I am always in search of something inspiring that feeds my heart and soul. Life sometimes becomes too much to bear, with so many demands and expectations. And there comes a point, when I have to find some solace to gather myself back. Last week, I grabbed an opportunity amid a crazily hectic day and had stimulating conversations with artists at Jehangir art gallery.
Visitors from village clicking pictures with Shyamal Mukharjee's paintings
Visitors from village clicking pictures with Shyamal Mukharjee's paintings
Artist Shyamal Mukharjee with his paintings
Usually, I like to devote entire day for exploring art exhibitions but even with only two hours that I somehow managed to squeeze, I was fortunate to find very interesting work by three different artists. The first exhibition, by artist Shyamal Mukharjee portrayed fascinating figures that had caricaturist style. There was subtle rawness to his figures that are from everyday rural life and what stands out in his paintings is his unique style of reverse painting and portrayal of very joyous people from ordinary life, who look amusing yet successfully strike a chord with the viewer instantly.
"Virasat", by artist, Dhananjay Sastakar, had an interesting subject and approach of expression. His insight, that clearly seems to have emerged from his passion for heritage, captured beautifully sculpted, designed and carved doors, windows and zarokhas from old heritage architecture across the country. When I discussed his work, he explained painting these subjects was his attempt to revive our heritage structures that we are losing out so fast thanks to modernization.
Paintings from the exhibition, "Virasat"
"Walls that speak" by Kishore Ingale, was potpourri of amazing imageries in Grafiti art with bold colours and brazen style. There were layers and layers to his stories narrated through mixed media. His work gave a complete new context to familiar roadside things that we see everyday and when juxtaposed bring interesting forces that give great insight into different dimensions and depths to our existence.
Paintings from the exhibition "Walls that speak"
Artist Kishore Ingale with his paintings
Meeting three different artists and seeing their body of work was enriching experience. All three artists from completely different background helped me see life from perspective that never existed in my mind before. Though I don't understand the technical side of art, all these exhibitions were able to have connection with me. I wished to see so many more but the demands of work didn't allow me that luxury. I left delighted, born anew deep within at some level and rejoiced life yet again despite the pressure of demands and expectations! Beauty is all around us, even in most ordinary things. All we need, is to have an eye to notice it!
