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Cosmos

Curatorial note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of paintings by Jay Tajane held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 13 to 19 September 2022.

Climate change continues to be a persistent problem faced on a global level. Climate-consciousness enables us to think more critically about the impact humans are having on the environment and how we need to act in a socially responsible manner in order to conserve and protect our planet. As wildfires ignite across the globe, water-levels rise, and entire ecosystems collapse, we are faced with the ever-increasing and inescapable effects of our climate crisis.

Jay presents a labyrinth of forms representing the plight of nature using imagery of trees. He examines the symbiotic relationship between nature, humans, and their environments. The paintings integrate modern contemporary aesthetics while signaling the urgency for fighting climate change. Birth, maturity and decomposition is part of the natural world, this transition is portrayed with creative brilliance demonstrating art’s ability to provoke emotional, visceral responses from the viewer.

The series is a display of artistic practice as a tool to interrogate wider socio-political concerns caused by the negative impact humans have on the physical environment. For Jay materiality plays a key and essential part of his artistic practice when bringing to light issues of climate change.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

Emancipation

Curatorial note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of paintings by Keshav Kasar held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 13 to 19 September 2022.

Inner nature of consciousness and intellect is the space which leads to endless exploration of the mind. Control of consciousness determines quality of life and life is the means by which universe understands itself. The intelligence is defined as the discriminating faculty of the mind. It’s important to understand oneself as different from the body and mind. The soul is the observer within, and the observer is always separate from that which is observed.

Keshav in his endless endeavor to explore this continuum embraces his inherent power to help access the human psyche subconsciously using his meditative visual language. The vivid color fields, folding and stretching of canvas, drips of paint guide the viewer to complete the painting within one’s imagination. Contemplative movements, abstract forms lead to layers of colors displaying the creative process reflecting the innermost feelings.

The series is an investigation of mind, body, and soul through klecksographical works welcoming the viewer to take on a journey of their own subconscious and turn the visual information into a somatic experience of pareidolia.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

Recent works by Shahanshah Mittal

Shrikant Vishwakarma provides insight into the recent works of artist Shahanshah Mittal.

Every generation evolves by unraveling pre-existing paradigms to create their own realms. This perennial phenomenon is driven by an ambition of exploring pure realizations of the truth of our existence. In visual art, abstraction connects one to the paths of awakenings through a meditative understandings of every aspect of our living beyond received and decipherable grids of languages, signs, iconographies – both textual and visual. Our cosmos is, as we perceive it, intentionally and unintentionally, formed by structures that surround us. Unknown and visceral, abstraction acquires momentous space with a sense of immense tranquility treading new paths of aesthetic experience.

Shahanshah delves into this spiritual experience by withdrawing from the use of pigments or representative forms and motifs. The vocabulary of visuals does not create a literal meaning, it is poetic, urging one to find colors and reach the blankness of spiritual actuality, constructing and deconstructing meaning in various spaces and time. The collages are steps of realizations, beyond the meanings that we create. The artist carves out his memoirs with layers of paper overlapping each other.

The recent works are the expression of the artist’s need for abstraction as he questions the epistemology of rationality. It is an ode to an other-worldly pilgrimage through submerged planes - it coaxes one to introspect and perhaps, transcend dimensions. As Paul Klee says, ‘Art does not reproduce the visible but makes visible’ what commonly is not seen.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

MIMESIS OF NATURE - ABSTRACT PAINTINGS BY KUMAR GAIKWAD

With his nuanced brush strokes, Kumar Gaikwad creates meritorious abstractions opening our eyes to the intricacy and beauty of the natural world. He appreciates nature for what it is and creates challenging pieces expressing our complex human connection to nature. With bright colours, simplified colour selection and forms that are balanced in their compositions; he lays out lines and colour combinations with the utmost of care in pursuit of recreating colours found in nature.

Nature, in the broadest sense, is equivalent to the natural world, physical universe, material world or material universe. “Nature” refers to the phenomena of the physical world, and also to life in general. Nature is both all around us and deep within us. We are inseparable from nature - our bodies, lives and minds depend on the air we breathe and the food we eat. The earth sustains our very life force. Without the earth - without nature - what would we be? Artwork based on nature can take many forms and serve many purposes. Because "nature" is such an immense topic that encompasses multitude of things. Humans have longed to create since the beginning of their existence and have always drawn inspiration from nature in some way, shape, or form - whether as cavemen drawing animals on walls or modern performance artists making a statement about the conservation of the earth. Nature is the greatest inspiration to see beauty in the world and draw attention to some of the most pressing matters in human and environmental affairs. With art as a lens, we can learn to change the world. As Henry Matisse once said “An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the proficiency which will later enable him to express himself in his own language.” Despite the world becoming more technology- driven by the minute, there are very few things that can inspire artistic brilliance quite like nature does. Mother Nature will continue to mesmerize and provide inspiration for some of the most renowned works of art.

