Subodh Gupta Solo, Pause Show, Call for curators by ISCP.. and more..

NEWS

Call for curators by ISCP

( Curatorial Program at the ISCP)

International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), New York announces an open call for a residency program especially for curators from India. This program is sponsored by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation. This call is open to Indian citizens, who are 35 years of age or less and have resided continuously in India for at least two years prior to the time of application. The residency will take place May 1 - July 31, 2014 and includes participation in ISCP, a stipend for accommodation and living expenses in New York City and travel costs.

ISCP is a leading nonprofit, residency-based contemporary art institution for emerging to mid-career artists and curators from around the world, including the United States. With more than 30 artists and curators in residence at all times, the program provides residents with the space, time, and support to develop new projects. With additional activities tailored for professional development and public engagement, ISCP serves as an important platform for producing, presenting and contextualizing contemporary art through a diverse range of international perspectives.

Applications are accepted by mail only sent directly to the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation. The deadline is November 30, 2013 and the recipient will be notified in early February 2014. 

The Natural Abstract

Icon Art Gallery, Hyderabad, presents a solo show of art works by artist Vijay Dhore. the show titled, ‘The Natural Abstract’ displays a plethora of paintings which are nature abstracts.

Fluid, floating imagery in large colour fields interspersed like floating boats on a vast ocean, the artist tries to capture the in pristine colours and techniques the various textures of a naturally forming abstraction. 

The show is on till 4th November 2013.


Pause 

( Photography work by Pragati Dalvi)

Jehangir art gallery, Mumbai presents a two person show of art works, paintings and photography of two upcoming artists. The show titled ‘Pause’ displays the works of upcoming artists Pragati Dalvi and Raosaheb Gagare.

The works rendered in oil and water colours on canvas and paper depict fantastical realms and some abstractions which form an eclectic mix on show.

The photography works on display in this show add to the intrigue and flavour of the show. The show tries to capture the moments of absoluteness which get lost in a rushed urban living.

The show is on view from 22nd October to 28th October 2013.

Art of the agrarian

( work by Subodh Gupta)

Gallery Ske, Bangalore presents a collection of art works by Subodh Gupta. Exploring the ideas and emotions behind agrarian activities and the interactions between man and nature, the artist's skill lies in incorporating everything that is ubiquitous throughout India like the steel tiffin boxes, thali pans, bicycles, and milk pails.

The sculptures created from such ordinary items by the artist depict the economic transformation of his homeland. All these relate to Gupta's own life and memories.

The show is on from 26th October to 7th December 2013.

(News reports by Sushma Sabnis)

FEATURE

Call of the ancient

‘Forest Mark’ an exhibition of paintings by K. Nataraj is rooted in a symbolism that is popular and personal

( work on display)

Communicating through art calls for balance. The artist must choose a symbol that immediately strikes a chord with the viewer, but do it in such a way that he or she does not give rise to a cliché. Often there is a tale behind a painting and the viewer needs to talk to the artist to get the whole story out. This is especially the case with political art and symbolism. A recent exhibition of paintings by K. Nataraj was an example of art that could elevate you to a different level of experience while still leaving enough mystery to make you curious about the deeper shades of meaning.

Bred in the Chennai school, Nataraj’s art gives voice to the marginalised and is rooted in a symbolism that is popular and personal: the forest, forest dwellers, horse, Ekalaiva and so on.

On entering the gallery itself, the viewer is enveloped in purple-blue-green forest colours and transported to a world of secrets and slow time. But the reference to the forest is not just skin deep. In every painting, layer after translucent layer reveals the forest, and many stories of exultation, pain, deprivation, discovery and mystery unfold on examination.

‘Forest Mark’ is a solo exhibition of 20 paintings by Nataraj at Art House gallery — a testament to his deftness in handling the subject of histories of the marginalised. Even earlier, Nataraj’s work has had a connection to the village and culture of his memory, and in some ways he is unable to shake off the resemblance to his earlier show, in terms of colours and style. But at a more conscious level, he moves away from the intensely personal theme of his previous show to depict the life and travails of forest dwellers.

