Swapan Nayak & Gilles Bensimon: Gardens of the Mind TARQ, Mumbai

Gardens of the Mind

Tasveer and TARQ are delighted to announce the opening of Gardens of the Mind in Mumbai on the 25th of February, 2016. As part its 10th anniversary, Tasveer brings together for the first time the works of Indian artist, Swapan Nayak, and French fashion and lifestyle photographer, Gilles Bensimon, in an exhibition that juxtaposes two very different approaches to photographing elements of the natural  world.

Gilles Bensimon, former art director of Elle, makes a significant departure from his earlier figurative oeuvre in his series Watercolour, featured here. Fascinated by the beauty of flowers, and by their associations with myriad varieties of cultural expression around the world, he both literally and metaphorically submerged himself – and volumes of freshly cut blooms – into pools of water to create amazing blossoms of colour. The resulting images present a range of wonderful palettes and blurring the lines of abstraction and representation, yield  a new perspective on the traditional notions associated with the depiction of the flower in  art.

Recent work  Gilles Bensimon at TARQ

Bensimon’s photographs bursting with colour and a refractive-glossiness, are a stark contrast to Swapan Nayak’s black and white minimalist imagery. Nayak, a former photojournalist, also examines the natural world, and its intimate association to transformation. Made  over a span of three years, in Eastern and North Eastern India, his series Radha: A Love in Eternity also breaks away from simple representation, producing the known and familiar and new, graphic ways. Intended to be an exploration of purity, the nature of the self, of consciousness, the profound and the divine, this series was inspired by his reading of Vaishanava Padabali, a nearly 700 year old Bengali text, that narrates the very popular Hindu myth, of Radha and Krishna and their eternal love. In many ways, this series also forms a lateral progression from Nayak’s earlier Being and Nothingness that was inspired by Satre’s text of the same name and involved a quest for the truth.

Providing a unique opportunity in the study of photographic method and practice,  this exhibition through its juxtaposition of two distinct aesthetic styles highlights the diversity offered by the photographic medium in interpreting and re-presenting  reality.

SWAPAN NAYAK

Born in 1965, Swapan Nayak is an independent photographer based in Kolkata, India who started working professionally from 1995 and has worked in editorial photography for various publications both in India and abroad. He was awarded the National Media Fellowship (2002-2003) by the National Foundation for India, the Nirmaan photography fellowship award in 2006 and the National Senior Fellowship in photography (visual art) for the period of 2009-2011 by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Recent work  Srwapan Nayak at TARQ

Nayak has held three main solo exhibitions, ‘Nowhere People’, ‘Refugees In Their Own Land’ and ‘Being & Nothingness’, and was also part of the group exhibition ‘Click! Contemporary photography from India’ organised by the Vadehra Art Gallery in 2008. His work has further been published in several international magazines; Time, News Week, Asia Week and Southern Exposure, amongst others.

GILLES BENSIMON

Born ‘a relatively long time ago’, in his own words, into a family of art dealers and artists, Gilles Bensimon is an internationally acclaimed fashion and lifestyle photographer, who counts his current age as 15 in leap years, since he was born on February 29. After stints in art school and the army, he ended up working for fashion magazines in France. Bensimon established his international reputation at the helm of Elle magazine, and  his star-studded portfolio consists of a very long list of leading models and celebrities, including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Keira Knightley, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry and Uma Thurman; and his commercial clients have ranged from Kohl’s to Saks Fifth Avenue and Maybelline to Clarins.

Exhibition Previews: 25th February 2016

Exhibition Continues: 26th February - 19th March 2016

F35/36 Dhanraj Mahal

C.S.M. Marg, Apollo Bunder Colaba

Mumbai 400001

Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 6pm; Sunday, closed

Press Contact: press@tasveerarts.com | +91 080  40535233

All copyright Tarq

PIN POSTER: Exhibition Previews: 25th February2016 Exhibition Continues:26 th February-17 th March 2016

PIN POSTER : Solo show of Bhopal Base Artist RAHIM MIRZA at Art Gate Gallery,

All Art Lover and Artist

You are all cordially invites solo show of Bhopal Base Artist RAHIM MIRZA at Art Gate Gallery,
OPENING ON 22/2/2016 / 6.00 PM Chheda Sadan,
115, J.tata Road, Above Satyam Complex, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020/
Email: rahim_mirza@yahoo.co.in/More Details : 9826032707rahim_mirza@yahoo.co.in

