Inspired by Rumi’s Quote:
“Somewhere beyond right and wrong there is a garden, I will meet you there”
Artist Wolf brought forth the ideation of “Meet Me in the Garden”. The exhibition curated by Srila Chatterjee of Baro Market is on display at Sakshi Gallery Mumbai. The Jaipur-based artist yearns to breathe life into the poetic truth of historical representation and nature.
Sakshi Gallery came up with an exhibition based on everything that has a connection with the forests and gardens. Most of the works have elements that could be easily found in a garden be it a flower or bushes. The work enables us to mull over those thoughts that take birth while just walking in a garden. His (Wolf’s) work is truly distinguished by its metaphorical depiction of nature. The way he associates himself with the natural elements that encompass human existence greatly enhances the depth and meaning of his artistic portrayal. Different narratives come into the picture; the story about the past and the future creates a whole new dimension.
Image Courtesy: Sakshi Gallery
The artist explains, “We have been using gardens and forests to tell stories from the beginning of our artistic journey. For this one, it really started when we revisited (for the nth time) Ajmer fort, that particular char bagh in the third courtyard in front of the Sheesh Mahal, where the seed was sown.” When asked about the metaphorical connection with the garden, the artists responded, “The garden is speaking our thoughts, we speak in flowers – Nargis for the visionary that Akbar was, the thousand petaled lotus for an awakening, anthuriums for toxicity. the garden has always been a space for the people, to connect and to disconnect, and I hope our garden encourages the viewer to do the same.”
Image Courtesy: Sakshi Gallery
“The mediums make their way into the studio and remain till their time arrives. We are constantly sourcing, regular visits to the Juna bazaar, a WhatsApp network with kabadi walahs in different parts of the country, and then they wait. Like the hand-coloured carpet patterns, we found maybe 4 years ago, piled on a handcart – the lot came to the studio. When we started to think about the chat bagh they fit right in for their importance in the space any which way. The material for the flowers came to us in the beginning of 2020, it’s taken this time for it to find its form, and it’s bloom.”
Image Courtesy: Sakshi Gallery
When asked about the garden as motivation, he responded, “Gardens and forests will continue to be the guiding light in Wolf’s work, they remain our inspiration, our muse for storytelling. We have taken the idea of a char bagh – dissected it, deconstructed it, and then layered it back on with stories from the past and the future hoping people will start to ask questions.” The exhibition will be on view till 7th October at Sakshi Gallery.
Read Also:
Contributor
