Vipul Rathod is a contemporary artist from Baroda whose practice views objects and forms as metaphors, transcending their pragmatic use. His visual language is formed by multifarious articles organised in grids, forming a structure that bears resemblance to a cabinet encasing miniaturised paper-mâché objects. These artefacts that are minuscule in proportion are not mere literal representations of everyday objects but are metaphorical representations of the artist’s thoughts and responses to his surroundings.
Art Alive Gallery brings to you Cabinet of Curiosities, a solo show of recent works by Vipul Rathod. Vipul Rathod’s distinct oeuvre is a response to the world around him, his experiences as an artist, thoughts and memories which are encapsulated in a boundless realm of imagination presented as miniature papier-mâché objects housed in self-constructed cabinets. Challenging the conventional use of objects, his work embodies memory, desire, and the exploration of the unknown while taking a universal approach.
Born in 1984 in Ahmedabad, Vipul Rathod pursued Diploma in Drawing and Painting from Sheth C. N. College of Fine Arts, Ahmedabad and a Post Diploma from M. S. University, Vadodara. Since 2005, he has exhibited his works in various shows. Rathod’s exploration with forms, its construction, deconstruction and reconstruction reflects his connection to history and spirituality. His work embodies memory, desire, and the exploration of the unknown while acknowledging existence in current times. Comprising myriad structures inspired by nature, art, science and beyond, his recent works from the series Cabinet of curiosities harbours many impressions where the artwork serves as a narrative vessel for viewers to connect and introspect, exploring the nuances of their own curiosities and wonderment.
Vipul has also been a part of numerous art fairs such as the India Art Fair (2023) represented by Art Alive Gallery. He has received a grant by the Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy, Government of Gujarat in 2011. Along with this, Vipul has been associated with multiple artist studio programs like the Samara Art Studio in Ahmedabad (2012-14), Navdeep Foundation Group in Ahmedabad (2010-11), and Space Artist Studio in Baroda (2008-2009).
Preview: Saturday, 10th August, 2024
The show will be on view at Art Alive Gallery till 7th September 2024.
