Apparao Galleries’ Newest Group Show
Curiosity draws us beyond the surface, inviting us to look closer and glimpse new possibilities. Each encounter with this beautifully curated collection is a quiet nudge to wonder, to imagine beyond the familiar, where meaning is not fixed but unfolds gradually, layer by layer. ‘Unfolding Curiosities – Imagination Meets Fantasy’ celebrates this evolving process. Each artwork, rich with hidden depths, reveals something new with every engagement, offering fresh perspectives that linger and reshape as we return again and again.
The exhibition will take place between November 20 – 30, 2024 at Shridharani Art Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam & at South Extension II.
What does ‘Unfolding Curiosities’ Invoke?
There is a compelling openness in this journey, a gentle encouragement to approach each piece without a need for final answers. Art invites us to let go of certainty, to follow our curiosity wherever it leads, finding value not in conclusions but in the act of wondering itself. We are drawn into a world where familiar forms shift and transform, reminding us that discovery lies in remaining open to perspectives that surprise and intrigue. Imagination becomes a guide, taking us deeper and allowing each question to bring its spark of creativity.
This openness brings with it a sense of unpredictability. Just as life reveals itself through subtle moments of unexpected insight, these works carry an invitation to reconsider what we thought we knew. Meaning here is elusive, something that cannot be captured at first glance. As we explore further, each detail we uncover shifts our understanding, creating a journey that is both surprising and continuously renewed. There is an organic beauty in this unpredictability, a reminder that each step in discovery invites us to reconsider, to see anew.
Through this unfolding, layers of meaning are revealed slowly and deliberately, like a dialogue between what is seen and what is sensed. What seems simple at first deepens the longer we look, gradually unveiling its intricacies and inviting us to linger. These layers mirror the way thoughts and experiences accumulate in our lives—one atop another, shaping us with every new reflection. In this gentle unfolding, we are reminded that each layer tells a story, and with time, deeper understanding emerges for those willing to explore.
This curated collection of artworks create an experience that grows richer as layers of thoughts, memories, and emotions begin to overlap. Familiar forms intertwine and transform, creating a dialogue between past and present, imagined and real. This intersection of ideas reflects the complexity of our own minds, inviting each viewer to bring their personal history and perspective to the art. In this way, the collection becomes not only a series of artworks but a shared experience that invites us to reflect on the narratives we carry within ourselves, evolving with each encounter.
At the heart of this journey lies transformation. The art reflects change not as a sudden shift but as an unfolding, gradual and profound change. Some works hint at fleeting moments where a thought or emotion quietly reshapes itself, while others evoke the return of familiar memories seen in a new light. Change becomes a layered experience, where each encounter with the art subtly reshapes our perceptions. This transformation mirrors our own lives, where growth is often a gentle process that reveals itself over time, continuously shaping how we see and connect with the world around us.
Art and life are deeply intertwined in this exhibition and collection of artworks. The experience of each artwork mirrors the way we navigate personal growth—layer by layer, moment by moment. Meaning is not a static discovery but a process that evolves through reflection, exploration, and imagination. “UNFOLDING CURIOSITIES – Imagination Meets Fantasy,” invites us to engage with both art and life as ongoing journeys, where every interaction shapes what comes next.
This exhibition offers no conclusions, only beginnings.
Artists Showcasing at ‘Unfolding Curiosities’
In ‘Unfolding Curiosities – Imagination Meets Fantasy,’ each artist explores the boundaries of reality and imagination, creating a dynamic space where familiar elements reveal unexpected perspectives. Ravinder Dutt reimagines historical narratives, transporting viewers into worlds where the past is shifted and transformed, blending reality with the fantastical to offer fresh perspectives on familiar times.
Namrata uses familiar forms, infusing the surreal into ordinary objects and embedding hidden narratives that invite deeper reflection. Sanjeeva Rao Guthi unfolds layered meanings in dreamlike landscapes, offering reflections on society and aspirations. His serene yet intricate scenes balance precision with fluidity, inviting viewers to explore hidden curiosities and reconsider familiar realities.
In a different vein, Srinivasa Reddy blends traditional artistry with social satire, using familiar iconography to comment on morality, power, and the blurred lines between virtue and corruption. Sitikanta Samantsinghar merges folk traditions with surrealist elements, addressing socio-political themes and exploring the harmony between nature and contemporary reality. Mainaz Bano reflects on nostalgia and heritage, drawing on Awadh’s culture to evoke memories and explore the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Farhan Mujib constructs richly layered interiors that blend memory and imagination, creating symbolic spaces filled with meaning. His works evoke nostalgia and depth, with each meticulously crafted detail contributing to a timeless, evocative narrative. Saraswati’s sculptures use metaphor and intricate details to unfold a narrative of life’s journey, embracing its twists and rhythms to reveal the beauty of imperfection and vitality.
Umashankar Pathak crafts surreal compositions that merge human forms with nature, exploring themes of harmony and transformation. His work reveals a world where reality meets fantasy, inviting reflection on life’s interconnectedness. Finally, George K. bridges fantasy and reality through his Aravani sculptures, celebrating identity and culture in forms that stand as powerful symbols of inclusion and transformation.
Together, these artists invite viewers into realms that feel both fantastical and reflective, merging the real with the imagined and offering fresh perspectives that linger long after the first encounter.
Image Courtesy – Apparao Galleries
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