Four paintings centre on the lives of the Irulas. “There was an Irula settlement close to my home during my childhood. These people used to go into the forest and collect forest products and sell them to make a living. With the destruction of the shrubs and leasing of the forest land, their livelihood was shattered. Many of them moved to the city to find employment, but they continue to be marginalised,” Nataraj recalls. In Ancient Darkness, he depicts an Irula woman with symbols of the forest subtly worked into the skin. A hood-like shape over her head forms part of the background, signifying enlightenment. “They are the descendants of our most ancient people,” he says, adding that the resemblance to a village deity was deliberate.

The other three paintings in this sequence are of a girl, Dark Scimitar; a boy trying to ride a horse into the forest, Forest Twilight; and a scene of hanging an Irula man, Hanging Tree. In Forest Twilight, over the silhouette of the horse is drawn an outline of a winged horse. “The boy is trying to get familiar with the secrets of the forest,” he explains. Dark figures of elephants and lions dominate the background of this painting, and one is led into the mystique of the forest. One can see the painter trying to depict the leap of faith, but the winged horse does not meld with the background to give just that effect. Rather it looks like it was woven in almost as an afterthought.

On a different wall and a different note is the painting, Body Bird; it seemed to me a perfectly painted portrait of the passions, the longing and the latent capacity of the human body. The layers of this painting call out in harmony and the painter’s command over his technique is clear.

The most abstract of all the paintings, Secret, needs a mention — a triangular dark patch at the centre of a swirling abstraction of colours. “When you approach the forest it reveals many things to you, but in its heart there are secrets, and you know when you try to unravel these that you are stepping on an invisible line. You need to step back with that awareness. If you persist, in trying to open it out, the condition itself self-destructs. That whole entity collapses.” Now, one wonders, is he talking about quantum physics or contemporary art? Maybe a meeting point of the two…

(Report by Shubashree Desikan for The Hindu)

Mythography, Professions of the World show, Radha Raman and more..

NEWS

Professions of The World

( A photography work on display)

Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad presents a photo exhibition titled, ‘Professions Of The World – Metiers Du Monde’. Every year since 2010, the Alliance Française Foundation organizes a grand international photography contest for the 835 Alliances Françaises of the world in collaboration with the magazine ‘Courrier International’. 

This contest is in tune with the profound vocation of the Alliance Française, to understand better French language and culture and to promote cultural diversity all over the world. It aims to highlight the richness and the plurality of the network abroad, to unify all Alliances into a common project and to give an opportunity to amateur photographers to exhibit their works in Paris and internationally.

For this third edition, the theme was ‘Professions of the world’. The amateur photographers were asked to portray men and women in the extraordinary diversity of their professions, in the beauty as in the hardships of their daily occupations.

The contest was also organized in Hyderabad with over 80 contestants. Their winner, Swarat Ghosh, stood 2nd in the World competition and his works along with those of the winners is on view from 23rd October to 1st November 2013.

Mythography

( Work by Rithika Merchant)

Gallery Art & Soul presents a solo show of paintings by artist Rithika Merchant. The show titled, ‘Mythography’ displays various fantastical creatures, and symbolism which form a part of the personal visual language of Rithika’s narrative works.

Encompassing various imagery from vast myths, cultures and religions, Rithika binds them with a visual continuum and generates her own exquisite vocabulary. Rendered primarily in Gouache and ink on paper, the works are vibrant and delicate in imagery.

The show is on view till 24th October 2013.

Aavishkar 2013

Thane Kala Bhavan, Mumbai calls for participation by photographers for a Foto Circle Society and TMS organized State level Photography competition. The competition is titled, ‘Aavishkar 2013’ and the selected entries will be showcased in an exhibition of winners,in the presence of dignitaries and eminent personalities of the photography and art world.

For any queries about participation, please call on +91 9869714455.

The show will be held between 22nd October and 27th October 2013.

Radha Raman

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore presents a solo show of art works by artist Ritu Gupta. The show titled, ‘Radha Raman’ focuses on the devotion and attachment of Radha and Krishna. The works on display are rendered in vibrant colours and in various miniature like styles to imbibe the spirit of the duo.

The show is on view from 22nd October to 26th October 2013.