PIN POSTER : Gallery no 8 Lalit Kala Akademi

Address: 512 3/4/5, Ratnadeep Chember, Kasturi Chowk, Ganesh Peth, Ganesh Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411042
Phone:020 2634 9047

Functional function of Artist Leonardo-da-Vinci - Pankaja JK

It has been long since anything is written about past era artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo and others. They all have classic contribution in art. In the age when one can write in volumes about contemporary artist, it may seem queer to some, the mention of past era artists. But I need to. The reason is important and to be considered from social point of view.  We all know artists are the mirrors of the society. History has also witnessed their valuable contribution. One such artists who has contributed to society in the fullest extent is Leonardo da Vinci. His contribution was not only restricted to his country but to the whole world. The following is a brief introduction to his socially viable work and also how his share as an inventor, civil engineer, military engineer, astronomer, geologist, anatomist and partly an astronaut a researcher, scientist and engineer and many more practical aspects has resulted in assisting his art and how we have with us the treasure of his illustrated pages with detailed observations and outlines of inventions. He was marvellous in every field that is mentioned here. It is interesting that his art bloomed due the scientific instincts and his scientific nature bud out of art. So, we can conclude that a true artist also must have an instinct of scientist.

(Image :www.codeavengers.com)

Leonardo da Vinci had been the greatest experimental scientist of his age and an acknowledged artist. His ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Last Supper’ are classic paintings one with mystery and awesome creativity and other mesmerizing too.

Since his school days he was sharp in solving mathematical problems and also showed notable talent in paintings. When he was sixteen years old he worked as an apprentice of artist Andrea del Verrocchio. In his guidance, Leonardo learned to work with wood, marble and metal. Andrea then insisted that Leonardo studied Latin and Greek classics, philosophy, mathematics and anatomy. 

As I write this article, I really wonder how many artists take efforts to go out of the way to learn something different from what they intend to paint or install.Hardly a few do this, and only those who know that referring to subjects other than art, is only the way to be a true artist. An artists should have knowledge of various fields. 

Reading recommended books on art and improvising one’s own skill is the sign of academic excellence and not of a true artistic passion.Leonardo’s mentor, Andrea wanted Leonardo to become a true artist and knew that study and knowledge of various fields was necessary for it. Sadly, now art schools have become production houses of artists with degrees and very little understanding of other fields. Newly studying and budding artists are in hurry to have exhibition of their artworks and intend to be famous- famous and likeablelike instant foods! Following the guidance of Andrea, Leonardo completed his apprenticeship at the age of twenty six and he was admitted in Artists’ Guild, where one could obtain their own patrons. This was a step towards progress. He invented a novel musical instrument- a lute in the shape of a horse’s head in which teeth served to select the tones- this captured the attention of Duke Ludovico Sforza, the then ruler of Milan. This opened the doors for Leonardo to try and experiment his conceived projects. Art came closer to politics as he got the patron.

Image wikipedia (A page showing Leonardo's study of a foetus in the womb (c. 1510) Royal Library,)

That was the age when kingdoms of Italy frequently strived with each other. The artist Leonardo da Vinci devoted his art for military equipment design. Almost at the same time was suffering from plague, which is a disease spread by rat bite, he was aware of it and knew to prevent it sewers needed modification. So he worked on his projects, though they were not approved. But here acceptance or rejection is not an issue, his social conscience ids admirable. He was socially aware artist. 

His exceptional anatomical drawings are still considered the perfect anatomical drawings. He developed them while in Milan, with the help of famous doctors and also by attending dissections himself to observe the internal make of human body. Obviously, his drawings show a profound understanding of the anatomical structure of a man. His skull drawings showed for the first time, the openings in the forehead and in jaws. He perfectly presented the position of unborn child in the womb of mother. His drawings of heart, the chambers, and the valves presents his doctor’s vision. 

When the Duke Ludovico Sforzawas captured by the King of France, Leonardo lost his patron, so he went to Venice and offered his military inventions. He devised a diving suit and a submarine.  He was mindful not to note or illustrate the designs of these inventions because he was afraid that evil nature of man would use it to murder men at the bottom of the sea. Oh, how clearly it reminds us of scientist Albert Einstein, who regretted his atomic research which proved fatal to mankind!

