artist categories from creative professionals and students across India with equal gender representation. The variety of work looks very promising, with everything from paintings to animations, and digital art, in different languages.

A panel of 8 eminent jury members will now deliberate on the entries to identify and announce nominations during a first-of-its-kind Virtual Art Showcase being held on the World Art Day on April 15, 2021 at 4pm IST. On the day of the event, nominees will also get an opportunity to present their works of art to the jury by presenting to a live audience. Top 3 winners from both categories will then be decided by the jury.

The panel includes celebrated names from the world of fashion and art like iconic designer Ashish Soni and popular street artist Hanif Kureshi. They will be joined by Nishtha Satyam, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India; legal luminaries Pinky Anand and Vivek Sood; leading academic Neeti Banga representing NIFT; along with Ritu Sharda, chief creative officer, Ogilvy North, and Arneeta Vasudeva, national head, PR & Influence, Ogilvy India. Read more here.

Budweiser paints over old murals, artists are not saying “cheers”

Big beer brand Budweiser, India, is facing flak online for painting murals of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi over decades-old beloved street art in Mumbai (Chapel Road, Bandra) and Delhi (Hauz Khas Village). St+art India Foundation, a non-profit that promotes street art, remarked, “This is not art. This is blatant advertising in the name of street art.” Read more here.

NFTs now in India

India’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, WazirX, has launched the country’s first marketplace for NFTs. The platform will allow the exchange of digital assets and intellectual properties, including art pieces, audio files, videos, programs and even tweets alongside other digital goods and services. Read more here.