(News reports by Sushma Sabnis)

FEATURE

Beyond existential angst

Augustine Thilak and Victoria’s paintings and installations explore questions about life, death and spirituality

(Augustine's work-pastel on board)

Art is but a language of colours and emotions. In Augustine Thilak and Victoria’s exhibition of works at Lalit Kala Akademi, fittingly titled ‘The Language of Existence’, existence is measured through many means; spiritual and social.

Augustine’s works are mostly pastel on board. He spreads earthen colours across the board with his fingers, because he says “If I can touch and feel my art, I can connect better.” His subjects are lined silhouettes and these lines betray their emotions. There are confused curls and lines straight with clarity, all depicting different dealings of the human mind. Inner Space is a contemplative man, who is looking for some clarity. A Portrait of Choice is about a man trying to make an informed decision. Three things are placed before him. They too are abstract, as the choices don’t matter. Only the decision does.

Blooming Man is about one who is enlightened. There is a lotus over his head, brightly shown. This theme keeps resurfacing throughout Augustine’s art because, as he says, his art is all about moving inside. Augustine teaches art and yoga as therapy. “You have to move inside to reach out to others outside. Otherwise, it will be rather superficial,” he smiles. “My works are an invitation to people to be connected. I’m inviting people to know the language of existence.”

Ironically, the next work of his is titled 'The Ever Continuous Existence'. It shows a figure on the ground and the world moving on. Perhaps to denote that no matter what, life goes on. Augustine’s installations are also about men finding answers, finding keys to locks. In Search of the Key is about five figures looking for a key, not realising that they are actually sitting on it. Just Loosen the Screw is a large screw made of screws. The key to moving within is letting go.

(Victoria’s art is all about finding yourself in the chaos that is this generation.)

While Augustine paints on spirituality, his wife, Victoria’s art is all about finding yourself in the chaos that is this generation. Combo for two has two starters, two main courses and two desserts (apart from two shot glasses stained a cough-syrupy red). But the plates only have medicines. “Is this where we’re heading, with our lifestyle?” asks Victoria.

Her mixed media works use a variety of materials like jute bags and muslin cloth. Unstoring and storing are two pieces that depict two issues. One talks of birth and the other about our life cycle. In the process, one must learn to store the necessary things (like life) and unstore the rest. In Search of the Connection has a young woman looking at a clutter of objects she uses everyday; laptops, computers, facebook and yet, everyone is still searching. Victoria’s colours are brighter and bolder, when compared to Augustine’s predominantly rustic art.

The installations are interesting as well. There are four helmets hanging at different heights. Three are yellow, one is a weary gray that is going white. One more helmet is on the ground, broken into pieces. “This is life. Some people earn more, some work more, some work less, some are rich and others are not. Some are at a better stage in life while others toil. And when you toil too much, you find yourself on the ground, broken beaten. It’s also about life and death, about accidents,” says Victoria.

The Wait, is graphic and very telling. Paper cups are stacked on a stool. Some are on top of each other, others just on the side. Each cup has a face, coloured in purple, green, blue, red and yellow. Most of them have a shadow across their features. They are all looking up, their mouths betraying a sense of waiting and wanting. A large filter hangs over their heads. “These people are waiting for what is meant for them. But as it passes through the filter, how much really trickles down to them?” the artist points out.

The Language of Existence is on display at Lalit Kala Akademi, 4, Greams Road, Egmore till October 20 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

(Report by Anusha Parthasarathy for The Hindu)

Featuring Contemporary Taiwanese Artistic Books, Indian Suggestions show and more..

FEATURE

Contemporary Taiwanese Artistic-Books 

The recent introduction of the “Art-Book” practice by Taiwanese artist/art educator Dr. Wendy Lai is now emerging as a fresh objet d'art of this decade, observes Ritwij Bhowmik

(Dr Wendy Lai Art book)

(Paper Window books by Dr Wendy Lai)

A creative handmade book, that looks like a complete three dimensional art object and/or serves other fascinating commercial usage, is popularly named ‘Art- Books’ or ‘Artistic-Books’.  The ‘Book-Design’ can be traced back till the ancient civilization and then at a later stage in medieval period, when religious books were made with distinguished ‘binding and calligraphic’ designing. In the modern and post-modern era, book designing became a part of ‘Graphic Designing’, where it combined text, illustration, photography, printing, binding and substantial advertisement / expressive ideas. In USA, Australia and many other European countries ‘Art- Book designing’ developed as a new form of art practice, parallel to conventional studio art practices, like painting and sculpture. But in Asia, ‘Art- Book designing’ is not too popular and only saw a few independent attempts, one of them is surely by Dr. Wendy Lai, who with her indefatigable endeavor, is single-handedly popularizing this amazing art form in Taiwan.  