( Albert Einstein ) Image wikipedia

Leonardo also applied his knowledge to be a cartographer for Cesar Borgia. As Borgia wanted to conquer Italy, Leonardo was engaged in making maps;Leonardo himself didthe survey and measurements. For travelling long distances and measuring the area, he invented an important tool called odometer, the device that notes how long automobile hastravelled, by keeping records of revolution of wheels. This helped him in making maps. Interestingly, even modern automobiles have odometer.

Leonardo is also instrumental in inventing machine gun with many barrels mounted on triangular support. His military tank consisted of a mobile enclosure with breech-loaded cannons. The tank was manually operated, as it was invented before any mechanical power other than wind or water power was invented. A double-hull ship is also an excellent example of his artistic and scientific brain. If the outer hull was gun- fired by enemy, the ship still remained afloat. 

(A design for a flying machine, (c. 1488) Institut de France, Paris)Image wikipedia

His other notable inventions include anemometer, the device used to measure wind.

Leonardo invented mechanisms which are refined and used even today. For example, machine tool industries have file-cutting and screw-cutting machines equal to those designed by Leonardo da Vinci. All the artists working in metal please note the Father of this invention!

Leonardo had special interest in aspects of water that inspired him to design a pump that used the power of stream to raise water. He studied shape of fish which helped him to design ship. His botanical love is presented in notes and drawing forms which include heliotropism, rings of trees related to age of the tree. Flowers of varied types were drawn and he understood how the male and female plant life exists. 

In his teenage, he made observation of birds’ inflight by releasing some swallows from cage. He noted their way through air, now flying, now soaring. The sketches are valuable from artistic angle too. He was confident that the same principles of flight would hold true for men. It was impossible for anyone in that age to think that a man could fly. But Leonardo da Vinci was certain that we could.  He experimented with this thought in1940 and designed a flying machine (though it never worked out) with flap of huge wings. Then he tried his hand at making helicopter also linen-covered wooden frame in pyramid form.

Invention is one of the greatest art. Leonardo’s unbounded extent of thinking, feeling and creating gave birth to his excellent creations in paintings, scientific studies and inventions.Leonardo always practiced noting his observations in his own style- the mirror image, to maintain secrecy. Many of his sketches have been made into working models. These devices are occasionally exhibited. 

The Last Supper (1498)—Convent of Sta. Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy(Image wikipedia)

 

An artist needn’t only follow philosophical course. True knowledge comes from experience and meticulous observation of things around. It is the skilful understanding of how every element in nature works in unison and in individual space. Nature has all the examples of what human can think and get inspired by.  

Leonardo da Vinci should be an inspiration for all the true artists and if possible instead of making paintings and installation projecting reality, practical contribution would be welcomed by all. If artists make use of resources around for the cause and benefit of the society it will be enticing from social benefit point of view. 

Just before I stop detailing about Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution in other fields than in art, I would like to mention the clock invented by him. It was he who first developed a clock that had hours and seconds hands.

The time ticks and it can be heard clear in silent zone, making the thoughtful brains to come up with something novel, fruitful and evergreen, just like Leonardo da Vince. 

Content taken from reference materials too. 

(2016 - No copyright claim of any image by Writer or Artblogazine.com)

send feedback to JK  pankjajk@gmail.com

By Pankaja JK.  

# MONEY * FOOD @ LIFE, at Jehangir Hirji Art Gallery, 1st floor, Fort, Mumbai, Inauguration at 5 pm to 6 pm on 15th Feb 2016, Chandrakant Ganacharya Mumbai

# MONEY * FOOD @ LIFE, 

at Jehangir Hirji Art Gallery, 

1st floor, Fort, Mumbai,

Inauguration at 5 pm to 6 pm

on 15th Feb 2016,

Chandrakant Ganacharya

Mumbai

(Un)Common Concerns

Grocery bags filled with calculations- mostly subtractions, clothes designs on onion, ATM Slips, text messages that keep bumping into a salaried person's cellphone, or a wallet and common food like Wada-Paaw... constitute a language of the everyday that Chandrakant Ganacharya has seen in the city and elsewhere. It finds it's due place in his work, and boils down to hunger, struggle, and the powers that form the lure and lore of this everyday. 

