Art News: Flux/Resonance at Visual Arts Gallery, Nov 7-11, 2025

Flux/Resonance

Curated by Nalini S Malaviya

Sonali Bose Chasm I

The exhibition Flux/Resonance brings together ten contemporary artists—Biswa Basu, Kantha Reddy, Malay Saha, Naba Kumar Chakraborty, Nandesha Shantiprakash, Partho Chatterjee, Rathin Kanji, Shridhar Iyer, Sonali Bose, and Yusuf—whose works respond to the currency of our times through a conceptual lens. Curated by Nalini S Malaviya, the show interrogates the cyclical nature of decay and renewal, offering a visual and philosophical inquiry into the elements that shape our urban and emotional landscapes.

Malaviya frames the exhibition around the paradox of collapse and regeneration. “The narrative of decay is a complex process involving degeneration and collapse, while simultaneously establishing the framework for the rejuvenation and re-emergence of newer constructs,” she writes in the curatorial note. The artists delve into this dynamic interplay—flux and resonance—as a metaphor for existence, exploring transformation, incoherence, and the tensions embedded in the built environment.

                                                     

The exhibition navigates the metamorphosis of urban life, probing the interconnectedness between human experience and the cityscape. Themes of technological proliferation, media saturation, and consumerist culture emerge as critical touchpoints, where each artist brings a distinct voice to this collective interrogation.

Rathin Kanji, Seize the night

Biswa Basu deploys abstraction to depict societal disorder, chaos and emotional fragmentation. S. Kantha Reddy fuses mythology, nature, and temporal abstraction in sculptural forms drawn from everyday encounters, while establishing linkages to the past. Malay Saha examines spatial relationships and tensions between objects and human presence in urban settings.

Naba Kumar Chakraborty critiques the proliferative nature of technology and its role in influencing instant gratification. Nandesha Shanti Prakash reflects on the evolving relationship between selfhood and social purpose in contemporary life, and the oscillating nature of life and traits such as resilience. Partho Chatterjee explores chromatic and geometric dialogues between humans and their urban habitats, and the effect of design on these associations.

Rathin Kanji confronts the contradictions of progress—juxtaposing innovation with ecological and cultural decline. Shridhar Iyer captures the cosmic and terrestrial dualities through chaotic yet interconnected visual narratives. Sonali Bose exposes the paradox of digital intimacy versus emotional isolation in her mixed media works. Yusuf offers minimal, metaphor-rich compositions that evoke the psychological terrain of human emotion.

Flux/Resonance offers a space to contemplate on impermanence, contradiction, and the layered complexity of contemporary existence. Through varied visual vocabularies, the artists articulate the chaos and lucidity that define our lived realities, inviting viewers to engage with the subtle interludes of resonance that punctuate the flux of life.


Flux/Resonance featuring paintings, mixed media and sculptural works will be held from November 7-11, at Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.



For info contact: +91 9434592326 / 9831182657

Based on the press release

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• Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation
• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Art News: Whispers Between Worlds

Whispers Between Worlds: iArt Gallery’s New Exhibition Invites Viewers into the Subtle 

This September, iArt Gallery in Bengaluru presents Whispers Between Worlds (September 12 – October 13, 2025), a month-long group exhibition that gently turns our attention away from the rush of the everyday and towards the subtle spaces that often go unnoticed. 

Narayan Lakshman

Showcasing the evocative practices of Narayan Lakshman, Anjali Rajkumar, and Mohit Naik, the exhibition explores the unseen, the in-between, and the almost forgotten. In a cultural moment increasingly defined by urgency, rupture, and excess, Whispers Between Worlds asks viewers to slow down. It offers a space where art does not demand but instead invites; where works do not declare, but whisper. 

Located in the heart of Bengaluru on Lavelle Road, iArt is committed to fostering meaningful artistic engagement. Since its inception, iArt has championed Indian contemporary artists whose works are alive with their storytelling, rich textures and innovative techniques.