( Art Book)

Dr. Wenshu Lai ‘Wendy’ (賴雯淑) is a currently teaching as an Associate-Professor at the renowned Institute of Applied-Arts (應用藝術研究所), National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. Dr. Wendy Lai started her initial art-training at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei; afterwards she went to USA and obtained first a M.A. Degree in Art-History (1990 – 1992) and then another MFA in Art/Design (1992 – 1995) from the School of Art and Art-History, University of Iowa.  She further received Ph.D. in ‘Art Education’ (1995 – 2001) from the College of Education, University of Iowa, USA. After completing PhD, she taught at the Angelo State University in Texas (USA) as an ‘Assistant-Professor of Art’ before moving to her homeland Taiwan to teach some new art techniques.  At the Institute of Applied-Arts her main teaching areas are Visual-Communication, Visual-Culture, Art Education and Aesthetics; so far 4 Doctoral students (in Visual-Communication/Visual-Culture major) successfully obtained their PhD under her guidance. 

(Art work by Dr Wendy Lai)

She started creating “Art-Books” during her Art-college days in USA and widely exhibited her works. A few years after joining Institute of Applied-Arts, Dr. Lai first introduced the ‘Art-Book’ designing as an ‘elective’ course for the post-graduates; it was a first of its kind course and I was fortunate enough to be a part of the very first batch of ‘Art-Book Designing’ course. This rigorous four months course is comprised of both theoretical and studio based practical book-designing. In theoretical, students get to know the ‘book-design’ history since the medieval Europe, how it developed in the modern to post-modern era and finally a look at the contemporary ‘Book’ designers. 

( Dr Wendy Lai at her University Office -Studio)

In practical class, Dr. Lai teaches basic techniques – Accordion Binding, Pamphlet Binding, Japanese 4-hole Binding, Pamela Spitzmueller’s ‘Mechanical Thightback’ and ‘Long/Link Stitch Binding, Archival style Binding, Coptic Binding, Triple Chain/woven chain/side bow/coiled line sewing, dash sewing and cloth mounting. 

( Art Book)

Dr. Lai, for her own works, prefers various types of handmade papers, leather, silk, wood, copper, threads, yarns, bromide, and various other materials. After basic training, students are encouraged to experiment with these techniques and even invent new ones to generate their own ‘Art-Book’. Since the very first day, “Art-Books” became the most popular course among the students, as much as now Dr. Lai has to teach this class in two groups (each with 15-20 students). Students under Dr. Lai’s kind guidance yielded some amazing art-works, which they exhibited in Taiwan and abroad. Some of them are determined to make it as their career option, such as M.A. (Applied-Arts) second year students - Ms. Szu Yu Liu, Ms. Hui Tzu Peng, who are now successfully producing art-works for a renowned Taiwanese Design Company.  

( Art Book by Dr Wendy Lai)

Although this new form of studio-art practice has been existing in the west for long now, these attempts are new for Asian Art-scene. These Art-objects, along with their inner aesthetics also have a useful, handy commercial value, which makes them unique and exclusive in this age of ‘multimedia’ and ‘digital art’. We can hope the “Art-Books” practice will soon pervade its boundaries and reach south Asia.  

NEWS

Indian Suggestions

( Work by Dina Goldstein)

Sakshi Gallery presents a group show of three artists works, titled, ‘ Indian Suggestions’. The show is a result of the Mumbai art Residency program organized by Arte Laguna Prize to give artists the opportunity to enjoy a creative experience out of the artists studios.

The Mumbai Art Residency began in September 2011 with the collaboration between Arte Laguna Prize and the company Technymon, a part of The Mongodi group. 