Artist : Chandrakant S Ganacharya

Beneath the overtly middle-class concerns readable in Chandrakant's work, there are layers of meaning common not only to a class, or not only to humans. Everyday stuggles can be a reality for a turtle, a frog, a lizard, an octopus, or a jellyfish.The artist places these animal and insects, graphically under the onion that has been sitting on a throne - thanks to hoarders and their political bosses.

Chandrakant's installations are eloquent about absence, though each of them looks visually abundant. Each ATM slip digs deeper in your bank balance. The text messages bluntly say : you have (only this much of) money or you will need a loan to fulfill your dream. 

Recent work by Chandrakant S Ganacharya

The artist further explores these absences by mock recollection and re-enactment.The redundant coins with denominations like 20, 10, five, two and one paise are now executed in terracotta. They were once there, three decades ago, knows every Indian in his fourties, as the work makes the viewer think about a civilization as old as Mohenjodaro or Lothal. Another re-enactment, of the verbal wisdom about hunger, a full meal or acute lack of it , comes to the viewer as speech bubbles, made out of rusted steel dishes of various shapes and sizes. Proverbs, sayings and thoughts in various languages of the subcontinent are literally dished out. 

Recent work by Chandrakant S Ganacharya

Chandrakant's graphic representations, as one in the work titled " Krishna Chhaya" evoke literal clues to black money. However, the artist has a silent mode. he makes us look silently at the row made of gold-plated peanuts and pins... ants, obviously... or is it us? 

The concerns in Chandrakant's work may look common as they reach us. But once we ponder over them, they are not common.

# MONEY * FOOD @ LIFE, 
Jehangir Hirji Art Gallery, 
1st floor, Fort, Mumbai,

Inauguration at 5 pm to 6 pm
on 15 th Feb 2016,

Chandrakant Ganacharya
Mumbai

Join us anytime, from the 20th to the 24th of February,

Dear Friends,

For four days, the Curator’s Gallery, CSMVS, shows new work by Howard Hodgkin, in the exhibition Made in Mumbai, 2016.

Join us anytime, from the 20th to the 24th of February, in a celebration of Howard Hodgkin’s deep connection with  Mumbai and the warm response of people, to his work reflecting the light and life of the city.

The film Howard Hodgkin in India, produced by the British Council  brings the celebration to an end on the 24th of February at 6.30 pm with a screening at the Visitor’s Centre Auditorium, CSMVS. Tea will be served at 6pm.

We would also like to invite you to an evening with the artist Sakti Burman, who will be in conversation with cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote on the 22nd of February 2016. Sakti Burman who is in the city for a solo exhibition of his works, draws his inspiration from several sources, ranging from the Ajanta caves to the paintings of the Italian Renaissance. The evening promises us insights into an artist who has embraced two cultures and created from them, his own unique world of fable, fantasy and myth. 

Do join us on for tea at 6pm at the Visitor’s Centre, CSMVS on the 22nd of February. The talk will begin at 6.30pm.

Delhi Art Fair at its absurdity best!

A recent visit to India Art Fair in Delhi, observed as India's most prestigious Art Fair in the country known for its class, scale and presentations of its featured artists who participate with various style and genre at the Art Fair aimed for public viewing. The Fair is significant for creating a sense of curiosity for art lovers and artists across the country. It is considered as one of the motivational event for creative brains. However, it was a bit awkward process this year, where one had to go through series of terms and conditions and security protocols issued in an environment of sensitive expression and emotional belief and intimacy. No doubt, it must have been in the keen interest of security, but on slipping in, there was lot more to be sensed than just security rationale.   

New Delhi Entry for New Hope in Art 
( image wikipedia)

Generally, upcoming artists and art lovers come here to witness the salutary creations of established artists and attend discussion and talks about current and feature art works, curatorial projects, collaboration of galleries with artists, art in public spaces and art education and practices. The initiative taken by the galleries and established artists in the country show a keen interest in development of art and education and bringing new dimension and perspective and verticals in academia of visual practices and initiating public forums as well as creative programs to engage art practices within public space. All said and done! Fair enough, witnessed by a few who could trick themselves in the campus of sensitive, sensible and sumptuous creativity zone. 

