Indelible Mark

Curator Ina Puri’s group exhibition encapsulates diverse themes and styles that lend it an eclectic character. Kritika Dua spoke to her on the opening night at Pullman

Art is not just a replica of the image perceived by the eye but often narratives that are triggered by memories of life, longing and love. The yearnings of childhood reappear in waves as memories which are deeply etched in one’s psyche.

The melange of emotions, hope, aspirations and childhood nostalgia on canvases gave rise to Poetry of Longing, unveiled by Pullman’s Artist Playground. The group exhibition depicts yearning of all kinds which plays a pivotal role in our lives. The aesthetically pleasing artworks compel the audience to reflect within and take joy in the positivity around.

The series of works presented is quite personal as each of them is  woven from the artists’ intimate stories laden with reminiscing past. Artist Hindol Brahmbhatt’s dramatic mythical artwork with a sculptural feel to it springs up from shellac on burnt wood whereas Bratin Khan’s artwork reflects upon the pious bond of a mother and child through Ganesha. Six Rajasthani men with long moustaches donning vibrant turbans became Sanjay Soni’s muse.

Ina Puri conceptualised this exhibition along with the curatorial team from Nvya Art Gallerie. “I am the curator of the idea behind this exhibition, to be able to create a space where different artists are invited to showcase their work. Every few months at the Artist Playground there will be a varied set of concepts mirrored in those exhibitions.” Added Puri, “Art should be all-inclusive. Nowadays in galleries only the experts are encouraged to visit and critique the artworks and others tend to feel neglected at times. I firmly believe that the doors should be open to ordinary people as well so that they can respond to art in their own way.”

Seema Kolhi’s untitled work celebrates the feminine form achieved using serigraph on archive paper. “Kolhi’s work revolves around the undying spirit of women which is powerful and all-pervasive. She has depicted her subject in a divine avatar in a meditative state with six hands. It has stemmed from the artist’s oeuvre,” mentioned Puri.

In contrast Gurmeet Marwah’s work is on the quirky side and contemporary in its approach. One of his works titled Love Distributor is an interesting take on Mahatma Gandhi, who is seen carrying a bundle of heart-shaped balloons which adds a dose of hues to the charcoal work. Interestingly, he has painted Gandhi’s white dhoti with heart motifs. His work gravitates towards a utopian world encompassing peace, love and harmony. Aditi Saigal’s work also aims towards a better world.  However, she uses spirituality as the medium. Puri praised his  out-of the box idea that is mockery of realism.

Saigal’s Sanctum Within draws inspiration from the truck art done in subtle hues that transported us into a peaceful world brimmed with tranquility and optimism. According to Saigal, it mirrors her true self. On closer observation, we saw that the windscreen has a gallery inside it filled with paintings of trucks.

Saigal’s fascination with the subject dates long back. “I have been painting trucks for almost nine years and can’t stop. It has turned into a monumental figure for me. So, with this work I have tried to pay regard to it as truck is a carrier. On top of the truck is an all knowing eye, the grill area has a 3D effect and contains a sanctum which one visits to attain peace. This work reflects certain aspects that have shaped me and changed my life through spirituality.” The colour palette has cool blue for the sky, shades of brown for the sand where blue lotuses are blooming and the detailing on the carrier has been achieved through white. She looks at the bright side of the world that despite the ills, the world is still beautiful.

Samir Mohanty’s work had a plethora of mythical creatures (his own interpretation of animals and dragons) emerging from a big brown egg. “Hybrid Eggs revolves around my take on the evolvement of species with changing times. All forms of species, be it humans or animals, exist as some form of energy created them. Thus, we all are inter-related and have descended from a common ancestor, its traces can be found in Darwin’s theory of evolution. Taking inspiration from the papaya tree, I tried to depict the same using egg as the symbol of creation.” The artist’s experimentation with animals (purple, yellow and green being the discernible shades) include winged lion with blue mane, little dragons, birds with horns, ferocious purple eagle with huge wings and cross-breed of a bat and bird. The varied set of works flawlessly outlined the artists’ sensibilities.