The collaboration launched the art residency in India to give an opportunity to the artists of the Arte Laguna Prize to stay in Mumbai for a month in order to carry out a new artistic project inspired by the city and the local culture.

The winning artists are Dina Goldstein and Michael Rotondi for the year 2012 and Carlos Cartama for the year 2013. The show previews on 19th October and is on view till 7th November 2013.

The Japanese wife and other tales

( work by Rini Dhumal)

Art Alive Gallery, New Delhi presents a solo show of exquisite works by eminent artist Rini Dhumal. The show titled, ‘The Japanese Wife and Other Tales’ displays the artist’s recent works in oils on canvas. 

The title borrowed from the book by Kunal Basu, the works have a definitive story line and an intense narrative with vibrant colours and forms supporting the nuances of the story telling. Rendered in the figurative style the works have a mesmerizing quality to them.

The show is on till 25th November 2013.

Shimmering Silhouettes

( Work by Jayant Hubli)

Nivriti - The Art Quarter, Bangalore presents a show titled, 'Shimmering Silhouettes' a solo  by artist, Jayant Hubli. The month long show exhibits a series of charcoal art pieces wherein each work depicts a different emotion of artist, his life’s challenges and influences. 

As son of renowned artist B.K.Hubli, Jayant carries a rich lineage of art. Inspired by the rich natural forms and structures he loves to capture the daily images of life in his art. He is also the winner of many prestigious awards like the Karnataka Lalita Kala Akademi award and the runner-up of Worldwide Windsor Newton Competition in London.

The show is on view till 5th November 2013.

Border Body - Call for Artists

International Art Expo calls for artisst participation for the show, ‘Border Body’ to be held in Spain and Poland. International ArtExpo is selecting all photo works, video/short films, paintings and performing art works to include in the next 2013 exhibitions at the International Art Festival Photography, Video Art, Painting and Performing Art to be held in Almeria (Spain), at MECA Mediterráneo Centro Artístico, during the 14th and 28th of November, 2013 (video screening only), and in Wrocław (Poland) at Gallery MD_S (MD_S – miejsce dla sztuki), from the 10th to the 30th of November 2013.

Border Body is conceived as a diffused and nomadic exhibition in different places of the world. The festival is composed by two sections: “Mixing Cities”, which deals with modern urban changes and their influence on citizens, and “Mixing Identities” focused on the hybridization of social identities in contemporary time. Artworks’ selection is  based on the main concept of fluidity, motion, changing networks and cities transformations. People, backgrounds, societies, progress and all their inputs creates hybrid identities, modifying each other and being mixed in prospect to shape a better world.

The event is open to photography, video art, painting and performing art. Exhibition at MECA (Spain) is open to video art only.

The deadline for applications is October 20th, 2013

To take part in the selection, send your works submissions with a CV/biography, videography and some still images (only for video artists), some samples of works via email to lucacurci@lucacurci.com 

( News reports by Sushma Sabnis)

Hana - Part II the Lotus, In an Iridescent Land, Silent Hues show and more..

NEWS

Independence is his forte

(a work by Andrew Paul Verghese)

Urban Solace - Cafe for the Soul art space, Bangalore presents the works of artist Andrew Paul Verghese. He has had a keen sense of aesthetics from childhood and has always been drawn towards abstract art. 

Over the years, he has developed his own style of art. He says, “I have developed my own style of art through which I express my thoughts and expressions in their truest form. That, according to me, is abstract expressionism.” 

The show is on till 27th October 2013.

Hana - Part II The Lotus

( Work by Yuriko Lochan)

Shrishti Art Gallery, Hyderabad presents a solo show by eminent artist Yuriko Lochan.

The show is titled, ‘Hana - Part II The Lotus’, and is the second edition of Yuriko’s collection of paintings based on the lotus flower. 

The show captures in gouache and water colours on Japanese paper boards, the pristine divinity of the humble lotus flower. The collection displays soft pastel shades, and hues of the subject with delicacy.

The show is on from 18th October to 5th November 2013.

