Meet Utsava Kasera, Patron of START – The Art Fair for Emerging Talent
C&TH quizzes Utsava on the best way to experience the fair
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Utsava Kasera is a patron to the annual art event, START art fair, held at the Saatchi Gallery from 13-16 September 2018. In today’s global art market, one that produces art fairs and art events almost daily, this event is made one of a kind by its foundational beliefs in the value of support and patronage.
Kasera is partnering and supporting the talented British artist Lauren Baker for the 2018 fair.
Meet Utsava Kasera, Patron of START – The Art Fair for Emerging Talent
Utsava Kasera and Lauren Baker
How did you first come across START?
My first introduction to START was last year in 2017, when a friend introduced me to the art fair. It immediately struck a chord and later I was invited to an art collectors club dinner organised by the START team. As is often the case with such things, a conversation with the co-founder David Ciclitira laid the foundation for my involvement this year as a patron.
What is START doing that other fairs are not?
START is a unique platform that engages with up and coming artists who have big futures ahead of them. The art at this art fair is highly collectable and worth both enjoying and investing in. It is refreshing to see a platform created solely for memorable art from upcoming international artists who are carefully selected from around the world by a highly qualified team. Then it provides them a unique opportunity to exhibit in Saatchi Gallery, which is a huge platform to start a career.
What are you most excited about for this year’s run?
This year is particularly special for me as I am personally involved in START and I am trying to make it unique in my own way. I am organising a fashion show during the after hours of art fair where I am bringing the super talented fashion designers Shantanu & Nikhil from India, who have dressed up many international celebrities like Serena Williams and Bruce Willis. The idea of marrying art and fashion will be very unique at this art fair and we have the support of the Indian High Commissioner in London, who will be the chief guest at the fashion show. It is also my small effort to promote Indian culture at a prestigious venue in one of the greatest city in the world- London.
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How would you recommend a visitor gets the most out of START?
I would recommend visitors to invest their time and energy in each and every artist booth as the huge variety and talent from around the world will be unique. There will be special events during the four days where artists will be performing or explaining about special pieces and it is a good way to get deep insight into their works. As with all art exhibitions, it is always best to engage with the different mediums that are used and not restrict oneself to one preferred style. It is also a great place for collectors who are on lookout for some special art and they can engage personally with the artist from around the world in one place.
How do you choose the artist for your booth, who will you be supporting and why you have chosen them.
I will be supporting a British artist Lauren Baker, who I have personally got to know and loved the ideas behind her work. I believe she is a special talent and I am fascinated by her way of thinking about combining art with ideas from science. She has a bold and bright vision which is especially enchanting within how she engages with light as a medium as a way of creating and reflecting energy-fields and other dimensions. Her presence at START this year will definitely make a big impact in the art fair as she has created some exquisite pieces of artwork.
