Soulmate, a rare exhibit bringing forth paintings by 20 art maestros from around the world in Delhi
20 artists, one gallery and a plethora of artworks derived from the very soul of the artist. Easel Stories presents ‘Soulmate’ a group show illustrating art as the reflection of the soul. Curated by Ms Renu Khera, the show opens on 1st June 2018 at Visual Arts Gallery, New Delhi.
Showcasing a collection of paintings by senior, eminent and contemporary artists, the exhibition puts forth the various facets of Indian mythology, religious thoughts, vintage theme, culture, life, and nature. An amalgamation of artworks by over 20 artists of Indian origin from across the world, the exhibition features names like Sujata Bajaj, Niladri Paul Bratin Khan, Arpan Bhowmik, G Subramanian and Sandeep Chhatraband amongst others.
With a vision of bringing together art beyond boundaries, the exhibit will be on till 4th June 2018 and provide a common ground to artists, both eminent and upcoming, to illustrate the ever binding nature of art like a soul.
The four day show touches upon the thought of art as a ‘Soulmate’ that is aligned with your soul and is sent to challenge, awaken and stir different parts of you in order for your soul to transcend to a higher level of consciousness and awareness. Art calls for complete mastery of techniques, developed by reflection within the soul and these artists have been practicing various forms of art for years. Their works are very much connected with their thought, emotions, and lives. They put their soul on canvas to enhance the beauty of their work and it is this thought process that will, in turn, enchant the audience at the exhibition. “Soulmate’ is an exhibition that brings together both masters from the Indian art circuit and promising upcoming artists. The concept touches upon artworks as reflections of an artist’s very being deriving and being a part of him like a Soulmate. There are over 20 different artists with different mediums of work and different thought processes, so to see them together under one roof is truly going to be an unforgettable experience for all art lovers”, says Renu Khera, curator of the show.
Leading the list of exemplary talent is senior artist Sujata Bajaj. A protégé of world-renowned artist HS Raza, Bajaj’s fascination with the lord of beginnings, Ganesha, is abiding. Her art explores Ganapati as the endless, as she feels a sense of complete freedom and liberty in abstracting his image.
Adding to the list is Bratin Khan the master of traditional and folklore themes bringing alive the themes of Indian mythology. Fragile, emotive and rich in color and details Bratin’s works use the traditional method of tempera painting, which goes back to the Indian Miniatures. Seven to eight coats of transparent color are put on the surface, one after another to get a complete tone.
Simple but evocative, Arpan Bhowmik’s art is a study in contrast. His largely monochromatic cityscapes have a splash of color thrown in every so often, lending his art a surreal effect. Bhowmik’s paintings showcase the vintage theme of the heritage city of Kolkata, bringing the city and its humdrum affairs to life with his brushstrokes.
Painter and collagist, G. Subramanian uses the medium of collage, and layers it along with acrylic paint and ink washes in brilliant hues to create mixed media works. The inspiration for Subramanian’s works is the innocence and divine beauty in a child’s face and the power of Indian mythology. With his portrayal of child-like Buddha, Krishna, and Hanuman, he seeks to spark a sense of joy in his audience.
Pune based Sandeep Chhatraband loves to portray the ghats of Varanasi using watercolors and acrylics on canvas. Unique, tranquil and vivid the ‘Ghats of Varanasi’ are his inspiration. With their ever-changing hues, the flow and crowd of people and its many stories, the ghats of Varanasi are his odes to the city.
Food for the soul, the exhibition brings to light some of leading talent of Indian art this summer.
“Promoting Indian art and artists has been the top initiative of Easel Stories, and ‘Soulmate’ is a small step towards a bigger agenda. From paintings revolving around religious topics to abstract ones, Indian artists have explored the many arenas and aspects of life and it is these varied expressions of art, that we try to bring to art connoisseurs through these exhibitions”, says Pranav Chandra, Director, Easel Stories Art Gallery.
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