Foreword by Gregory G. Knight

current art-making provides the basis for this project’s bridging the narrative tradition with the contemporary impulse. In addition, Johan Pijnappel, a Dutch writer and critic living for several years now in Mumbai, has served as our consulting curator for new media in the exhibition, as well as being a contributing author to this publication.

This multi-year curatorial effort has involved extensive on-site research in India, as well as through galleries in Chicago, New York and Europe. It represents the first exhibition in the United States to feature new works of the twentyfirst century in India, with many pieces coming straight from the artists’ studios, in a number of cities on the subcontinent. Betty and Johan have selected more than 20 artists for this extensive exhibition of paintings, sculptures, installations, and works in video and new media. Some 60 pieces constitute this large-scale show, first presented in Chicago with several other American cities to follow.

I have had the pleasure to accompany Betty on two research trips to India— 2004 and 2006—where we have had inspiring experiences in visiting the studios of talented and sharing artists to select new pieces for inclusion. Over and over again we heard about and personally witnessed exciting contemporary work being created there. Indian artists are now among the most sought-after internationally, with galleries and auction houses elsewhere boasting a booming market for the work of these talented artists. Galleries and private collectors throughout India have very kindly shown their support for this project by generously agreeing to lend significant works from their collections. Further, several of the artists have created new works or specific installation concepts for this show at the Chicago Cultural Center.

We wish to sincerely thank all the artists, lenders and our numerous other collaborators who have actively helped make this exhibition a reality. This special journey is an ongoing process, now only in mid-stream with its premiere in Chicago. As it continues to tour in the United States, and gains even broader recognition through this publication, we look forward to its cumulative contributions to a greater global recognition of these artists outside of India.

Gregory G. Knight

Nalini Malani. Broken Alice I—Living in Alicetime, 2005. Detail, see page from102-105.