Subodh G. at Hauser & Wirth

This afternoon we visited Hauser & Wirth’s two London galleries, both of which are exhibiting works by Subodh G. The artist is known as “the Damien Hirst of Delhi”, “the Jeff Koons of India” and “the Indian Marcel Duchamp”, but none of his work is, respectively, morbid, an outright commoditization of art, or a spoof on the classical. I find it horrific that the most celebrated living artist in India is described in reference to western artists when his work is shown in the States and Europe.

I loved the artist’s appropriation of everyday objects in creating his sculptures. Likewise, I found his homage to the labourer thought-provoking. SG’s attention to detail and his socio-political commentary on India’s lower and middle classes position him as not only an artist but also a philosopher.