1 Apr 2007

Art Review - Surjit Khuman

(By Nalini S Malaviya)

Surjit Khuman in his first solo show in the city presents his recent works - a bright colorful world that resonates with fantasy and childish naivety. Titled ‘Dream World and Spicy Thoughts’ the paintings are a delightful blend of color and metaphorical nuances. He combines the innocence of children with a dash of mischief and humor in his choice of imagery. Pictures from National Geographic move him to create his own fantasy world where the protagonists are suspended as if trapped in time. Looking amused, bored, anxious, and even dumb they seem caught in a vividly colorful world that is far removed from reality, yet is inspired by ordinary activities. Tourists, deep sea divers, a cricket umpire form some of his subjects who look dumbstruck, awed and completely bored within their environments. A dream like quality permeates his works as he recreates scenarios with imaginative twists. An element of incongruity and humor creeps in his paintings as he places his subjects in unusual settings and juxtaposes unrelated objects to make his point.

painting by Surjit Khuman painting by Surjit KhumanSurjit has returned to painting after a gap of several years and has taken off from where he left. He has experimented with reverse painting and hopes to utilize printmaking techniques with painting mediums in his next show. He has done BFA (painting) and MFA (print-making) from M. S. University, Baroda.
There are thirty paintings priced between Rs 30,000 and Rs 60,000.

The exhibition continues till April 10 at Renaissance Art Gallery, # 104, Westminster,13, Cunningham Road, Bangalore - 560 052


(Published in FT, Bangalore)

No comments: