‘Real and Ethereal’ by Krishna Setty

Metaphorical Narratives

‘Real and Ethereal’, a solo exhibition of recent works by the senior artist C.S. Krishna Setty is currently on in Bangalore. Exploring notions of desire, sexuality and tradition in context with human experiences and stories, Setty’s works weave a fantastical realm where intensely private worlds are projected unrelentingly. The catalogue text describes, “Profound and powerful, the representations here are vastly metaphorical; yet are still grounded within concepts of politics, literature and the more nuanced understanding of a human life, our basic necessities, livelihoods and our deepest and the most secret desires.”

Untitled, ink and pastel on paper

The works are mostly ink and pastel on paper in a small format, which accentuates the exaggeration and distortion in his imagery. Setty layers multiple motifs to build the narrative, and the contiguous juxtaposition of elements and strong lines results in forceful visuals. There is a latent aggression and anxious tenor which is palpable in many of his works, a comment on contemporary society and emotional turmoil lurking under the surface.

Left deliberately untitled, the works are open to interpretation and manifold readings by the viewer. Reflecting the transitory times, Setty uses a compelling metaphorical language to highlight the existing conflicts, stresses and desires that conjoin, warp and amalgamate on the canvas. Using animal and floral motifs along with geometric patterns, and adopting repetition as a pictorial tool, Setty constructs the narrative. Hybrid creatures - mythical and unreal, emerge, blurring lines of fact, fiction and fantasy. A sense of unreality, which is disturbing, prevails, and lingers on. 

Untitled, ink and pastel on paper

Born in 1952, Setty hails from Thirthahalli, Shivamogga district, Karnataka. He pursued Fine Arts from the University College of Art, Davangere. He is the former Chairman and Administrator of Central Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, during his tenure he played a key role in vitalizing the art activities at the centre and ensured significant participation and involvement of the art community from Karnataka too. He has also served as the Chairman of Karnataka Lalithakala Academy in the past. He is the third artist from India to be awarded the honorary membership of Russian Academy in Moscow, 2017.

Krishna Setty has been an active contributor to the art scene, this exhibition of his works offers insights into his art practice as well.

The exhibition ‘Real and Ethereal’ is on at Art Houz, Bangalore till January 3

Please share this article using the social media widgets at the bottom and do subscribe to receive regular updates from Art Scene India. 

To contribute articles, please get in touch at nalini.indianart@gmail.com 

Also read,

• Traditional Mysore Paintings by Shobana Udayasankar 
• JS Khanderao retrospective at NGMA Bengaluru 
• Art Bengaluru 2018 - A Celebration of Contemporary Art 
• Art News: Recounting Memories by Gurudas Shenoy in Bangalore 
• Art News: ‘Art Bengaluru’ is back with its 8th Edition 
• Liu Bolin Brings 'Hiding in the City' to Bangalore 
• Art News: 'Bend' - A solo exhibition of contemporary sculptures by Kalyan S Rathore 
• Art Mumbai: Written on Water curated by Sanjeev Sonpimpare
• 5 Reasons a Good Catalogue Text is Essential for Your Art
• How To Write An Artist Statement 
• 6 Tips On How To Approach An Art Gallery And Find Gallery Representation

Art in Interiors: Sculpture as a Décor Element

A sculpture is a beautiful way to alter the dynamics of the space and add an interesting facet to it. The aesthetics (form, material and the concept) of the artwork, interplay of light, its interaction with the surroundings contribute in transforming the space. Being three dimensional, large sized sculptures require more space when displayed in homes - either inside living areas or outside in the open. As opposed to a painting, which is displayed on a wall, a sculpture is placed on a pedestal or directly on the floor and therefore requires special considerations in terms of space and visual impact.

Sculpture by Raviraam Ramakrishnan

 A large sculpture placed in any space will interact with it in multiple ways, also because of its extra dimension, which allows it to be viewed from all sides. It would be advisable to place the sculpture in an area which is clear and clutter free, has high visibility and is relatively traffic free. The style and the material are important in deciding where to display the sculpture.

In a garden or terrace, a sculpture can be integrated into the landscaping to create a cohesive and enhanced impact. The important thing to consider when displaying a sculpture in the open is to ensure that it is made of a material which is weather resistant. For instance, stone such as marble or granite, fiberglass, terracotta, and metals which have been specially treated are ideal for the outdoors. When displaying in the outdoors, a sculpture could complement the exteriors better if it is directly placed on a surface - ground, parapet, ledge, etc. Alternately, a pedestal which is made of natural material will enhance harmony between the sculpture and the setting.

Life size statues are hugely popular as outdoor sculptures. Traditional forms of sculpture are ideal for displaying in the garden; for instance human, animal and mythological figures. Themes which are based on outdoor subjects are suitable – these could be folk, rural or contemporary. A traditional sculpture can be a reminder of stone and rock art from ancient monuments and heritage buildings and help recreate a sense of historicity.

Conceptual pieces in stainless steel or multimedia sculptures are ideal for the terrace or the centre of the garden, and can form interesting anchor points for conversation during garden parties and other gatherings.

It is also essential to consider both natural lighting and spotlights when exhibiting these artworks in open spaces. All artificial lighting must be strategically placed to bring out the features of the sculpture, yet avoid creating a harsh or glaring effect. The illumination should be appropriate to bring out details of carvings, relief work, planes, shadows and textures.

The writer is an art consultant


This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.

If you enjoyed reading this article, do share it using the social media widgets at the top and subscribe to receive regular updates from Art Scene India

Related Posts,

• Abstract Art for Interiors  
• Art on Rugs and Tapestries
• Artistic Expressions with Glass   
• Miniature Paintings in Home Décor
• Painting a Wall
• Art for Festive Occasions
• Art in Interiors: Art With Paper
• Displaying Art in Home Interiors
• Hyperreal Art Makes An Impact
• Art in Interiors: Murals Bring Art to Interiors
• Chromatic Frames to Display Art
• A Tradition of Textile Art
• Art Installations to Complement Home Decor
• Festive Home Decor : A tradition of lighting the lamp
• Art In Home Decor
• Integrate Art With Architecture
• Style Statement With Art
• Antiques in Home Decor

Contemporary Indian Art – what about quality?

Gone are the days when artists had complete freedom to express their creativity in various ways. With greater creative freedom came more experiments and newer art trends. Whereas now due to the phenomenal growth in art prices, commercialization of art has taken a turn where more and more galleries are dictating terms to artists. Not only are artists ‘under contract’ by art galleries, but galleries have begun telling them what to work on. Based on the current demand, galleries ensure that the artist delivers, even if it means repeating series with a few minor changes. This is not based on general global trends but specific to the market demand of that particular artist. Shankar Kendale, a Bangalore based artist says, “The demand for my figurative works is much more than my abstracts and most galleries insist that I keep giving them figurative works. I have not been able to work on abstracts for the last two years.” On the plus side this translates into more sales. Despite the regular source of income some artists feel in five to ten years they run the risk of getting stereotyped. Gallery owner Namrata Radhakrishnan feels, “the artists too should take a stand and refuse to create works that look like they are mass-produced. In the long run this trend will harm both the artist as well as the gallery.”

With greater demand, the contracted artist is also forced to supply a certain number of works to the gallery. Noted artist SG Vasudev cautions, “With galleries dictating terms the artist will be soon reduced to a craftsman.” He questions, “you might be safe in accepting such commissions but are you happy as an artist?” He insists there is a huge demand for good art and there are people willing to wait for your next series to invest in. Cleary, there is increasing compromise in the quality of the artworks. Generally, younger artists trying to find a foothold in the world of art are more susceptible to succumbing under pressure. Vasudev advises, “It is important to have the right perspective and grow step by step.” The contemporary Indian art market is all set to grow further, renewed focus on quality and use of best practices will ensure it makes a greater mark in the International arena.