Brace yourself to be immersed in their astonishing creativity and unparalleled artistry. The astonishing “Hung in the Balance” exhibition, featuring the incredible and enchanting creations of the talented artist Sushanta Kumar Maharana, was recently unveiled at Nature Morte in Delhi. Prepare yourself to be enchanted by the breathtaking masterpieces crafted by this artist, as they sweep you away on a captivating odyssey through a realm teeming with compelling stories and spellbinding chronicles. He creates artwork that can be displayed as wall plaques or as sculptures that stand freely. Many of the pieces are enhanced with stunning colors, while others remain in their natural wooden state. These hues are carefully chosen to either enhance the realism of the artwork or amplify its abstract elements. Maharana delves into a vast array of religious symbols, stories, and traditions in his artistic creations. He skillfully uncovers thematic connections that exist between various codified faiths, even when they are perceived to be in opposition to one another.
Iconography was created in various forms. His sculptures possess profound mythological depths, and he skillfully employs carving as his principal medium to craft textures that captivate and enthrall. The artworks are designed in a manner that provides a truly distinct viewpoint that sets them apart from others. This is achieved through their architectural geometry and captivating colors, which superbly amplify the artist’s profound philosophical exploration. In addition to the stunning depiction of flora and fauna, you can also witness the fascinating tales of Vikram Betal and various works centered around Shiva. His work seems figurative initially but upon a deeper gaze, a few elements of abstraction could also be found. Maharana’s work goes deeper into the realm of counting the comprehending essence of the countless narratives that shape our existence.
His creations will transport you to a deep abyss of history, embarking on a mesmerizing journey that leads to a parallel realm, where the profound psychological analysis of forms awaits to be unveiled. Take, for instance, a piece of art that draws inspiration from the symbolism of Jacob’s Ladder. Present in Judaic, Christian, Islamic texts, and Occult knowledge, this ancient motif becomes an intriguing muse for creative expression. The artist perceives the Ladder as a symbolic representation of the profound web that unites every living creature on our planet, reaching from the earthly realms up to the celestial heavens.
The term ‘hanging in the balance’ reflects a symbolic representation of eternal cyclical rise and fall. The work represents a variety of mesmerizing geometric and three-dimensional manifestations of experience. It renders textures and intricate details so cleverly that it appears to be an illusionary element that blurs the line between reality and imagination. The technique might appear to be simple initially however, the manner in which it has been interwoven is really a captivating experience for the viewers, resulting in a sheer delight for the intellect.
Feature Image Courtesy: Nature Morte
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