Anjali Rajkumar

The current exhibition is conceived as a threshold — a porous, liminal space where memory and material, body and landscape, tradition and transition intersect. Each of the participating artists approaches this idea through their own visual language. 

Narayan Lakshman’s fragile material interventions explore the persistence of memory and the quiet erosion of time. Anjali Rajkumar layers form and texture in ways that evoke ancestral rhythms while speaking to identities that shift and adapt. Mohit Naik uses meditative gestures to construct local landscapes of reflection, asking viewers to consider the everyday as a site of transformation. 

Though their practices are distinct, the three are united in their attentiveness — to the subtle, to the in-between, to the things that resist easy articulation. What gives the exhibition its particular resonance is the way it lingers in the spaces between certainty and ambiguity. Instead of offering answers, the works create atmospheres — moments where viewers are invited to dwell in stillness, to sense rather than to solve. 

Mohit Naik

The show positions itself not as a resolution but as an unfolding, a reminder that some experiences exist only in the realm of suggestion and echo. 

Exhibition Dates: September 12 – October 13, 2025 

Venue: iArt Gallery, Lavelle Road, Bengaluru 

Artists: Narayan Lakshman | Anjali Rajkumar | Mohit Naik 

With Whispers Between Worlds, iArt Gallery offers its visitors not just an exhibition, but an invitation — to pause, to reflect, and to rediscover the power of the quiet. 

For more information Email: contact@iartgallery.in, Phone: +91 9900600473

Connect on https://www.instagram.com/iartgalleria/

For interviews, profiles, sponsored posts and to contribute articles, contact artsceneinfo@gmail.com

Also read,

• Curating Corporate Art Collections
• Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation
• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Mukesh Sharma’s Art Graces Rushdie’s Latest French Edition

Shalimar le clown book cover

Mukesh Sharma’s Art Graces Rushdie’s Latest French Edition

Delhi-based contemporary artist Mukesh Sharma is making headlines with his artwork which has been featured on the cover of the newly released French edition of Shalimar le clown - Salman Rushdie’s celebrated novel, which was first published in 2005.

Sharma reveals that author Rushdie and French publisher Antoine Gallimard came across the painting on his Instagram page. He elaborates, “Salman Rushdie took a liking to it and asked his publishing house to reach out to me.” After several conversations and review of many other paintings as well, their team felt this work was best suited for the cover of the novel.

Mukesh Sharma is a painter, printmaker, and installation artist from Alwar, Rajasthan. He holds an MFA degree in Printmaking from MS University in Baroda, and is known for expressing urban complexities, with imagery inspired by Rajasthani miniature paintings, frescos and block-printing of Sanganer. His work often explores the stresses between human and environmental relationships, while navigating intersecting concerns - the isolating effects of social media, the excessive use of technology and a capitalist culture.

Mukesh Sharma

Sharma integrates ready-made materials, including e-waste such as parts of scrapped keyboards into his work to distill complex ideas into accessible visual narratives. His process forms a critique of consumerism while exploring technology’s influence on contemporary life, creating compelling narratives.

Revitalizing Memories, 2021, acrylic on canvas, which is now on the book cover, blends keyboard imagery with 'myth, memory, and identity'. Drawing from Indian miniatures and Panchatantra tales, it reflects on technology’s role and the blurred lines between control and manipulation. Sharma explains that, through this fusion, he critiques scenarios where the boundaries blur, and where it’s difficult to gauge and differentiate between the manipulator or the puppeteer and the puppet. 

The 2005 novel Shalimar le clown set in Kashmir and Los Angelos spans continents and explores themes of themes of love, revenge, and betrayal amidst political and cultural differences and unrest. A richly woven story of personal and political transformation, the chronicle navigates identity and ideology, while tracing lasting impacts of violence. 

Shalimar le clown continues to enthrall readers, and Sharma’s artwork on the cover of the French folio is bound to attract new audiences with its visual intrigue.

