Saturday, 19 October 2024
Drawing Books from Tathi Premchand, Mumbai Studio
Combat feminism with a mustache, because every woman is becoming a man more than herself. by Tathi Premchand
Drawing Books Andolan, a movement initiated to praise women and their ultimate strong persona, their paramount insight, and their superlative forbearance. Andolan steps forward to clamor against pseudo feminism, causing much defilement to women rather than hale. “Combating and competing has become so crucial to genders that they have lost their values and prominence. The woman is becoming more like a man, abandoning her vibrance. Feminine with a mustache.”-said Tathi premchand.
The aura created by Premchand’s vision stimulates every sense of living. His works have the capacity to raise questions as well as to make any person stunned by giving untold answers. The works laid on sheets are much of what comes from his subconscious rather than pre-planned methods. When asked how he configure and manage to create such depth in the paintings? He answered, “I observe, sketch twice a day, sense my expressions and then collaborate.”
Tathi Premchand’s works hold variance according to the dissemination of his dialect. He invests all that is necessary to display the deliberation. From forms to figures, erotic to static, moods to moments the paintings are a combination of what we come across every day. Inspired by his town city and people living there, the drawings are more often black and white,” I’ve always been curious how we see colors through our lens but dreams and visuals going in the mind are inevitably black and white, on the contrary I want people to fill up colors according to their moods and diurnal experiences” he says. The paintings and sketches hold discernment of human life, struggles, desires and dualities of wit that we behold inside.
The series of 70 works being processed since 2013 drives our attention towards the way how humans have progressed and are raveled in their own aspirations, sovereignty and aesthetics. How the animals dwelling inside each of us is silently waiting for their prey. “we all are animals inside, always craving for more. Whether it is food, sexual eagerness, or wants to excel over others, we always expect for more.” The artist affirms.
In most of Tathi Premchand’s presentation women plays a vital role. He anticipates women as a preserver, a collector while a male as a ravager. Though both contributes equal to society, women many a times have to undergo a bulldoze pressure of mimicking the image of male as well. He repudiates the thought of women being frail but consider her powerful, a soul who is the creator, creator of human, house, love, affection and rejoice.
From eternity man has forged a sphere where women are wielded according to his comfort, and in retribution women is shaping herself like male, vying him to be self-sustained which eventually compressing her by carrying all the responsibilities on her supple shoulders. “I feel women is a combination of energies, she is synergy, but in order to beat man, that too due to his own vile practices, she is being misused.” The artist said.
Not being a hoax feminist, Tathi Premchand always believes in equality of genders, but as in reality and norms set by masculine dominant society women have to encounter challenges and pronouncements. If she becomes competitive enough to face them, she’s being condemned. Her efforts and endeavours are never appreciated, but always judged and doubted. “I admire and acknowledge how courageously women compete the foul boundations set by men.” Added Premchand.
The physiological and psychological characteristics of man and woman created by extramundane powers holds their own purposes and motives. Both contribute well towards living, competing each other or penetrating into other’s sphere of traits may create indecent and foul results. Hence, respecting other’s freedom and persona will bring a vital change in further future.
Man and woman together fabricate the world, which invokes the sense of living. Women being much sensual, men are considered more attractive and alluring according to Tathi Premchand, adding on examples like Lion, Peacock, Cock etc. Accepting male’s delightful appeal women always get fascinated, which provokes her to embellish and adorn the ways she looks. Male of the contrary need no such extra enhancements for his appeal.
Lust is what every human craves for and in many of the paintings that libido can be seen in form of animals and their hunger. Animals do not care about moral sense when it comes to fulfil their starvation. Likewise, humans are a cluster of their unrevealed desires. They are not much concerned about matters and morals when it comes to attain their wishes. Andolan, a gesture started to untangle the dubiety of stubborn society with minimal drawings that are gratifying to view and provoke us to think down from the top surface. The artist profess that his paintings and works are not just to be glance and to be showcased but to disclose his real nous, that may compel the living to revitalize.
As we get conscious about the paintings and understand them, we figure out that every painting has its own value and sense of representation. The artist is making us aware of dark side by depicting them in different temperaments. Using ink as a medium, Premchand manifests that our lives are too like ink, dark, fluid but when used correctly every stroke laid can covey a significant knowledge.
