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| Aug 02, 2008 12:27 pm |
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re: re: : re: Art Photography Thread |
Ajay Rajgarhia
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Hi
I’m Ajay Rajgarhia, a photographer and curator and also run a online gallery dedicated to fine art photography. The website is www.wonderwall.co.in.
My website is ajayrajgarhia.com
I would like to give my opinion on some of the questions/issues raised here.
Yes, photography is a preserver of history, but that is one of the roles it plays, there are a lot of roles that photography plays:
Commercial.
Photo Journalism.
Fine Art Photography.
Although I am not one for definitions, as they are almost always restrictive, This is the Definition of Fine Art Photography as per Wikipedia.
"Fine art photography refers to photographs that are created to fulfill the creative vision of the artist. Fine art photography stands in contrast to photojournalism and commercial photography. Photojournalism is to promote an editorial point of view. Commercial photography's main focus being to sell a product or service.
The final creative reason for a fine art photograph is the photograph itself. It is not a means to another end except perhaps to please those besides the photographer who beholds it.
Fine art photography can be used to promote something. They are created most importantly to be true to the artist's vision of beauty. We can see this by looking at Ansel Adams' work of Yosemite and Yellowstone. Ansel is one of the least disputed fine art photographers of the 20th century and an avid promoter of conservation. He hoped to have these wonders protected. The photographs were still not created to raise awareness of anything. They were done simply to be true to his artistic vision. This is an example of how fine art photography that is created simply to be true to artistic vision can be used for effect."
(Disclaimer: This is not my opinion - its Wikipedias)
Internationally, photography is almost at par with painting as far as recognition as an art form is concerned. In India, it has also started happening now.
A lot of my buyers are art collectors, and are buying photographs, as they are very reasonably priced right now.
Who are the well known Indian art photographers?
That a long list – and cannot be answered without a certain bias – Dayanita Singh, Raghu Rai, S. Paul.
Then there is Sunil Gupta, Pradudha Dasgupta, Karan Khanna, Dinesh Khanna etc.
How are prices determined for photographs?
Like in painting, by photographer and size. Also by the no of editions and the edition no.
What are the demographics and of collectors and what drives them to collect photos.?
Most of my buyers are people in Metros under the 45-50 age group. Also Corporates, Hospitals and Hotels.
Where is photography in the world of art?
That is very difficult to answer, and I guess my opinion will be biased.
But, based on International trends, it can only gain importance and go up the ladder, specially since its in its infancy right now (in India).
Do collectible or art photographs have a particular size?
No. Most photographers have their own prefernces and many of them offer more than one size
Are older photos more valuable than recent ones?
No. It depends on the person behind the work.
Are touched up photos closer to ‘art’?
No.
Although photographs is a good investment, in my opinion it’s a long term investment – 3 to 5 years. As per the show ‘The Art of Investing’ on CNN-IBN, it should give a return of 500% in 3 years. The prices for photographs is quite expensive internationally, and galleries from abroad are picking up works of Indian photographers, as they are relatively ‘cheap’ right now. So, prices should reach international levels in a few years.
Private Reply to Ajay Rajgarhia (new win) |
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