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Also read,

• Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Beyond the Reopening: Reviving Venkatappa Art Gallery

Venkatappa Art Gallery view, Art Scene India

After months of anticipation and extensive renovation efforts by The Brigade Foundation, the Venkatappa Art Gallery reopened its doors. More than 200 artists and enthusiasts gathered for the ‘Gallery Pravesha’ on the morning of 13th Jun, a day after the official inauguration, which was boycotted by the artist fraternity.

Rumale Chennabasaviah Exhibition

The renovated Venkatappa Art Gallery now has three exhibition spaces for artists, but only one was utilized for the inaugural display: a condensed yet well-presented exhibition on Rumale Chennabasaviah made possible by Sanjay Kabe. The absence of exhibitions in the other two galleries on the ground floor was in my opinion a missed opportunity—an inaugural showcase across all spaces would have added much to the event. 

KK Hebbar Gallery

The second floor houses the K.K. Hebbar exhibition, unfortunately, non-functional lighting left a small section in partial darkness, and his publications were not on display, at least one could not spot them. A thoughtful reassessment of the design and display of this space would help in bringing a more coherent and engaged display and do justice to Hebbar’s legacy.

K. Venkatappa’s main gallery on the first floor, however, is well curated and presents his paintings, veenas, awards, and personal memorabilia all displayed in a manner that honours his multifaceted practice and interests. Yet here, too, flickering lights interrupted the experience—a recurring technical issue that needs resolution.

Having said that, all of these concerns are minor in comparison to what has been achieved during the restoration – from addressing leaky ceilings and walls, mold, and cracks, to structural repairs, well designed lighting and accessibility features with ramps and elevators, have made a huge difference. In addition, there is a 100-seat auditorium, a sculpture park, a cafe, and outdoor spaces which have been redesigned.

The overwhelming turnout from artists demonstrated the community’s commitment to supporting institutional spaces. Navigating the exhibits amid the crowds made it difficult to engage with the artworks in depth—and one would have to visit again to view the exhibitions in detail.

The Future

Looking ahead, several crucial aspects must be addressed. Clarity on how artists can book the gallery spaces, the fee structure, and programming guidelines must be communicated in a transparent manner. Furthermore, a dedicated team—comprising curators and art experts—should be established to steer the activities, ensuring thoughtful exhibitions, critical dialogue, and sustained engagement with the space.

Venkatappa Art Gallery with its unique location and its rich history has the potential to be a vibrant cultural hub, once again. With careful planning, artist-centered programming, and infrastructural refinements, it can evolve into an institution that not only preserves artistic legacies but also fosters contemporary conversations. The reopening was a significant milestone—now it’s time to ensure the momentum leads to meaningful change.


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Also read,

• Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation 

Rendered drawing only for representation

Established in 1975, the Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru has hosted generations of artists, fostering creativity and dialogue. However, years of neglect left the institution in dire need of restoration. The renovation was undertaken as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and aimed to modernize the gallery while preserving its historical essence. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the project was completed at a cost exceeding Rs 8 crore with plans for five exhibition galleries, a permanent collection space, and enhanced infrastructure, including a dedicated artists’ room. The purpose of the restoration was to breathe new life into the venue, and ensure it remains a vital hub for cultural activities.

Despite the excitement surrounding the gallery’s reopening on June 12, controversy has emerged over the alleged ‘exclusion of the local art community’ from the event. While government officials and corporate representatives are expected to attend, many artists—who have long advocated for the gallery’s preservation—have reportedly been left out of the celebrations.

This exclusion has sparked discontent among Bengaluru’s artistic circles as evident through a number of social media posts. It must be pointed out that the gallery’s revival was largely driven by years of lobbying from several artists, who were diligent about keeping it from falling into private hands. 