What may seem random to the untrained eye is actually the culmination of years of art practice. There are many different ways to view Kumar’s approach in the subject of nature in art. Art can mimic nature, by seeking to visually replicate objects as they actually appear in real life. But abstract paintings can also take their visual cue from actual forms in nature. His colour formations pull the observer into his sphere which is characterized by rigorous attention to formal elements such as colour, shape, balance, depth, composition, and scale. He has largely painted in acrylics with occasional indulgence in oils and watercolours. From a figurative visual repertoire to an abstract style rooted in the active relationship of the observer to the painting his stylistic evolution embodies vision of achieving excellence. His early works has earned him numerous accolades such as Art Society of India Award for Best Landscape, State Art Award for Best Composition, Sir J.J. School of Art Teachers’ Award for Best Composition. Previously he has mesmerized art lovers with his exhibitions in notable art galleries such as Jehangir Art Gallery, Artists’ Centre, and Nehru Centre Art Gallery. He has participated in India Art Festival in 2018 and 2019. Kumar currently works and stays in Mumbai where he has forged his art career and has been an art teacher extending his thoroughness in painting to his teaching as well.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

Symbiosis

Curatorial note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of paintings by Neelima Kadhe held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 13 to 19 September 2022.

Evoking musical nuances in paintings is a quixotic quest which has driven the gestural abstractions of Neelima Kadhe. Avant-garde and spiritual, the paintings celebrate spontaneous journeys into inner self. Neelima visualizes the non-metric, repeated patterns of Khyal Gayan in this series, the face of Hindustani classical music known for its expanding cycles of melodic and rhythmic improvisation. The process is the painting itself, conveying the inner truth, unhinged and unhindered from the instincts.

A relic of action, every gesture that connects artist to canvas follows rhythm analogous to the patterns in music. The seven notes define the 'what' of it, the 'how' and 'why' are open to interpretation. It is through the interpretations of these seven notes that one understands the enormity and limitless, expansive nature of the art form.

The multi-layered paintings are embodiments of the various facets of human nature, music and visual art. A controlled state of collaboration between her emotions, her gestures, her medium and the surface synchronized with mental state and the intensity of physical motions. Neelima explores this synergy between music and painting through her kinetic compositions.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

BOMBAIM RESURGENCE

Curatorial note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of installations by Shriram Mandale held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 3 to 9 June 2019.

Bombaim Resurgence is an exhibition of miniature installations presented by Shriram Mandale in his first solo art exhibition as an independent artist. Shriram's works are a unique blend of his sensibilities in visual art and vivid memoirs of Mumbai laser-cut prodigiously into multilayered Burma teak wood, defining the term 'resurgence' in art. Commemorating one of the ancient crafts of wood carving, Shriram employs a dizzying variety of conceptual and technical approaches, creating an illusion that wood can behave like textiles, metals, concrete.

He explores iconic landmarks of Mumbai as a picture maker with the intent of imbuing his paintings with emotion, mood and mystery. Throughout, he tries to remain open to new ideas and surprises as the paintings unfold with compositional quirks. Controlling the narrative in his works with different forms and figures it is apparent that the artist strives for verisimilitude with each piece trying to outdo the other.

At a glance his work depicting both the Book Plaza looks exactly like the actual bookstall stacked with colorful books, one above the other and the poster for the palmist outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya immediately takes you to the sidewalks of Kala Ghoda with great ease. Dimly lit with electronic lights the wooden collages are combined with acrylic paints to portray subjects ranging from spectacular architecture of Bandra Station to the revered Cafe Irani Chai.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

Consciousness

Curatorial note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of paintings by Rajesh Kulkarni held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 13 to 19 September 2022.

What is a thought? Is it physical? A question that often resonates amongst all of us. As a ceramist, Rajesh helms the unglazed stoneware clay to measure this mental cognition. Human mind, as infinitely complicated as it is, is unearthed with great emotional concentration; the series is a medium through which the viewer is guided to perceive one’s own existence. 

The artistic spirit ushers the idea of absurdity as a tool to explore personal identity. A chaotic energy consumes the atmosphere invocating a sense of humanity to the sculpture, re-imagining features of the human face. The self that revolves around sensory consciousness is deeper and more generous: I see, therefore I am. You see, and therefore you are, too. As Marcel Duchamp rightfully puts in his own words “The artist performs only one part of the creative process. The onlooker completes it, and it is the onlooker who has the last word.” 