“my paintings are better than sex.” A quotation remarked by Tathi premchand, signifies that his paintings are pleasure to experience, provides great impact on thinking and you will always be keen to encounter more. Nature, forms, colours and characters modifies him with every stroke laid. Observing the psyche and understanding how every soul’s desires are different yet have same aspirations.
by Sanchita Sharma
2021
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I am Premchand. I am very happy to present my work though this small book of paintings. I cannot put my thoughts in words, but you can read my paintings like a novel. I have painted various aspects of thoughts and forms as and when they stimulated my mind. They are my views, observations and conclusions in visual form. Variation in human nature teaches me to view the world through different angles. My paintings may not always appeal to every individual psych, though an intuitive mind would read the thoughts behind every painting, I hope to bring in good energy and contentment through visual appeal. My work will meet its ultimate destiny only if it has a deep impact on our life.
Character, nature or simple colors symbolizing the psyche of a person, all find their way in my art. Being observant has helped me to add color to the feelings. Charged with the passion for painting. I feel myself grow with each and every work that I undertake. I wish to share to my feelings with the world, so I have brought my art into the arena where all art lovers could express their world by possessing the selected ones.
The sketches of the different aspects of the snail’s life are the metaphor of human life. In ‘Run from home’ a snail is seen leaving it shells. Just as the shell of a snail is the protective cover and a heaven for the tender and helpless life within, so also a fetus that starts growing in the womb of mother is safe and secure till it leaves the wombs. Thereafter life is full of struggle and dangers. Cautious steps and conscious efforts to be safe and secure slow down the pace of life. Most of the sketches representing the pattern of life are in black and white’ cause every individual adds color to life only through confrontation of various experiences. The life moves on, without being aware of its destination. The end is unavoidable and it’s different every individual. The only similarity among all is the purity at the time of birth untouched by character pollutant forward movement through high and lows and then, the attainment of eternity.
Out of many characters, the one that forms the large part of his work is Woman. She presented in various facets. The books and physical presentation of these women project them as indomitable personalities. He discards of the view of the woman being weak and dependent. In nude paintings, she is not shy and awkward but proud, and confident who is well aware of her sensuality and power, also capable of handling people affectionately without scruple. ‘I am not nude’ is the attitude that oozes from every part of her body and gesture. ‘A woman with knife’ is an excellent work of her of her being sweet poison expressing most of her sexual whims for selfish motive.
Right from the birth bosom is inseparable from life itself, be they human beings or animals, it has a magical, soothing charm on young and old. The paintings are successful in electrifying and clearly portray various feelings such as motherly care, sensuality, pride confidence and so on. Premchand also presents the bleak side of woman’s nature. Her goals, aspirations, withes and desires all find way in his work. ‘Seven Desires’ portray a woman who always tries to find all those qualities in men, which she expects from her life partner. She fails to have that perfection in any man whom she meets. She has many friends, with a unique quality that she expects but the man of her dream always remain a myth. The prince on white horse represents that macho man whom she never meets in her lifetime. Her unfulfilled desire does not fight against her fate instead compromise with whatever she has. A woman is demanding cooperative and caring, Along with these traits she nurtures self-pride which can be clearly seen on the face of a pregnant woman. Motherhood is a very emotional and possessive period in life of everywoman blessed with the power to bring A life in this world. In ‘Me and Mother’ the adorable to-be mother is full of love and care for the unseen child, who comfortably grows in her womb. She caresses her unborn child. The thought of new life engulfs her with the sense of prosperity. Her apprehensive nature does not go unnoticed. The sudden changes in her mood, attitude towards life that change with circumstances are captures in paintings like ‘Cloud and Rain ‘and ‘First Rain.’ The posture of a girl depicts her longing and unspoken desires. The nature of a woman is always unpredictable still adorable in spite of all odds.
Man and woman together make the world. The union is a must for the cycle of the life to progress. This presentation is made through attractive figures and alluring colors. The contradictions and similarities are handled subtly. Throughout this series one observes that the male is more beautiful. Woman is sensuous. Premchand observes that male species is more attractive than their female counterparts, giving us the instances of the Peacock, Lion, Cock etc. The Peacock is a recurring image and color blue is associated with male image to add to the beauty of the concept. The simple strokes are deliberately used to avoid any unfathomable feelings. Nudity and simplicity are the soul of these paintings. Male’s tall, robust and attractive self and women’s sensuality, always seen attracting and repelling from each other, like two blades are separated they become useless, thus man and woman depend on each other thought out their life.
There is also an urge for superiority and domination over each other. The competition continues. As shown in ‘Imitation’ a woman and man are in the Shirhasan position. But as we observe, we find ourselves wondering at the posture of woman. It seems disturbing; everywhere a woman is expected to follow the rules set for her. If she tries to complete with man she faces lot of criticism. He progresses is never appreciated and her character is always doubted in the process. Premchand is totally against this system of thought. He is not a feminist but believes in equality of sex. But competition is not always fruitful. Nature has carved both man and woman with a particular purpose and any attempt to go against it has a vulgar and awkward result.