Future of Artistic Spaces

In general, it is important to include artists at every stage to ensure their involvement in shaping cultural institutions, and to avoid a precedent for a ‘top-down management of artistic spaces’, which could reduce opportunities for grassroots engagement.

Artists and cultural advocates are now calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in the gallery’s future programming. While the renovation is a welcome development, its success will ultimately depend on how well it serves the artistic community it was built for.

As Bengaluru’s art scene continues to evolve, the Venkatappa Art Gallery stands at a crossroads—will it remain a true home for artists, or become a polished but detached institution? The answer lies in how its custodians respond to the voices of those who have long fought for its survival.

What are your thoughts and suggestions on this topic?

Note: the article was updated on Jun 11 

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Also read,

• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Art News: India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024

India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024: A Grand Celebration of Art and Culture

Bengaluru: The much-awaited India Art Festival (IAF) is set to return to Bengaluru for its fourth edition, enthralling art lovers from December 19 to 22, 2024, at the Palace Ground, Kings Court. This edition promises to be the most expansive and diverse yet, bringing together an unprecedented number of participants to celebrate art.

Lalu Prasad Shaw

With over 30 galleries and contributions from 350 artists representing 30 cities across India, the art festival will showcase a wide array of artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to photography, ceramics, and installations. This year’s IAF highlights the vibrancy of India’s contemporary art scene, providing a platform to explore its latest trends and innovations.

A Feast for Art Enthusiasts

Opening on December 19, the art festival offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic diversity. Over 3,500 pieces of art, spanning oil paintings, acrylics, watercolours, installations, traditional art, and much more, will be displayed at the Kings Court, Palace Ground. The event aims to captivate both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, ensuring a comprehensive art experience for all.

India Art Festival has consistently fostered a balance between supporting emerging talents and showcasing works by established artists, creating a unique platform for artistic expression. In this edition, young and independent artists will shine alongside eminent names, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art.

Special Exhibitions and Events

Chandra Battacharya

A key highlight of this year’s India Art Festival is the curated exhibition, "Shaping Horizons: Karnataka’s Iconic Innovators," masterfully curated by Prof. K.S. Appajaiah. This remarkable showcase celebrates the pioneering works of 30 distinguished artists, including S.G. Vasudev, Gurudas Shenoy, M.S. Murthy, M.J. Kamalakshi, C. Chandrashekhar, J.S. Khanderao, V.G. Andani, Sudha Manohar, Hemavathi Umamaheswar, and others. Together, these luminaries have profoundly influenced and shaped Karnataka’s art landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the region. This exhibition is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a celebration of their visionary contributions to the world of art.

Laxman Aelay

IAF Creative Excellence Awards

The India Art Festival (IAF), a premier platform celebrating contemporary art and artists, proudly reintroduces its IAF Creative Excellence Awards in this edition. Established in 2011, these prestigious awards honor the creativity, innovation, and dedication of artists participating in the festival. Open to both independent artists and those represented by galleries, the awards recognize outstanding talent showcased across IAF editions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Each award includes a memento, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize of ₹50,000, presented to two selected artists. The winners are chosen by an independent jury comprising two esteemed figures from the art world. The awards will be ceremoniously presented during the opening ceremony of the India Art Festival on December 19, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Kings Court, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. This initiative underscores IAF's commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and celebrating the diverse talents that enrich the contemporary art scene.

Fusion Shows

Amit Bhar

Every year, the India Art Festival offers an enchanting convergence of music and visual art, blending the universally beloved medium of sound with the evocative, often intricate language of visual expression to craft an immersive sensory experience. This year, the festival elevates its cultural repertoire with captivating fusion performances and live painting sessions featuring renowned artists P. Gnana, Manjegowda, and Eby N Joseph, accompanied by exceptional musicians Subramanya Hegade (Sitar), Prasanna Ballal (Mandolin), Shrinidhi Katti (Flute), and Sandeep M (Tabla).

