In the vibrant heart of Delhi NCR, where creativity finds its sanctuary amidst bustling streets, the German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, an art enthusiast and distinguished art historian, embarks on an odyssey through India’s thriving art landscape. With a discerning eye and a profound appreciation for the artistic tapestry woven across Delhi, he steps into the hallowed spaces of galleries and artists’ studios, bridging cultures and dialogues through the universal language of art.
Dr. Ackermann, adorned with a rich academic tapestry in art history, graces each encounter with local artists as a connoisseur seeking not just the strokes on canvas but the narratives pulsating behind every masterpiece. With a penchant for unraveling stories, he shares tea and tales with artists, delving into their creative process and narratives that shape their canvases.
Returning after more than a decade, the ambassador witnesses the metamorphosis of Delhi’s artistic ethos. He traces the evolution of ideas, the emergence of fresh perspectives, and the nuanced shifts in artistic expression that mirror the pulse of a changing society. Among his diplomatic endeavors lies a unique initiative—an ever-changing exhibition adorning the walls of the German Residence. A rotating canvas that showcases the kaleidoscopic brilliance of Indian artists, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue between nations.
“We started it with Viswanath Kuttum. Now, we have changed to a young artist from Delhi, Sunil Yadav. He works with a pencil. This is hugely detailed and he does everything. He basically sits there and it’s quite a work and I think on this red wall it comes beautiful. And it has this geometric set up but it’s very interesting,” explains Dr. Ackermann.
He adds, “Basically we are working with a gallery in Gurgaon. They have some proposals and we sit down with them. So, the artist gets a reception here; they can invite patrons and can invite potential clients. They can basically create their own show in this room. And, I think they fit beautifully in a way. I am very happy with this.”
It all started when the ambassador asked the German government to send him some new art works for the residence. “When I arrived in India I asked the German government to send me new art works because I didn’t like what already existed. So, they told me that it would take some time and you know when they say something like that then it means that it would take more than a year. But, I didn’t want to wait. So, I thought of doing something else,” recollects Ambassador Ackermann.
Instead of waiting for the German government to send new art works, the ambassador came up with the idea of exhibiting the works of young and upcoming artists at the residence.
“One thing that really is fascinating is how New Delhi’s art world has exploded in recent times. I know that when I was here for the first time, back in 2007, I think there was always a lively scene of art. And, you know, India is full of art. But now I see a completely different world. Now that certainly also has to do with the fact that there is more of a market. I mean art is always market driven as you know, but I think it’s also an expression of a very, very lively and extremely vibrant society. And I find that very, very interesting,” rejoices Ambassador Ackermann.
Ambassador Ackermann, who holds a doctorate in art history, has been visiting important places to study the diverse Indian art scene such as the Kochi Biennale, the India Art Fair, and important museums in the country. He also visited Kolkata during the Durga Puja celebrations and was thrilled to see a very different art scene.
He now plans to bring a German delegation next year to see the festival from a broader art perspective. While Dr. Ackermann doesn’t see himself as an art connoisseur when it comes to Indian art, he is nonetheless a very keen learner who believes in actively interacting with both established as well as the young and upcoming artists.
“If you want to understand modern India, you have to understand its rich tradition of art. Therefore, we thought that we should see some artists every once in a while, to see them in their workshops and discuss their works with them. The vibrant culture of India is such an integral part of this country. Yes, you know you need to talk about technology and infrastructure development and digitization. That’s all important but in order to get the full picture of India you need to have a strong cultural understanding,” opines Ambassador Ackermann who has already visited the studios of artists such as Anindita Bhattacharya, Arun Kumar HG, and Seema Kohli and more such visits are lined up.
Highlighting the German participation in the upcoming edition of the Indian Art Fair early next year, the ambassador champions the German contribution, facilitating a dynamic interplay between two nations through artistic collaborations and shared creative endeavors.
Among the major highlights, the land art festival ‘Sā’ that’s supported by the German Embassy is exhibiting an artwork at the India Art Fair with the German light artist Philipp Frank. Also, Berlin’s popular art gallery ‘Neugerriemschneider’ will be exhibiting its work at the India Art Fair.
There will also be a panel discussion featuring Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, artistic director and chief curator at the House of World Cultures, Berlin; Alistair Hudson, scientific and artistic director of the ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe.
As Ambassador Philipp Ackermann continues his artistic pilgrimage, the German Ambassador embodies the essence of diplomacy— nurturing connections, fostering understanding, and painting a canvas where cultural exchange thrives beyond boundaries.