Cruel and Cruelty brings alive various experiences that are lavish, livid, dumb and sometimes horrifying, “Cruel and cruelty” is one each topic that he deals with frankness, without being biased about the facts. Some paintings depict lust in animal form. The brutality of human on weaker species of animals, the sacrifice of innocent animals is boldly painted. In ‘Human Conservation’ a man holds a rabbit in his hand to feed the partner. This painting was made when partners attacked human in residential zones. The partner’s attack on human beings was tacked by providing them live animals for food. This is a cruel act on the part of human beings. To save himself and his children, man very brutally sacrifices other innocent living beings. In this series we are confronted with innovative idea that taps our minds and we are bound to reconsider age-old notions. Not only the in the human act against the animals but even man’s atrocities against his fellow beings do not go unnoticed by the artist. An animal kills another animal only to fulfill its basic need, whereas man kills man for selfish motives and material gains. In historywe have the instance of well-known personalities being assassinated. Their thoughts to go against the set of rules stirred the minds of oppressors to such an extent that they were assassinated. Jesus too was no exception.
If women like sex, Men get free- Tathi Premchand-2024
‘You and us’ and ‘Any answer please!” speaks of recent war between America and Iraq and the brutality the followed. The false pride and cruel egos are responsible for havoc in the world, disturbing the peaceful existence. What is the perfect way to lead a life? If nothing is permanent then why is there a struggle for possession? Life is never like we want it to be. Premchand patronizes Buddha’s disciple Monk Ananda who is full of such queries, and presents the stories where lord Buddha fulfills his queries, and presents the stories where Lord Buddha fulfills his queries by using illustration from real life. Though of ‘possession’ and dignified ‘self’ is the reason for our suffering. It is absolutely necessary have freedom from the vices of longing, greed and possessions paintings sensualizes the spirit sensualize the spirituality. There are few elements and concentration is on the presentation of meditative effect. Brown, black and white are the basic colors used, symbolizing Nothingness. The state where every thought becomes blank and mind reaches eternity. The beauty and the depth of subject are intensified with the mystic style adopted specially for this series. The faces are blurred and use of flowing robes act as catalyst for thoughts ideology portrayed. In ‘Play of Shadow of the moon. Along with the moon’s shadow, only me monk’s shadow is seen. The other represents the attainment of eternity, thus the physical existence is lost, spiritually reign. Attachment of the life often hinders us from path of truth. The paintings with a nail and scissor represent the sharp edges of want and attachment, which refrainus from achieving the ultimate destination of Nirvana. Buddha had always cautioned his discipline against blindly following what he said. Following one’s mind crucial, since it’s the mind, this guides us in our action. In ‘The wall’, the wall is nothing but our ego, which has to be transcended for the freedom from materialistic existence and enter the world of eternity.
As confessed by the artist himself, his paintings are not just showpieces but are thoughts to ponder over. The simple forms and images of common things are pleasing to the eye yet speak of rebellion. As shown in ‘Mouth wide open’ three bowls of different size present the unborn. The technological and scientific development has made cloning possible. Isn’t it a challenge to nature?
Very often nature proves itself stronger than any other force. Our development and effort prove useless in case of changing seasons, earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanic eruptions. Mother Nature has its own way of showing it true force, for good or bad. As in “Think twice’, a vulture is shown as a messenger of peace. It is true that vulture does not kill, but consumes the dead body. Vultures wait patiently till the living beings die before consuming them. Thus it is neither harmful nor cruel. For the artist nothing is useless or unwanted in nature. It is wrong to categorize any natural creation as good or bad. Everything in nature works in harmony each other.
As we observe these paintings, we find variation in theme and style. Each painting is highly sensitive and meticulously presented. Some of them are painted in a grave and sarcastic manner and some are humorous too. This and that’ presents the need of water, for some water is a luxury and for others it fulfills the basic needs. While presenting the contradiction in life, the need for food is highlighted in ‘Food’ where a man pulls a cart, balancing the earthen pot on his head and a very rich and healthy man enjoys the ride in the concerned about the cart puller. The very existence of living being is nothing but an endless rebel to achieve the unachievable.
“It is not possible to step twice in the same river.” –Heraclitus.
Throughout his career Tathi Premchand proves it time and gain. He refuses his work to be categorized in any particular “ism ‘but is a blend of different genres. There is variety in his style. His paintings is equal to a navel or a book full of thoughts, where it stirs the every core of one’s being. The end result is excellent visual forms with deep insight into the matter. Experimenting with different modes, styles and medium from mythology to modern science, from lust to love, from known to unknown, from fact to fiction, man and woman all are very well depicted in his paintings.
