A new group exhibition opened up recently at the Art Gallery of India Habitat Centre. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of artworks that delve into the depths of human nature, present an abstract interpretation of reality, narrate fascinating tales from mythology, display awe-inspiring sculptures, and delve deeper into the diverse narratives of different cultures, all while honouring distinctive artistic traditions. Sixteen distinguished artists have come together to offer a breathtaking bouquet filled with an exquisite assortment of flowers. This magnificent creation includes not only roses, but also lilacs, jasmine, orchids, tulips, lotus blossoms, and countless others. The abundance of techniques and mediums, such as painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography, combine to form a stunning array of artistic delights. This harmonious blend creates a vibrant atmosphere that captivates the senses and enchants the soul. Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking compilation of exquisitely crafted masterpieces that push the boundaries of imagination. This extraordinary assembly of art beckons you to embark on an enchanting voyage, as you delve into the mysteries concealed within its very essence. Delve into a world of profound depth and meticulous craftsmanship, where every layer demands careful exploration and comprehensive comprehension. It’s interesting to see that the professors from the College of Arts, Delhi have come together to present their work in a way that it offers not only visually compelling imagery but gives a chance to scrutinize the motifs creative that are hidden deeply in the images.
Image Courtesy: Dr. Sanjeev
Surprisingly, all these artists through all their beautiful creations are aiming for positivity and optimism. They are all on a trip to give a message of happiness and inner joy to society and the viewer as a whole. Prof. Sanjeev Kumar’s drawings express various themes, but all are a celebration of the spirit of Indian women both courageous and full of motherly love always giving but never asking anything in return. The essence of mother, wife, and lover all is making a symbol of complete creation. Whether she is depicted as Mahishasura Mardini, Ardhanarishwar, or as a Mithuna couple. The abstract depiction of these figures evokes the feeling of oneness in the sphere of the whole universe. His work comes from mythology and expresses the different nature of reality altogether.
Image Courtesy: Dr. Sanjeev
Dr. Sanjeev explains his process, “I am a sculptor but here I’ve exhibited my drawings, these are inspired by the mythology narratives and a few drawings were inspired by the COVID period. Personally, I feel that male and female makes an Ardhanarishwar. The power of the two genders is combined in these works, and it goes well with the theme. My intention was to capture the essence of trees, connecting them to the Kama Sutra, but ultimately, I wanted to portray the everyday life of a tree. As the seasons change, the tree goes through various stages, just like my figures express different postures. This serves to symbolize not only the ever-changing nature of the tree but also the fertility factor it represents. I tried the contemporary language to reflect upon those aspects in a creative way. I’ve got references from Khajuraho temple, when I was a student I used to visit the temple so often just to study the sculpture and architecture.”
Image Courtesy: Dr. Sanjeev
Prof. Dr. Amargeet Chandok explains in his note, that Rajesh Kumar Tanwar, a painter of sculpture, has mostly used horizontal, square, and vertical lines in his colourful compositions reflecting his joy and celebration of existence. Dr. Deepak Kumar Ambuj’s works are a strong reminder of Sudha Murthi’s stories where a common man gets revelation of life through simple acts and encounters with mysterious elements. Arup Kumar Biswas has used various elements like Plastic Bottles, Disposable Plates, Small Rings, Water Taps etc. (objects used most commonly in our homes. His objective is to stress the phenomenon of time running out this is not something happening somewhere in space but right inside our homes. Alpna Mahajan represents the day-to-day activity with a vision for every individual to nurture their positive thoughts and emotions and suppress the negative ones.
Image Courtesy: Dr. Sanjeev
Faiyyaz Rashid Khan’s artwork is characterized by its use of simplified and visually captivating shapes. These figures and forms are skillfully combined to create a sense of solidity and connectivity. Through his incorporation of animal and human forms, Khan demonstrates his deep connection with his environment, imbuing his pieces with surrealistic qualities. Ram Sanjeevan has endeavoured to offer a glimmer of hope and visualize a utopian future for humanity as a whole, with a particular focus on the people of Kashmir. His “Apple Series” of Sculptures touches upon nature’s power to self-heal and bring a message of peace to the Land of Kashmir. Indu Tripathi’s works are a manifestation of Prakriti, a combination of the gentle and dreamy forms of a woman with innate strength and nature with mellifluous lines and soft colours. They are both virtually synonymous with each other.
Image Courtesy: Dr. Sanjeev
Lalit Pant’s work reminds us of Nataraja’s dance of creation and destruction with its lyrical ow of lines and shows a great speed of movement and grace of classical Indian dance. He is a firm believer in the fact that Nature is both the giver and taker in equal measures. Ashwani Kumar’s woods have amazing textures and a stylized form carrying the face of a cow and hoofs someplace. “Dhamala” is the name of the favourite cow of Lord Krishna. It reflects the love of the artist towards the great Lord. The purity of devotion is visible through the various symbols of the Lord like shells, veena, etc. Pankaj Saroj is fond of creating an element of ‘Fantastic’ in his images revelling in his love of nature. The artist seeks to capture the serenity, harmony, and solace in nature. Maitreyi Nandi has mixed the impossible reality and the possible fantasy and has landed in the world of fantastic creation. He feels that new values are created only where the impossible becomes possible.
Image Courtesy: Dr. Sanjeev
Hem Joytika’s association with nature is crystal clear in these beautiful works. Her works display varied emotions from love to mourning. Roots of trees, other moving forms, vivid contrasting colours, and brush strokes are all creating a personification of desolation and devastation. Shampa Bhattacharjee feels that in this stressful world, only a smile can give you a blissful life. She paints with the intention of giving viewers a moment of celestial bliss. Lalit Bhartiya transfers the layers of time into layers of textures to portray the journey of moods and motions. The artist’s profound philosophical insight is evident in his ability to perceive the very essence of life that we all strive to find, even within seemingly “lifeless” forms.
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