These dynamic collaborations will transform the festival into a vibrant cultural hub, offering audiences a harmonious interplay of art and music on December 20, 21, and 22, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. This unique synthesis promises to captivate art and music enthusiasts alike, enriching their festival experience with creativity and inspiration.

Film Screenings

The other highlight of the India Art Festival, Bengaluru, is the screening of the enlightening film, "The Eternal Canvas – 12,000 Years Journey through Indian Art." This cinematic masterpiece offers an immersive exploration of India’s rich artistic heritage, tracing its evolution from prehistoric cave paintings to the vibrant expressions of contemporary art.

Through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, the film provides a panoramic journey across millennia, celebrating the profound creativity and cultural legacy of Indian art. Visitors are invited to experience this visual odyssey on December 20, 21, and 22, with screenings scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM each day.
This feature adds a dynamic dimension to the festival, offering an educational and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Praveen Kumar

Artistic Pavilion and Global Participation

This year’s Artists’ Pavilion will feature 300 independent artists presenting their works alongside 100 established artists represented by galleries. Participating galleries include Bengaluru-based Space Edge, Sara Arakkal Galerie, and Gallery Charvi, along with prominent names from Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and beyond, including international galleries like Gnani Arts (Singapore) and Artconcept (Dubai).

Participating Art Galleries:

Bengaluru : Space Edge, Sara Arakkal Galerie, Shiny Colors Art Gallery, ReIGNITE EDTECH PVT LTD, Akanksha Art Gallery, iArt Gallery, ASR Art Studio, Gallery Charvi

Mumbai: House of Emerge, Rhythm Art, Studio Monica Ghule, Studio Pankaj Bawdekar, Nitya Artists Centre, Bouquet of Art Gallery

New Delhi & NCR: Gallery Pioneer, Pastel Tale, OPS Art Gallery, Uchaan, Artecious World Art Gallery, Aura Planet, Artehut, Merakii Art House, Eminent Art Gallery,

Gnani Arts, Singapore, Artconcept, Dubai
Artsbreeze Art Gallery, Hyderabad, Pichwaiwala Narendra Art, Udaipur, Smita Art, Kolkata
M Narayan Studio from Pune.

Event Details

• Dates: December 19 to 22, 2024
• Venue: Kings Court, Palace Ground, Gate No. 5, Bellary Road, Near Mekhri Circle, Bengaluru
• Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Tickets: Day Pass ₹299, & Season Pass ₹499 available on BookMyShow.com and at the venue

- Excerpt from press release 

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Also read,

• Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

Art News: MAP, Bengaluru Appoints Harish Vasudevan As Acting Director

Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, India announced the appointment of Harish Vasudevan as Acting Director on September 9th, 2024.

Reflecting on the continuing development of the museum from its roots as the first digital museum in India, and the successful opening of its building in Bengaluru in February 2023, the appointment is designed to prepare the organisation for further growth.

In over three decades of experience, Harish has held several leadership roles in multiple geographies, with companies like Ogilvy & Mather as well as IBM. He is also a published author and teacher. Over the last six months Harish has been consulting with MAP on Marketing and Operations.

Besides working with all the Heads of departments across Education, Collections, 
Conservation, Inclusion, Marketing & Communications, Design and Development, Harish 
will be further supported by Dr. Arnika Ahldag, Head of Curation and Exhibitions at MAP.

Commenting on the announcement, Abhishek Poddar, Founder and President of MAP said “As we looked at our plans for the future, we were looking for someone with the skills to develop the organisation, while also strengthening the brand. Harish has just the right combination of expertise and experience to build on the foundation that MAP has laid over the last few years.”

“The first time I entered MAP I fell in love with it. I am honoured to get a chance to lead this fabulous team as we get ready for Phase 2 of MAP’s impressive journey as India’s first new museum to open in a decade.”, says Harish Vasudevan — Acting Director, MAP.