Conscious or an unconscious stimulation from everyday life inspires art. Receiving stimulation is the same as receiving inspiration. This internal experience is the significant content of Rajesh’s artistic journey.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

CHIAROSCURO: A BALANCING ACT BY SUBHENDU DAS

With his muted colour palette and noteworthy three-sided paintings. Subhendu gives voice to the illimitable human emotions. Triangle being the strongest compositional shape he adds a sense of visual unity to it with his articulate forms. His works are set out to expose the essence, essentials or identity of a subject through eliminating all non-essential forms, features or concepts. He uses traditional art mediums such as acrylic, ink and oil colours to create his works on jute paper. There is a personal language in his oeuvre that relates not only to the work but also to the sense of simplicity. The masterful use of gold dust delivers righteous purity and immaculate sophistication. He establishes the connections among art, beauty and desire. Making a case with characteristic grace, sensitivity, and philosophical depth he supports his vision of happiness and unhappiness in life. We may discover misery in pursuit of beauty, or find that beauty offers no more than a tantalizing promise of happiness. But if beauty is always dangerous, it is also a pressing human concern that we must seek to understand, and not suppress.

He interprets truth and lies with lights and shadows in his paintings. Subhendu believes light and shadow are two halves of a whole, twin forces that direct our lives; they are essential to maintaining the balance of life. Light, an ancient symbol central to many sacred traditions. is represented by the qualities of radiance, sanctity, love, justice, and every spiritual attribute that emanates from divinity; light is even thought to be eternal, boundless, and changeless. It’s opposite, shadow, or darkness is most characterized by temporality, limitations, and continual change. The entire physical world is a shadow of the world of light, a temporary dust heap, or an illusion that can vanish in a moment, ultimately a deception meant to distract our attention from the light it is reflecting. Shadow needs light, as light needs shadow. Together, their opposition represents a two-fold process designed to bring about the spiritual evolution of humanity, the transformation of individual lives and our relationships with others. Both parts of the whole are needed for progress and transformation. Contrast and opposition create structure. They are necessary to make us who we can become.

Born in Barrackpore, West Bengal Subhendu has exhibited his paintings all over India. Some of his commendable exhibitions have been held in India International Centre in 2001, Triveni Kala Sangam in 2002 and 2004, Nandalal Bose Gallery in 2013, Academy of Fine Arts in the year 2018 and India Art Festival in 2018 and 2019. Fine art graduate from Kolkata Government Art College he currently resides and works in Delhi.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

InneRcognizance

Curatorial Note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of paintings by Turya, held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 8 to 14 November 2022.

The Turya group has planted the seeds of their art in the elusive soil of visual art.  Germinating from the "Self", the consciousness has evolved from the constraints of the physical world and the inner invisible pure spirit. 

The sense of infinity in the space of inner feeling is dark. The awareness begins from the perception of the senses and the mind merges into the consciousness from the space, coming to life.  Experiencing the philosophy of void is like experiencing space in darkness. The flat black image with light shining in the consciousness of the beholder, vibrating lines in the pictures experienced with imagination, the balance of the black like passing of time searching for the breath. The space is unique but everyone finds themselves in it. 

Indian art resonates with inner consciousness, hence has remained spiritual. Representing the realization. Any realization that is devoid of objects, introspective without objects, takes the form of spirituality. Turya is a scientific map to reach the place of native pure consciousness.

Liberation from the visible form is the knowledge of the great consciousness. Liberation from tangible visual ego means liberation from physical objects. Intangible consciousness is a hollow deep inner feeling or sense of space without material form. The space of the tangible viewer is always limited. It is limited in size. It has no boundaries; intangibility is like infinity space. Hence its abstraction is the realization of the void of infinite visual perception.

Yogesh renders an achromatic vision of his ideas; the grays reference old primitive textures. Glimpse of memories, hidden expressions. The imagery describes visual stories of the visual experiences in the physical world.

Ganesha conveys the sense of the transparent light using his visual expressions. Congruous to sun-rays falling in the ocean, a golden muslin of fluidic shapes floating with visual drama. A game of colors and shapes.

Rohit's artworks create an illusion of folded space. The sculptures move from corner to corner with the lines of the current tall skyscrapers.

Umesh's paintings are the theater of visual light, created through the vertical and horizontal diagonal divisions. Occupying the hollow space, realizing the visual beauty of the earthy colors. The "gap" of his paintings necessitates attention from the viewer.