The basic idea and hopefully if not mistaken, ‘Art Fair’ is organised in park where there are shows and display of artistic fervour and it is entirely aimed at impressing public and art lovers despite of their financial and social status. It is supposed to be free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules. But this Art Fair has totally changed the concept, it has not at all been fair to many and the idiom 'Everything comes at a price", seemed pertinent to the operation of whole affair of the Fair.

The rates of ticket amounting thousands is an expensive matter for the passionate artists and patrons of art coming from far off places to view, admire and learn as as they can from such Fair. But I think a 'Piggy bank' meant to inculcate good habit in children of collecting and saving money, should be followed by these artists and patrons to collect and save money for the upcoming Art Fair, so that they can get the entry, if lucky enough! More than a layman who is supposed to view and develop appreciation for art, one had the feeling that it was a summit of elites. The pompous socialites were the most sought after and heartily welcomed viewers of the Fair. Discussions were nothing but diplomatic views. Established artists forged elements and textures of verbal expression. Obviously ending up as entertainers of numerous platforms with their directorial ideologies and philosophies. Evidently, the neutrality was completely diluted and farce irked the patrons of art. It was clearly an exaltation of delusory beguiling. The spot turned out to be the resource of placid clandestine deal with the certain class of influence. The art lovers and artists from third estates or masses were rare at the scenario as the invitations were restricted to elites only.

India Art Fair- Photo by  Lawande Vinit

This Art Fair failed to establish connection with novice artists and art buffs among masses and that too ironically at the happening taking place at Public Park. This was a grave mistake; very offensive! It has to be given critical importance, because the neglect of masses for classes can affect the future of Art Fair.   

The only rectification for this mistake is that there should be no viewing restrictions and limitations on entry for viewing art works and getting acquainted with established galleries and artists expressing concerns on introducing programs to engage artists and masses into art practice for development of language and vision of art as a representative culture for all, in common interest.

I believe, that if almost all the established artists of today who vocalize their complain about restrictions, permissions and explorations and quest and queries of art when confronted by institutions and galleries, then why do they go mute in case of restrictions, permissions, explorations and quests that pop up at such events held in the name of Fair, for layman, at public spaces?

Do you think : Kabir can go to today's  art fair ??? ( image wikipedia)

Think : Kabira, are the today's Art Fairs for you?
No glamour and bucks to showoff, but only
awareness and distinctive creativity by you!
Save Kabira, save, just for a glance of the proclaimed few,
'cause your presence and intellectual level will be snubbed ,
Evaluating you on basis of  social and economic view.     
 

Introducing new ideas and new visions is easy to express, but the bitter truth is far tasteless in reality. In recent times or until today I have not seen any collaborative projects being introduced in public spaces or in institution by artists or galleries as they are solely for private circulation. To get into the circle one has to count the price and not just calculate on your art or process. Invitations move within certain circles and not in Art Institutions or for young and talented artist waiting eagerly, ready to work.

Artist :Lawande Vinit

Sadly, such organization of programs are not encouraging, instead these seem to be only an encroachment of public parks. Art Fair at Public Park is moving away from its sublime motto of development in spreading art and its processes among society to promote young talent, introducing them to various platforms of development. This very base has been reduced to secondary consideration. Art fervency is chocked in unfavourable, faith-lacking conditions of such events. If the constant rejection and criticism of masses go point-blank, very soon it will jeopardize the manipulative intentions that are gaining preference.  

 Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
 ( image wikipedia)

Being global, is the need this age. Unlike Vincent van Gogh, who had only one exhibition in his life time and sold only one painting, now artists have to display their art and make their art known to the world through various mediums and gallaries, so exposure to knowledge and opportunities is a necessity, so there should be no barriers for strugglers, students and patrons on entry and participation in various forums and talks. As a well- wisher and an art patron I feel, it would be the right move if galleries introduce public forums creating opportunities of art, culture and literature in simple and common language for all and must be patient in the process. If such events in interest of public, have to be made a huge success, involvement of art appreciators from among the masses have to be entertained and encouraged.

By Pankaja JK 

in association with Vinit Lawande.

(2016 - No copyright claim of any image by Writer or Artblogazine.com)

send feedback to JK  pankjajk@gmail.com  /  Vinit Lawande : vinit.lawande@gmail.com

Also Read More on New Magazine website :

http://www.artblogazine.in/delhi-art-fair-at-its-absurdity-best/ 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Art Blogazine  and Art Blogazine does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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