- Excerpt from press release 

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Also read,

• Art Scene India presents Convergence
• Art News (Bangalore) - Reimagining: (Un)Reality and Space
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

An Art Exhibition with a Difference

Kala for Vidya 2024

'Kala for Vidya’, the much-awaited annual event, by the Rotary club of Bangalore is back this weekend (March 9-10th) to coincide with Women’s Day celebrations. An initiative by the Rotary club of Bangalore, it raises funds for the education of underprivileged children. It is a part of their flagship project - the Rotary Bangalore Vidhyalaya (RBV), which was set up in the year 1960, and currently has a student strength of about 540 children (pre-nursery to 10th grade), and where all of these children come from families that need financial support.

 

From the year 2005, Rotary club of Bangalore has been organizing an art exhibition cum sale called “Kala for Vidya” to raise funds in order to provide education, uniforms, food and books to the children in this school. It is commendable that the artist community has been supporting this initiative right from the beginning as well as has been an integral part of the social cause, contributing immensely to its continued success.

The curated art collection keeps accessibility in mind and provides a diverse range at various price points to allow both new collectors and seasoned investors to either initiate or consolidate their art collection. Another significant element is that several young and emerging artists who made their debut at these exhibitions in previous years have gone on to make a mark in the art world, and they have continued to support the Kala for Vidya cause.

This year’s edition celebrates the theme of “Oneness” – a much needed concept in today's world. The extensive art collection on display thus invokes a greater appreciation for the sheer diversity in artistic expression, where newer trends, voices and vocabularies are expressed. A special feature of this edition of Kala for Vidya is several contemporary expressions in a variety of materials are presented alongside traditional and classical themes and styles of painting. There are several artists from Bangalore and from across the country who are part of K4V for the first time, and have presented their recent drawings, paintings, mixed media and graphic works, and sculptures at the exhibition.

Rtn. Nalini Nanjundayya, President, Rotary Club of Bangalore elaborates, “This year, we embrace the theme "Oneness of Spirit - Oneness of Thought - Oneness of Action towards the Oneness of ALL." Excitingly, we are set to auction and sell artworks at affordable rates, generously provided by established and emerging artists. The proceeds will contribute to the noble cause of providing education to those in need. Each artist has created a special piece of art for this. Something never seen before. Education is a personal passion of mine, driven by its transformative power and its ability to change lives.”

This edition focuses largely on figuration and representation of human and animal figures, elements from nature, and depiction of life from rural and urban situations. Myths, folklore and divinity are some of the themes that have been explored by several artists in overt and in metaphorical ways. However, some of the artists have adopted a minimalistic approach using material to create texture and form. 

Well-known artists such as Ankon Mitra, Mukesh Sharma, Sachin Tekade, Shivani Aggarwal, Nandesha Shantiprakash, Raghu Kondur, Gyanesh Mishra among others are participating for the first time.

Ankon is known for his large-scale sculptural installations but has specially created an exquisite hand folded set of butterflies in metal, while Mukesh presents contemporary paintings with influences from RajasthanI miniature paintings, frescos, and block printing of Sanganer. Sachin transforms the textural qualities of paper in a sculptural form, Gopinath S. presents an ethereal and delicate porcelain sculpture, Manisha Gopinath explores the beauty of birds, trees and marine forms in ceramic and offers a piece that reflects this. Suresh K. is fascinated with how building layers with paper can alter the effects of light and shadows and combines with watercolour to narrate a story.

G. Subramanian, Jasu Rawal, Gurudas Shenoy, Chandranath Acharya, M.G.Doddamani, Shan Re, Basuki Dasgupta, Venugopal V.G., Bhavani GS, Pradeep Kumar DM have been associated with K4V for a long time and have created new works for the exhibition, while senior artists SG Vasudev, CS Krishana Setty, AM Prakash, Ravikumar Kashi and others are also part of the exhibition. 

 

Colour, form and textures create an abundance of delightful compositions in this K4V collection, and there is something for everyone. The QR code below when scanned allows you to download the catalog.