Artwork is a gateway to perceiving art. Self-awareness while creating art, reciprocates as a personal dialogue with the viewer. ‘inneRcognizance’ is a visual ceremony commemorating the initiation of this dialogue.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

RELATIONSHIP

WITH NATURE

Artist and art writer Shrikant Vishwakarma reviews the sculptural embellishments of Dr Uttam Pacharne presented at the Jehangir Art Gallery in the month of November 2019.

The current Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi and sculptor Dr Uttam Pacharne once again breathes life into bronze sculptures exploring the concept of co-existence between man and nature in his latest exhibition. In his towering career of multiple decades’ constant engagement in creating thought provoking works of art is evident. He embellishes the halls of Jehangir Art Gallery in a show organized by the Akademi titled ‘Relationship with Nature,’ one can’t help but notice the overwhelming presence of the voluminous sculptures with their peculiar colours. They combine a variety of elements from birds and bulls to human forms unlocking the imagination of the viewer waking them up to the endless possibilities by surrealistically manipulating life- like beings pivoting a cultural movement ardently touching upon themes like humanity, need, sacrifice and survival. His works are intuitive and emerge from his own personal experiences stimulating narratives like mythology, directly connected to the awe, beauty, joy and mystery of daily existence and personhood.

The sculptures emblematize the strong bond living beings inherited with the process of evolution. A human-being is incomplete without nature as every being that nature has to offer is a companion, without it the universe is nothing but void. Each sculpture expounds this journey of creation; the visual experience of which strikes a connection of relation between man and nature to the relation shared by Lord Shiva and Parvati with Nandi as their carrier. Analogizing this relationship further Pacharne presents farmers as Nandi for the rest of the world, a carrier on whom the world survives. The lustrous bronze sculptures revisit the sentiments latched onto the universal doctrine of oneness. His works re-connects the viewer to the simple pleasures of life and childhood memories like bird-watching for the first time with parents; the delight in recognizing correctly the species of animals as a toddler, he represents that disconnect between man and nature in a contemporary setting based on his observations.

Man and nature interact dialectically in such a way that, as society develops, man tends to become less dependent on nature directly, while indirectly his dependence grows. This is understandable. While he is getting to know more and more about nature, and on this basis transforming it, man's power over nature progressively increases, but in the same process, man comes into more and more extensive and profound contact with nature, bringing into the sphere of his activity growing quantities of matter, energy and information. Nature is the whole of the physical world; it is also what exists outside of any human action. Man is in nature but he acts upon it, thereby emancipating himself of it. He is part and apart of nature. Our environment, although outside us, has within us not only its image, as something both actually and imaginatively reflected, but also its material energy and information channels and processes. This presence of nature in an ideal, materialised, energy and information form in man's Self is so organic that when these external natural principles disappear, man, himself disappears from life. If we lose nature's image, we lose our life.

The subtlety and effortlessness with which the birds are moulded demonstrates his enchanting wizardry with bronze and presents his enduring legacy as a sculptor. Pacharne believes in the representation of the culture in the art form, which he evaluates to be the responsibility of the artist. This belief resonates in his own works which bestow a relentless voice to the very basic human nature. Need for survival. Along with this he also raises questions about humanity. The virtue of humanity must be practised through acts of love, kindness and social intelligence by all towards our fellow humans as it is held in the highest regard. Humanity means extending unconditional love to each and every living being on Earth.

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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[art-seer]

Mimesis

Curatorial note by Shrikant Vishwakarma for an exhibition of paintings by Varsha Kulkarni held at Jehangir Art Gallery from 13 to 19 September 2022.

Embracing nature, the series is a reverberation of sunshine, mountains, and trees. The wanderlust seizes every opportunity to let the canvas clamor about the struggles and triumphs of nature in all its might. The visual reality is refined to simple shapes and color, a true gift that Varsha possesses. Natural creativity with autonomous forms not constrained by traditional mimetic conventions.

We are in the mountains and the mountains are within us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. A few well-placed brush strokes boldly resemble nature with all its honesty distilling its complexities. The paintings restore the sense of well-being, enough to generate calm and harmony with one’s own existence. 

Shapes, colors, and textures are mimicked into an awe-inspiring series of paintings depicting the diverse moods of nature. Nature, the unfeigned habitat gives human beings the primal sense of self. Varsha surrounds the viewer with her abstractions bathed in colors found in her visual endeavor to depict and to discover the transitions in the natural world. 

-Shrikant Vishwakarma

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