"Lines of Insight"

 

Director's Note

Paper as a medium has been used in art for centuries. Innumerable artists have used paper as an inspiration to create stunning artworks. It's not just limited to traditional paintings and drawings but also used in other art forms, such as origami, sculptures and collages. Incidentally some artists create their own paper, which can be quite a meticulous process resulting in an exceptionally delicate and beautiful medium to work on.

Paper incredibly is the most versatile and a primary medium for any artist. Although, the ‘handle with care’ reminder always resonates with these artworks, nevertheless it has its own effective being.

Dhoomimal Gallery & Nexus Art initiated the “Lines of Insight” show which interestingly captures the flow of lines in drawings, lithographs, etchings, woodcuts etc. on paper. For potential art connoisseurs & lovers, giving emphasis to top quality artworks from the well-known moderns and contemporary artists on ‘paper’ can significantly give an evaluation and competitive pricing compared to the artworks on canvases. This becomes an encouraging aspect for the potential buyers to build their collection. The following exhibiting artists denote their exemplary styles:-

Almelkar, A. P. Santhanaraj, A. Ramachandran, Aalap Shah, Ambadas Khobragade, Amit Ambalal, Arpana Caur, Bhupen Khakhar, Bimal Das Gupta, Dhruva Mistry, Dushyant Patel, F. N. Souza, G. R. Santosh, Ganesh Haloi, Ganesh Pyne, Gogi Saroj Pal, Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, Haren Das, Jagannath Panda, Jamini Roy, Jatin Das, Jeram Patel, Jogen Chowdhury, Jyoti Bhatt, K. G. Subramanyam, K. Laxma Goud, Krishen Khanna, Lalu Prasad Shaw, M. F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, N. S. Bendre, Nilima Sheikh, P. D Dhumal, Piraji Sagara, Rabin Mondal, Reba Hore, Rini Dhumal, Sailoz Mookherkjee, Sakti Burman, Satadru Sovan, Shibu Natesan, Shyamal Dutta Ray, Somnath Hore, Sunil Das, T. V. Santosh, T. Vaikuntam, Vivan Sundaram, and Vrindavan Solanki. (in alphabetical order).

The objective behind presenting this paperwork collection is to share with the audiences the talent and dedication with which each artist visualises his or her perception, the right choice of implements that make each of these artworks come to life. Pencils, markers, coal, paints and others hold connotations, while using the correct type of paper is of equal importance for the media to flow across the page. Finer quality of paper helps the art stay seamless and stiff without any tears. The choice of paper compliments the art that the artist is making – painting flows better on a smooth surface while uneven textured paper is better for sketches. Now it is for the audiences to make such observations and help create awareness.

I leave you with this wonderful show to identify your lines of artist interest in these contemporary artworks. Grow more trees…….. did I hear that!

Uday Jain

Dhoomimal Gallery

March 2024

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Curator's Note- "Lines of Insight"

The exhibition delves deep into the nuanced and diverse expressions of artistic practices that harness the power of lines to convey profound insights into the human experience. Within these lines, we discover a remarkable blend of introspection and exploration, revealing the artists' perspectives on the world and the inner workings of their creative minds.

Drawing is often regarded as the most fundamental artistic medium, as it offers a direct line from the artist's hand to the viewer's perception. At its core, drawing is a language—a visual language that transcends spoken and written words and communicates with immediacy. It is the most primal of artistic endeavours, and is an act of creation that goes beyond the mere physical representation of subjects. It serves as the bedrock upon which countless artistic journeys have been built.

The title, "Lines of Insight," encapsulates the notion that lines are not just marks on paper or canvas; they are pathways to understanding, self-discovery, and revelation. Each artist featured in this exhibition employs the drawn line as a conduit for sharing their unique insights into the world, the self, and the human experience. The exhibition explores this elementary act of mark-making as a conduit for profound exploration. Drawing, in its various forms, allows artists to communicate their insights into a complex, multifaceted world through the subtlety of lines, shades, and shapes.

The exhibition critically explores themes that transcend the superficial act of representation and delve into the essence of human existence. Furthermore, by bringing in artists from diverse pedagogical schools of India, the exhibition offers the viewers a unique opportunity to understand how artists draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including their personal experiences, societal observations, and even the spiritual and metaphysical realms. It allows for a complete cross section of Indian Art from across masters, senior practitioners, as well as young minds.

Through their works we encounter various facets of Inner Journeys via chronicling personal thoughts and emotional scapes; Social Commentary via shedding light on pressing issues, sparking dialogues and challenging the viewer to reflect on the world around us; Nature’s Whispers via offering viewers a fresh perspective on the environment and our place in it;

Metaphysical Explorations via exploring the realms of spiritual, mystical and philosophical experiences.

These artistic practices offer a playground for experimentation and challenge viewers to engage with form, color, and line in new and unexpected ways. Using drawing as a vehicle for conveying abstract concepts and ideas through symbolic imagery and thoughtful composition, they invite viewers to contemplate the deeper meanings within their works. They encourage viewers to embrace the power of observation. By following the process of seeing, feeling, and translating these perceptions into lines and shapes that resonate with meaning. Furthermore, the practices on display make use of digital mediums to express their innovations within the larger art historical understanding of drawing itself. In this manner the exhibition invites you to observe not only the artwork but also your own responses, allowing the lines on paper to awaken your own insights and emotions.

With this we invite you to "Lines of Insight," where we celebrate drawing as a medium of deep reflection and personal revelation. It is a journey into the minds and hearts of artists who use lines to convey the invisible threads that connect us all. As you navigate this exhibition, allow yourself to be drawn into the stories, emotions, and insights embedded within each stroke and mark. From the ethereal to the concrete, these works offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the artistic mind where we find not only the visions of artists but also the reflections of our shared humanity.

- Vaishakhi Mehta

Nexus Art