Silent Hues 

Kala Rasa art gallery, Bangalore, presents the show “Silent Hues“, an amalgamation of various styles and mediums created by deaf and mute artists. The artists are not just from Karnataka, but across India- Chennai, Rajasthan, Bhubaneshwar, Kolhapur, Noida, The works on display are inspired by nature, landscapes, wildlife, people and other assorted themes, also with a spiritual connect making this an elegant sublime display of artworks. The artists express their emotions and passion through their art. Vibrant, bold, intense and intricately detailed, the artists’ works are sometimes narrative in style with stories and themes related to the various elements in their society and their manifestations. 

The artists whose works are on display in ‘Silent Hues’ are S. Rajeev, Jyothi Kumar, Sanjay Saraf, Immamuddin, Rekha Chitrakumar, Ganesh Shetty, Smt Rajni, Sunil Kulkarni, Kumari Sonia, CV Supriya, Archana, Ravikumar, Sekar and Smt. Savithri.

The show is on view from 20th October to 25th October 2013.

In an Iridescent Land

( a work by Senaka Senanayake)

Tao Art Gallery presents  art works by eminent Sri Lankan artist, Senaka Senanayake in a scintillating art show titled,  ‘In an Iridescent Land’. 

Senaka Senanayake is Sri Lanka’s foremost artist. His distinguished career spans over five decades of creativity and has covered a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from depiction of his beloved homeland to experiments with Western Modernism and most recently the flora and fauna of the rain-forest. He has had over a hundred group and one man exhibitions in over 18 countries spanning over five continents.

The show is on view from 18th October to 10th November 2013.

(News reports by Sushma Sabnis)


FEATURE

Journeying through landscapes

( Sankar Dinesh Kamath)

The walls of the Durbar Art Centre are lined with a progression of images that convey a sense of change while retaining the same essence throughout. The works of Sankar Dinesh Kamath, a Class X student at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vaduthala, have striking similarities and yet differing levels of polish, a result of the young artist honing his skills over the years since he first set crayon to paper in UKG.

Now a District, State and National award winner in various painting competitions, Sankar says the basics of his paintings have not changed all that much since he started. The rustic scenes depicted in his paintings are snapshots of life in the countryside, small villages, boats on rivers, children taking shelter from the rains and mothers tending to children. “My main interest lies in painting scenery. I enjoy observing the sights when I go on trips with my family and later recreating them on canvas, either from memory or using photographs. Though I started with crayons, I later used water and acrylic colours in my works,” he says.

Contrary to the locations featured in his works, Sankar was raised in the urban surroundings of Kaloor, where he found his roots in art at a young age, taking classes in painting till Class IV and learning the basics of mural painting when he was in Class VII . In this period he picked up a few prizes in art competitions, the most notable being a first place at the All India Stamp Designing Competition conducted by the Postal Department of India in 2008. His painting was featured on a five rupee stamp that year.

Despite his proficiency at working with various mediums, Sankar says he does not research different art disciplines in detail, preferring to stick to his strengths. “I have been taught the basics of working with different types of colours and how to handle them, but other than that I don’t actively research art. It is a hobby that I plan to continue alongside my ambition to become a doctor like my father,” he says.

A few mural works, oil paintings of flower vases and fruit baskets, and scenes from mythological tales like Vikramaditya and Ramayana, which bear a very distinct Amar Chitra Katha feel, complete Sankar’s collection of nearly 100 framed works. As for the future, it is more of the same as he intends to fine-tune his works, sharpen his lines and enhance the detail. “At the moment, I do not find the time to work on complicated works like murals. I am focusing on improving my oil painting skills and learn knife painting,” he signs off.

The exhibition, titled ‘A Journey Through My Shades’, is on at the Durbar Art Centre till October 19.

( Report by Sooraj Rajmohan for The Hindu)

Art Quarter 2013, Dakshin show, The Language of Existence and more..

NEWS

Art Quarter 2013

( a work by Anand Panchal)

Crimson The Art Resource, Bangalore presents an exhibition showcasing the works of 35 established and upcoming artists, including HR Das, Yasala Balaiah, Anand Panchal, Sunil Sarkar, Dhrubajyoti Baral, Sunil Sarkar and Dilip Kumar Kale.

The works on display range from figurative to abstractions and semi abstracts. The works engage with the viewer on multiple levels of experiences and account for an eclectic mix on display.