In addition, there is special emphasis on engaging audiences through use of technology – QR Codes to know more about the artwork, videos that offer a glimpse into the creative process, art therapy as a tool and other innovative ways to engage the viewer and collector.

The 17th edition, curated by Nalini Malaviya, will be held on 9th-10th March at Hotel Conrad, Bangalore.

For Enquiries, WhatsApp +91 6361 630 739

Move the cursor over the image to read the artist's name

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Also read,

• Art Scene India presents Convergence
• Art News (Bangalore) - Reimagining: (Un)Reality and Space
• How To Write An Artist Statement
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation
• Exhibiting Art in Non-Gallery Spaces
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art

 

(Un)Contained a solo exhibition of paintings by Smita Verma

Curatorial Note

‘(Un)Contained’ is an extension of artist Smita Verma’s previous body of work, a nostalgic memoir of her childhood and home in Rajasthan, viewed through a lens of longing and wistfulness. The built environment and the sky, symbolic of hope and infinite possibilities amidst the urban landscape, continues to form the core of her visual schema. Smita navigates the numerous characteristics, complexities and dichotomies of a city as an organic, living entity that expands its physical boundaries over time, and is perceived as a land of dreams and opportunities. Despite being mired in conflicts and anxieties, the city appears as a mirage, a utopian dream, for many.

Long Haul by Smita Verma

Smita attempts to reconcile memories of her childhood with the currency of her life in Bangalore, situating it against a city, with a rapidly evolving landscape. She finds solace in watching the infinite stretch of the sky, an expanse of azure blue shared with loved ones back in Rajasthan, her childhood home - a connect that keeps her centred. Thus, the sky in its varying colours, from a pale cerulean on a clear summer day, a fiery crimson and a golden hue with the setting sun, to an inky black bathed in moonshine, forms the backdrop for each of her work.

 

The meticulously arranged buildings on her canvas belie the chaos that typifies urban planning and life. The comingling of varied styles of painting on a single surface creates a distinct visual vocabulary, a fusion of tradition with contemporaneity. Having learnt Kangra painting from a noted traditional artist, Smita incorporates elements from miniature style of painting in the detailing of the foliage, the clouds, the skyline, and in the blocks of buildings. She also opts for a two-dimensional perspective, at times, which references Indian miniature painting style. In most of the paintings, naturalistic rendering is interspersed with miniature elements and motifs to represent the inherent complexities and the dichotomy of a city’s charm and appeal.

Panorama by Smita Verma

The sharply delineated buildings, stylised at times, but disrupting the horizon in a marked manner, intensify the contrast between the blended hues of the sky and the foliage, acting as a metaphor for the conflicts, challenges and the joy and fulfilment contained within the confines of a city. Several such paradoxes are amplified in the juxtaposition of pictorial elements. Glittering windows in the tall skyscrapers, vestiges of floral blooms and trees around the concrete structures, and the sky in its glorious splendour, recreate an illusion of calm and bliss.

The absence of human figures alludes to the sense of isolation that pervades despite the bustling nature of the city. The silence and stillness is palpable, a moment in time as if suspended unnaturally between the past and future. Winding roads, flyovers, playgrounds and fields, and walkways are lined with foliage and an abundance of concrete structures. Relics of histories appear in the form of old buildings and monuments that are resplendent yet dilapidated; fallen flowers cover a derelict car as an ode to the numerous blossoms that once lined Bangalore roads, lush green foliage adorn the top of the buildings offers a satirical view of the concrete jungle that has now replaced the natural cover. Notions of conflict between man and nature, and the irony of progress amidst ecological deterioration through urban landscapes present the decay in its sartorial beauty.

 
Nalini S Malaviya
Curator

(Un)Contained is on view at Lalit Kala Akademi, gallery no. 3, New Delhi, till 23rd Jan, 2024

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