Glenfiddich Unveils 12th Edition Of Artists In Residence Program In India

EE News Desk Apr 10, 2024

Glenfiddich has unveiled the 12th edition of the Artists in Residence program in India. Renowned across the globe for its commitment to nurturing creativity and innovation, this initiative has captured the imagination of the art world with its setting, space, and community for artistic exploration. Each year, a number of artists from around the world are selected to take up a residency at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland and create original pieces of art by taking inspiration from the unique setting on offer. The program serves as a beacon of inspiration, and an opportunity for artists worldwide, yet only a select few have the privilege to be part of it.

Building on the success of this initiative worldwide, two panels of admired jury members, one panel each for nomination of artists, and evaluation of artists, carefully nominated and selected one artist to be a part of the Artists in Residence program in Scotland. The nomination panel included some of the esteemed names from the field of art, namely, Jagdip Jagpal, Art curator and Former Director of India Art Fair; Thukral and Tagra, Delhi-based Artists Duo; Geetha Mehra, Director of Sakshi Gallery and Curator of Finding India; Veer Munshi, Artist and Jaiveer Johal, Entrepreneur and Art Collector. Each member of the panel suggested several artists they felt would be suitable for the programme, which was followed by an evaluation of the nominated artists by another panel.

The evaluation panel included a set of esteemed members from the field of art, namely Kiran Nadar, Chairperson KNMA, Indian Art Collector and Philanthropist; Jaya Asokan, Director of the India Art Fair; Sachin Mehta, Country Director, William Grant & Sons India; Andy Fairgrieve, Art program director, The Glenfiddich Distillery, William Grant & Sons; and Chetnaa, Recipient of the Glenfiddich Emerging Indian Artist Award 2014.

After in-depth screening and evaluation of applications received for the residency, the jury members, unanimously, handpicked Amshu Chukki from Vadodara to be the Artist in Residence from India. Chukki has been awarded a three-month residency at Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland. Chukki’s artwork explores the themes of reality and fiction through multimedia in a manner that contemplates the outlandish nature of constructed landscapes and surreal spaces. Incorporating the narrative structure of filmmaking, he delves into the dystopian world of man-made sites and artefacts, questioning the very notions of nature and reality. He was also listed in the ‘Forbes India 30 under 30’ in 2016 and is a recipient of the Inlaks Fine Arts Award in 2014.

Commenting on the announcement, Sachin Mehta, Country Director, William Grant & Sons India said, "We are delighted to continue our commitment towards art with Glenfiddich Artists in Residence program in India and announce Amshu as the Artist in Residence from India in 2024. Keeping with the spirit of our founders, our globally recognised forum provides a unique and inspiring platform for artists from around the world to showcase their talent and gain international recognition. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to nurturing creativity and providing artists with an inspiring environment to push the boundaries of their craft. We are certain Amshu’s residency at the Glenfiddich Distillery will be deeply impactful, and will result in truly inspiring works of art."

Chukki, India Winner of Artists in Residence said, "I am deeply honoured to have been selected for the Glenfiddich Artists-in-Residence Award for 2024. This will be my first trip to the UK, and I hope that my experiences during the three-month residency, along with the grand landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, will percolate into my ongoing preoccupation with ideas of landscape, speculative fiction, history, and materiality. I am profoundly grateful to Jagdip Jagpal for trusting in my work and nominating me. Additionally, I extend my thanks to all the jury members, the Glenfiddich team, and Andy Fairgrieve for considering me for this award."

Jagpal, Art curator and Former Director, India Art Fair said, “The Glenfiddich Artists in Residence programme is a truly international programme and a fantastic opportunity for Indian artists to travel, collaborate and develop their practices while surrounded by the natural habitat in one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom.”

Kavita Nayyar, Artist, added, “Glenfiddich residency is one of its kind where young artists get the opportunity to experiment and practice with full freedom. India has many young artists doing wonderful works and most of the time their practice goes unnoticed, they do not get proper exposure. This platform gives their practice a big push and instils confidence to go on with their practice unhindered. In this space, they get to interact with artist fraternity from other countries also which is a very good opportunity for interaction.”

“It's a joy to work with Andy and I would support all his ventures. I am happy to have nominated deserving young candidates and leaving the more difficult part of making the final choice to others!” Geetha Mehra, Director of Sakshi Gallery and Curator of Finding India also added.

Chetnaa, Artist and Former Recipient of the Glenfiddich Emerging Indian Artist Award said, “In 2014, I was honoured with the prestigious Glenfiddich Artist in Residence award. Immersed in the Scottish Highlands for three months, nature's tranquillity became my canvas. My art, inspired by urban chaos, found solace in the minimalist expanse of the countryside. Words cannot fully convey the profoundness of this experience. I am deeply grateful to the Glenfiddich team, particularly Andrew Fairgrieve, for their constant support and warmth. Thank you, Glenfiddich, for this transformative opportunity.”

The brand first began engaging with Indian artists in 2009 and has nominated 11 artists from India for the residency since 2009. Alongside India, the Artists in Residence program has attracted over 160 artists from the UK, USA, Mexico, Spain, Canada, China, Korea, and beyond since its inception in 2002.