The show is on till 16th November 2013.

Cartwheels in your honour

(A work by Trishla Jain)

Exhibit 320, New Delhi presents the solo show of artist Trishla Jain’s latest series of canvases and life-size sculptures is an ecstatic, psychedelic ode to colour, light, form and, above all, life.

The show is titled, ‘Cartwheels in your honour’ and will be on view till November 5th 2013.

Dakshin

Kynkyny Art, Bangalore presents a show tilted ‘Dakshin’. The show features a heartwarming glimpse of the life, times and culture of South India through the contemporary vision of three eminent contemporary artists Elayaraja, Sivabalan and Santhana Krishnan.

The show is presented in association with Stonehill PTA In aid of Iksha Foundation.

The show is on view till 10th October 2013.

The Language of Existence

( Work on display at the show)

Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai presents a two person show of works by artists Augustine Thilak and Victoria, the artworks are a search for the deeper understanding of the language of existence through musings of different forms, textures and colours.

The show is titled, ‘The Language of existence’ and is on view till 20th October 2013.

(Reports by Sushma Sabnis)

FEATURE

Root cause

Riyas Kunnamangalam’s sculptures in tree roots talk of issues plaguing society

(Work on display at the show)

For sculptor Riyas Kunnamangalam, his art always begins with a search—for roots. His exhibition ‘God’s Own Country — Verugalilude’ is the fruit of a three-year search for 12 sturdy and large teak roots upon which he could carve the stories he wanted to tell.

Each piece was once a buried root that has been dug up from places in and around Wayanad; and each carved root now talks of issues such as pesticide overuse and the Internet trap—reflecting the state of Kerala as it stands today.

Riyas’ own roots as an artist began from his childhood drawings, which his father disapproved of. After Class X, he left his Kozhikode home for Mysore where he worked as a tourist guide until he met wood sculptor P.C. Chacko in Thrissur. As a 17-year-old he studied under him for a year and a half, learning to work wood into different patterns and figures, following which he was employed by several furniture shops. “I was unhappy here too, because all the designs I was carving were what they would dictate. That’s when I decided that I would instead create the pictures that I was drawing,” says Riyas. One of his earliest works—a portrait of Mohanlal etched in wood—sits at a corner of his exhibition today.

( Riyas Kunnamangalam)

But Riyas has since evolved into a teller of troubled stories. “There are so many issues today in Kerala that need to be spoken of, and I want to use my work to do that.” For instance, one of his pieces depicts a baby with a deformed head as a result of his mother’s exposure to endosulfan.

Another shows a schoolgirl with a mobile phone in one hand, a bottle of pills in the other hand and tears on her face. “This was inspired by the Ambalapuzha suicides of 2008.”

In his line of work, it is vital to understand the innate nature of the root, and maintain that natural form, rather than impose one’s creation on it, says Riyas. Therefore, each piece is a three-dimensional work that reveals its complete story only when observed from every angle.

Other works show Mother Teresa crying at the state of the world today, the fate of single mothers and the abuse of elephants by their mahouts. The exhibition is on at Durbar Hall Art Gallery from till October 16.

( Report by Esther Elias, Photos by Thulasi Kakkat  for The Hindu)

PREVIEW - Aura Art Show 2013, Surya The Icon, IFA Job Opening.. and more

PREVIEW

Aura Art Show 2013

(Work by Majit Bawa at the show)

Aura Art Development Pvt Ltd, presents a unique show, the ‘Aura Art Show 2013’  at the Auditorium Hall of the Jehangir Art Gallery. The show features more than fifty established modern and contemporary artists’ works. The show is planned at a very opportune moment with a serious intent of reviving a dull art market. 

At the inauguration function, a well documented catalogue written by art critic and curator, Johny ML will be released. 

Aura Art Development Pvt Ltd, which was established in 2008 by Mr Daljit Singh Sethi and his two sons Harmeet Singh Sethi and Rishiraj Singh Sethi, aspires to be a fully Integrated Art House.  It has organised / partnered with nearly 30 shows / events over the last 5 years, besides other activities that have strengthened the brand presence. Their specialised and professional services to the customer speak for themselves. 

