It would be hard to look at 2024 in isolation. Threads from 2023 have woven their way into 2024, at least within the arts ecosystem. The mode of expansion continued, with existing galleries and institutions moving into fresh spaces, and newer names being added to the contemporary arts community.
2024 was a landmark year for leading galleries as well as artists with the centenary of K.G. Subramanyan, F.N. Souza, Ram Kumar, V.S. Gaitonde and Mohan Samant. The second half of 2024 began like a symphony but ended as an overdone crescendo with December being absolutely packed with cultural events, including new additions such as the Bengal Biennale.
Invisibilised histories of marginalised communities became more visible, with work by artists such as Vikrant Bhise, Siddhesh Gautam and Sajan Mani being showcased. However, some felt art could have served as a braver lens to contemplate conflict in Gaza, Ukraine and closer home in Manipur. Barring a few examples, there was a certain degree of silence, which Mumbai-based cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote found inexplicable. "It's hard to believe that Indian art has nothing to say on something as cataclysmic as the ongoing genocide and wars. Previous generations of Indian artists would have responded to these events for sure. This startling absence of response, an inward-looking approach, and withdrawal from a broader public exchange has been rather disappointing," he says.
As a new year dawns, Lounge looks back at the hits and misses of 2024.
WOMEN AND BELONGING
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Boycott of Costco for Its DEI Efforts Is Not Likely to Succeed
The US retailer has a loyal base of shoppers that it's unlikely to lose
Wealth tax: Let's judge it by principles of taxation
Tax canons laid down by Adam Smith remain relevant, though his list has been extended. Test the idea of a wealth tax against these, lest we get carried away by progressive idealism
Hacked in 2024? India's privacy rules require you to take action
Draft digital personal data protection rules demand that data breaches be reported retrospectively
MFD, RIA, RA: Explore your career as a financial adviser
Understand the earning potential, licensing and compliance to choose your best suited path
Cutting Through the Clutter: Key Focus Areas for Retail Investors in 2025
Remember that social media is for fun, and not serious topics such as personal finance advice
Health insurance claims: How to ensure grievance redressal
My health insurer recently rejected my claim, citing my inability to provide key internal hospital papers that they require. Despite having submitted all other necessary documents, they are insisting on these specific papers, which I am unable to obtain from the hospital. I believe my claim is valid and that I have complied with all the necessary documentation required.
Assam mining tragedy: Rescue operations on for fourth day
Rescue operations by multiple state and central agencies continued for the fourth day on Thursday to locate trapped miners inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao district of Assam, officials said.
Bank officers' union warns of strike
Bank officers' union AIBOC on Thursday threatened to go on a nationwide strike on 24-25 February to press for their various demands, including a five-day work week and adequate recruitment in all cadres.
Centre to give LPG subsidy to oil PSUs
The government is likely to provide a subsidy of ₹35,000 crore to state-owned Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to make up for losses they incurred on selling the fuel this fiscal, people aware about the development said.
Eli Lilly to Set Up GCC in Hyderabad
Pharma major Eli Lilly and Co. on Thursday said it plans to establish a new global capability centre (GCC) in Hyderabad and hire over 1,000 people to strengthen its digital strategy and service delivery.
