Isn’t it a tragedy that a tragedy is needed to bring about fundamental changes in human behavior? A careless society suddenly becomes a cautious one when a calamity strikes. A callous person becomes responsible when tragedy visits him or his near and dear ones. An irresponsible authority becomes conscious of his deeds when one of his acts shames him before the world. Think about someone who has been revered as upright and courageous by many. How does it affect the thinking of a larger population? The month of November was rocked by the misdeed of an editor-in-chief of a very reputed magazine that from its very inception has stood for social rights, women’s liberation and human justice. His act has shamed us all in the field of political as well as cultural journalism. We need to take collective sponsibility.While we cry for the offender’s blood, it is also time for us to do some soul searching.
Are we all clean out here? Authority comes with responsibility. Irresponsible authority is as dangerous as gangrene; it will cause a slow death. Amputation is the only way to save life. If the metastasizing of irresponsibility is taking place in us, diagnose it fast and go for therapy. It is better to be virtual amputees than losing a life for a shameful deed. This issue of Art and Deal however is not about gender imbalances or work place harassment. On the contrary, it celebrates the third edition of the India Art Festival, Mumbai. Started in 2010 under the able leadership of Rajendra, editor of the Art Journal, in its second edition it had moved from the Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai to the Bandra-Kurla Complex Ground, Mumbai. Moving back to the Nehru Centre this year, however, does not diminish the relevance of India Art Festival. Instead of
winding it up citing funds crunch as the reason, Rajendra has taken a bold step by bringing it back to the Nehru Centre and keeping the spirit of the festival alive. Once again, like most of the art players in this country and elsewhere, we too hope that this kind of concerted efforts from various quarters would help revive the sagging morale of the Indian art economy. In January 2014, the India Art Fair in New Delhi, will take place which will also give a much needed shot in the arm in these hard times. Art and Deal, as a responsible art magazine feels that it is necessary to highlight the major activities of the important art fairs in India. This issue has interesting features on India Art Festival and a lead interview with the IAF director, Rajendra.
‘Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely,’ said Lord Acton. This is one maxim that we should always remember. Art is the last post where truth prevails. If artists and the players of art stick to truth and aspire for truth, a better society will come into being. It is the responsibility of art journalists to give the right picture and view about our art scene. Art and Deal is duty bound to do that. While as the editor of the magazine, I keep fearless criticism as the motto of the magazine and its team, I would like to reassure you all that it does not keep any malice for anybody. We believe in true art journalism. Art and Deal, and Art Konsult are moving to a new space in Lado Sarai. It is a new beginning for
us as we celebrate twenty years of Art Konsult Gallery and fifteen years of Art and Deal magazine.

Johny ML