Aura Art believes in reaching out to a broad spectrum of society from all walks of life to raise awareness and interest in art and this is also reflective in the wide choice of Guests of Honour for the show, like  Mr Werner E Nievergelt, Consul General of Switzerland, Mr Dilip Piramal, Chairman, VIP Industries Ltd, Dr Ramakanta Panda, VC & MD, Asian Heart Institute, Mrs Anita Dongre, Leading Fashion Designer, Dr Archana Hingorani, CEO & ED, IL&FS Investment Managers Ltd, Mr Vishal Kampani, MD, JM Financial Products Ltd , Mr Sandeep Naik, MD, General Atlantic, Mr Anil Dharker, Eminent Writer & Journalist , Mr Vikramaditya Motwane, Film Director & Screenwriter, Ms Gayatri Ruia, Development Director, Palladium, Mr Rajendra Chhapwale, Chairman, Monarch Realty & Developers 


With works of modern legends such as, Krishen Khanna, Satish Gujral, Manjit Bawa, Paramjit Singh, Dhruva Mistry, Nagji Patel, among others and young artists who have been touted to be the potentials of today, like Veguri Ravindra Babu on display, the show is one to look forward to. On display are paintings, sculptures, and unique once in a life time collectibles by legendary artists, making this an eclectic mix of works and artists under one roof.

The show previews on 15th October 2013 at 6:00 pm and is on view till 21st October 2013.

NEWS


Spiritual -Show

( Work by Ajay Meshram on display)

Pradarshak Art Gallery, Mumbai presents a solo show by artist Ajaykumar Meshram. The show titled, ‘ Spiritual’ features the deep and transcendental works of the artist rendered in acrylic on canvas. Bordering on the religious symbolisms of the spiritual experiences, the artist brings intense imagery of Yantras, as a means to attain meditative trances.  

His works hope to induce compassion courage and inspiration in the viewer along with peace.

The show is on till 26th October 2013.

IFA Job opening

India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore has a job opening for a Manager : Archival and Museum Fellowships. India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) is an independent philanthropic organisation based in Bangalore.

The Archival and Museum Fellowships are relatively new initiatives at IFA, created with the objective of activating interest in archives and museums by enabling innovative curatorial, artistic or research work in/through such spaces and their collections. The candidate will be required to develop strategies for the fellowships, build relevant collaborations and partnerships, facilitate artists and curators in developing their projects and engage with current debates and conversations in museum curation as well as archives and archival research.

The applicant could have a background in research, curation, or program management in an arts/culture/research organisation and of any on-going interest in archives and museums, and in reimagining the nature of knowledge production associated with both these spaces. Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree in any area of the arts and humanities. Remuneration will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and whether the position is taken up on a full-time or part-time basis. The location is Bangalore and the applicant will be expected to travel across the country from time to time.

Applicants should submit a statement of interest and a resume including the names of two referees; samples of published or unpublished writing/research; curatorial or artistic sample portfolios if applicable. Applications to be sent to contactus@indiaifa.org

Deadline for the applications is November 4th, 2013. 

Surya The Icon

Noted calligraphy artist, Achyut Palav, will be displaying his collection of calligraphy art works at the Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.

The show titled, ‘Surya -The Icon’ is a collection of the artist’s dedications to the people, whose lives have had a profound influence on his mind. He calls them his 'suns', which is where the exhibition gets its name as well.

Surya - The Icon will see works dedicated to eminent personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Gulzar, M F Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain, Late Kashinath Ghanekar, among others.

The show will be on view from 15th October till 22nd October 2013.

Art of the Royals

( Art work on display)

The Foyer, New Delhi presents an exhibition of art works by royalty. The show  titled, ‘ Art of the Royals’, features works of Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh of Jammu & Kashmir, Tikarani Shailaja Katoch of Kangra, Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh, Princess Krishna Kumari of Panna, Rajkumari Vidita Singh of Barwani, Aapji Vikramaditya Singh of Palhaita, Kanwarani Padmini Sinh of Chhota Udaipur, Illustrati by Raseel Gujral. 

The show has been curated by Sunaina Anand, Art Alive Gallery.

The show is on view from 18th October to 20 the October 2013.

( News Reports by Sushma Sabnis)