Tsuktiben Jamir
In a celebration of artistic diversity and contemplation of the social fabric that surrounds us, Shibu Natesan’s solo exhibition, “Retinal Pleasure,” is set to captivate art enthusiasts at Alibaug, Mumbai. In this exhibition, Showcasing an expansive range of artistic genres, including still lives, landscapes, and rare self-portraits, Natesan’s art offers a unique perspective on our world.
The Guild Art Gallery exhibition in Alibaug, Mumbai, promises a beautiful feast for the senses when it opens its doors on 24th June 2023. Natesan’s artistic journey crosses borders as he interacts with the elements that permeate every aspect of human existence. He immortalises his collection of kitsch and other artefacts through still lives and captures the essence of his travels in plein-air paintings.
For Natesan, travel holds a special allure, enabling him to embrace the present moment fully. He believes that travelling allows one to detach from the burdens of past and future uncertainties. He says, “The good thing about travel is that you are always in the present while you are travelling. That moment, you don’t think about yesterday, and you don’t think about tomorrow.”
A comprehensive exhibition catalogue is made available along with the show preview, through which readers can dive into the artist’s practice and learn about the nature of his travels and his perspective on art, media, and the modern world. The collection includes two in-depth interviews with Natesan, providing greater insight into his artistic development and the ideas that guide his works.
As a painter, Natesan finds solace in his connection with the rich history of art. Every movement of his brush reflects the innumerable painters that came before him and attempted to express the essence of the universe in their works. This deep connection to the past motivates his creative process and reminds him of the eternal value of artistic expression.
Shibu Natesan, born in Kerala in 1966, studied painting at the College of Fine Arts in Trivandrum before attending the Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University in Baroda to receive a Master’s in printmaking. His artistic prowess has garnered recognition, including an Artist in Residence position at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam in 1996-1997 and the prestigious Uriot Prize.
Natesan’s work has been showcased extensively in exhibitions worldwide. Some notable recent shows include “Past-Present-Continuous: 25 Years of The Guild” at CCA Galleries, Bikaner House, New Delhi in 2022, “Shibu Natesan, Tobit Roche & Mark Shields: Landscape” at Grosvenor Gallery, London in 2020, and “Sightings: Out of the Wild” curated by Roobina Karode at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in 2019.
“Plein Air Views of India and London” at the Grosvenor Gallery in London and Saffron Art in Mumbai in 2023, “Uninterrupted Speech” at the Vadehra Art Gallery in New Delhi in 2013, and “External Affairs” at the Grosvenor Vadehra in London in 2009 are a few of his notable solo exhibitions.
The upcoming “Retinal Pleasure” exhibition reaffirms The Guild’s commitment to showcasing contemporary Indian artists and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. With a rich history of publishing books that celebrate and analyze the works of notable artists, the gallery continues to contribute to the discourse on Indian art.
As visitors immerse themselves in Shibu Natesan’s world of Retinal Pleasure, they embark on a visual journey that bridges the past and the present. Through his diverse artistic creations, Natesan reminds us of the profound connections between art, history, and our collective human experiences. Prepare to be enthralled by the rich narratives that unfold within the walls of the Alibaug location, inviting you to see the world through a new lens and find pleasure in every retinal encounter.
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