2005
Text from Pomegranate Tathi Premchand Book
Text by Pankaja JK 2005
PIN POSTER: Mumbai: Mark prime a city of tiny Lights - Nature Morte
Join us for the preview of Mark Prime’s A City of Tiny Lights at Nature Morte, Mumbai on 22nd October from 6pm onwards.
Discover Mark Prime’s stunning sculptures and paintings, blending dystopian visions with local influences.
Friday, 18 October 2024
Objective Visuality: Perceptual Cautiousness
Purposiveness is never ephemeral; and momentariness attached to a visual is the continuous process through which the idea of ‘being’ is represented, which is also the objective of representation. Visuality, though, is a part of perceptual consciousness, however it is rooted in purposefulness, or hetudharma. The ontological existence of physical realities is expressed through many layers of consciousness.
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| Artist: Laxamn Ahire |
In such a scenario, the objective of Laxamn Ahire’s art practice is to dismantle the deep rooted ideas of inequalities and hegemonic thinking, where the idea of ‘being’ never really transforms into "becoming." Interestingly, Ahire uses the “human brain” as a prominent visual metaphor to convey the structures of consciousness of senselessness. His pictorial world explores the real, relevant and relatable subjects, viz. preamble of the Constitution of India, issues of governance, and life and crises during lockdown, to name a few.
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| Recent works by Laxamn Ahire |
It is no longer ephemeral but a physical reality of life that becomes part of everyday experience. The pictorial surface that he creates through his work is an invitation to peep into the concealed nature of subdued forms of human thinking and corruption of mind consciousness.
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| Dr. Y. S. Alone |
Exhibition Note by Dr. Y. S. Alone, Professor in Visual Studies, School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
From:15th to 21st October 2024
“Objective Visuality: Perceptual Cautiousness”
Solo Show of Paintings by well-known artist Laxman Ahire
VENUE:
Jehangir Art Gallery
161-B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 021
Timing:11am to 7pm
Contact:+91 8652489756
Thursday, 17 October 2024
National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
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National Gallery of Modern Art
Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall
M. G Road, Fort Mumbai - 400032
“Serenity in Nature” Solo Show of Paintings By Well-Known artist Rajendra Chauhan in Jehangir
Recent work of a talented contemporary artist, Rajendra Chauhan will be showcased in a solo art exhibition in hall no.4, Jehangir Art Gallery, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001 from 21st to 27th Oct. 2024 between 11 am to 7 pm. It will depict his thematic endeavours revealing the serenity in Nature in various seasons and environments in an artistic style. This show will be inaugurated on 21st Oct. 2024 at 4 pm at Jehangir Art Gallery by Hon. Guests - Dr. Sudhanshu Mani Retd. GM of Indian Railways and Leader of Vande Bharat Project, Ms. Teena Kaur Parischa, - Indian Film Award Winner Film maker & Breast Cancer survivor, Mr. Murali Raman – Visual Artist, Writer and Award Winning Film maker. A small part of the proceeds earned from this exhibition shall go towards a social cause close to our hearts.
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| Artist: Rajendra Chauhan |
Rajendra Chauhan had his art education upto Diploma in Applied Arts from N.M. Shah Art Teacher’s Training College, Wadhwan, Surendranagar, Gujarat. Then he showcased his work in some group art exhibitions in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jamnagar, New Delhi, Scotland, UK etc., and got public response for his work. He was awarded Best Landscape Award from the Artists Group at Porbandar, Gujarat. He was also awarded a consolation prize in Heritage India, Patan by Kala Pratishthan and Elixir Foundation, Gujarat. His works are in proud collection of many reputed art collectors and art promotional institutions.
The Present series in Water colour on paper depicting serenity in Nature exemplifies subtle nuances of the tranquil beauty of the natural world. He has been deeply inspired by ever changing season, the play of light on water and the majestic beauty of mountains and forests. He has artistically revealed the ever changing moods and the majesty of the environment from the soft glow of dawn to the vibrant hues of dusk. His artistic use of colour, light and dimensionality and aesthetic panorama that enable a viewer to delve into the heart of the landscape and enjoy its subtleties in relevant perspectives of visual art. He has aptly given prominence to serenity of natural world and its omnipresent grandeur in the proper perspectives of visual art. His works connect the viewers to details of the untouched and serene worlds in the universe.
“Serenity in Nature”
Solo Show of Paintings By Well-Known artist Rajendra Chauhan
VENUE: From: 21st to 27th October 2024
Jehangir Art Gallery161-B, M.G. Road,
Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001Timing: 11am to 7pm.
Copyright Art Blogazine 2024
Invite | BLUE | 20 October @ The Guild, Alibaug
The Guild is delighted to announce our upcoming multidisciplinary exhibition, BLUE Chapter 1, curated by Nitesh Mohanty and Riyas Komu. Join us in this journey through a single color - Blue - to explore the essence of art and life. Blue is not just a pigment, but a doorway to the world around, beyond and within. Through blue we can explore the enigma of perception, the emotional power of colour, and the ineffable in art.
Its evocations are myriad: blue carries the hues of history, transcends language, connects culture, symbolises religion, evokes spirituality, and invokes authority. It is sea and sky, water and poison; calmness, sorrow, and introspection. Meditation upon a single hue unravels the nature of existence itself.
BLUE will feature collaborations with Anna Atkins, Adil Jussawalla, Rabindranath Tagore, Ayaz Basrai, Hanif Kureshi, Vijila, Arun Vijai Mathavan, Sunil Nampu, K. K. Muralidharan, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Sudharak Olwe, N. N. Rimzon, Vivek Vadoliya, K. P. Reji, Nelson Viji, Vikrant Bhise, Amruta Patil, Anpu Varkey, Achal Mishra & Mahak Gupta, Dilip Chitre, Tajdar Junaid, Dhwani Shah, Shiva Nallaperumal, Yogesh Maitreya, Hari Katragadda, Mayur & Tushar Vayeda, Swati Dandekar, Varsha Devjani, Sameer Kulavoor, and Midhun Mohan.
The exhibition previews on Sunday, 20 October, from 12 noon to 4 pm, and continues until the 1st of January, 2025. We hope to see you there!
About The Guild
The Guild was established in 1997 with an aim to function as a semi-institutional space within the bustling art-hub of Mumbai, India. Since its inception, it has been providing a platform for discursive practices, innovation and experimentation in contemporary art. The Guild represents artists of diverse generations who have brought in robust dialogue within and across their disciplines. The Gallery has held major retrospectives of K. P. Reji, Sudhir Patwardhan, Navjot Altaf and G. R. Iranna in collaboration with premier national art centres.
The gallery has published a number of books with essays by preeminent critics and curators on contemporary Indian artists, such as Sudhir Patwardhan, Navjot Altaf, Jyoti Bhatt, K.G. Subramanyan, A. Ramachandran and T. V. Santhosh, amongst others.
About the curators
Riyas Komu (b. 1971) is an Indian multimedia artist. His oeuvre of works is a deep reflection on social conflicts and pressing issues like migration and displacement, whereas he draws his inspiration from local and global social and political movements. He has exhibited his works worldwide, including the Venice Biennale.
Komu’s curatorial engagement ranges across fields. He ideated Kochi-Muziris Biennale and co-founded Kochi Biennale Foundation (est. 2010). He co-curated the first edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale in 2012 and was the Director of Programmes of the Kochi Biennale Foundation in 2012, 2014, and 2016. He also curated the Kondotty Sufi Fest in 2019. He co-curated the first International Football Film Festival in India at Goa International Film Festival and Trivandrum International Film Festival in 2012. In 2016 he started URU Art Harbour, a cultural hub in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, with Zoya Riyas, and has curated many shows to promote artists from the region focusing on Kerala’s history of social action, migration and culture. His critically acclaimed solo projects include Holy Shiver (2018), which celebrated the art in the Constitution. In 2022, he curated the Sea: A Boiling Vessel project, which puts the spotlight on our maritime history.
Nitesh Mohanty is a visual artist who works at the fluid intersection of arts, culture, media, communication, and self-reflection. His theoretical interests are also wide, often inquiring about the roots and fundamentals of art history, storytelling, and philosophy. He was the co-founder of “The Root” a platform initiated to propagate social, cultural, political & ecological concerns through various literary and creative mediums. He curated “The Root Reel” in association with Alliance Francaise, Bombay through which he showcased independent features, documentaries, world cinema & animation films from closer home & across the world, under the tagline, Films That Matter. He teaches as a visiting faculty at esteemed institutions across India such as MICA, NID, FTII, TISS, & Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology. Nitesh’s articles, essays, and interviews have been featured in newspapers & magazines, such as Mid-Day, Time-Out, Homegrown, Better Photography, Open, Outlook, Art Intent, Art India Magazine, G5A Imprint, Kindle, etc.
Copyright © The Guild, 2024 | All rights reserved.
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