Things are vanishing before us - Premjish Achari

We live in a time when the digital and the physical are converging together in an unprecedented manner. The proliferation of screens and humanity’s addiction to it has flattened our sense of perception; it has irrevocably altered our visual experience.

( Premjish Achari )

 In our society, screens have become magical tools used by ‘augurers and haruspices’ or those who read omens in the stars, flights of birds and the entrails of animals, uncovering guilt and foreseeing the future. Through screens, we navigate the netherworld of imaginations. They have become our magic mirrors; it appears that we have formed a Faustian pact with the digital world. Software and digitised data are replacing the traditional physical dimensions of objects. We increasingly prefer Bitcoins and digitised banking rather than paper currency, digital images to printed photographs, e-books to paper books; we even seem to spend more money on our online personas. 

( Black Molasses by Aman Khanna)

Digitisation of objects, information, and emotions has irrevocably altered existing ways of knowing, doing and being. Will digital versions of objects such as artworks, photos, clothes, etc., render them obsolete? Will objects eventually shed corporeal form and become flat and virtual in the digital world? Will we define ourselves increasingly through what we consume and create in the digital space? Will our digital avatars overtake our physical selves? 

 The proposed exhibition attempts to analyse and perhaps even salvage the role of objects in our life, by paying particular attention to their ability to evoke the past through nostalgia and memory. Objects remind us of who we are, we often use them to demonstrate our identity. There is little difference between us and what we define as ours. The proliferation of software and digitised data are replacing the traditional physical dimensions of objects. In this passage of rites towards the virtual objects when things are vanishing before us I invite artists to contemplate on the function of objects, do they see this as a revolutionary paradigm shift, or do they prefer the old ways of possessing physical objects and its production more relevant in the preservation of memory and evocation of nostalgia. 

This exhibition is a key to unlock your memories. After entering this labyrinth laden with a series of objects to trigger your memories you will be able to reflect on how people interact with objects, how objects often symbolise something more than their intrinsic nature. 

-  by  Premjish Achari

Featuring:

Aman Khanna | Arti Vijay Kadam | Atul Bhalla | Chandan Gomes | Chinmoyi Patel | Dayanita Singh | Mansoor Ali| Muktinath Mondal| Nikita Maheshwary| Prajeesh A.D.| Riya Chatterjee| Roshan Chhabria| Sharmila Samant| Sumedh Rajendran| Umesh P K| Varunika Saraf| Waswo X Waswo

PIN POSTER:MUMBAI

Mumbai Gallery Weekend (MGW) is a unique initiative that commenced in the year 2012 by leading contemporary art galleries of Mumbai. Its prime objective is to engage not only existing but also potential collectors and supporters of the arts, in order to broaden the reach and relevance of contemporary art. Since its inception, the Weekend has featured an international level of art and conversation set within a diverse set of locations across the city.

Printmaking allowed her to edit and impose through the use of various surfaces and troughs created by deeper etches.

( TS/File photo/facebook/GalleryChemould )

In a society where gender decides on your freedoms a certain inhibition of one’s self manifests in a loss of self ownership. Many woman face such an existence in South Asia, their lives decided by male counterparts, most decisions forced, misogyny manifests mostly in violent forms of suppression.

Tejswini Sonawane born in a family of sisters, often lost the freedoms she enjoyed within her home once she stepped out on to the streets of Sholapur, her hometown. Encouraged by few for her uncles she joined the Sholapur Drawing College to pursue a career in art. She was unsure with her vocation and her practice until she enrolled for a Masters in Printmaking at the Sir JJ School of Art. Initially living in a hostel for girls she began to evaluate her life and the role of her father in her decisions. 

Then she began morphing self portraits by super-imposing images of animals. Printmaking allowed her to edit and impose through the use of various surfaces and troughs created by deeper etches. Sonawane dislikes animals but she uses their forms to distort human faces, she believes misogyny expresses and inhabits in our expressions through animal metaphors. Screeches of a cat became her expression of revolt against a patriarchal wish that disregarded her as an artist but rather wished she were married to man she did not know.

Graduating from the JJ School of Art she lost her place at the hostel and relocated to Dharavi to live among her relatives. Here she lived within the stink of putrid drying animal skin reminding her of Sholapur. Her community the Dhor, traditionally animal skin tanners who purchase skin from butchers, tanning them for cobblers. Within a small tenement living with her uncle’s family people were up-close throughout the day. Thats when she began working on her solo, sometimes etching scenes from her days babysitting her sister’s daughter entertaining her with conversations she strung up with a feral cat, or making portraits of a weeping younger sister - who was often ridiculed by others for her weight.

82 gum-bites, deep etches and dry points form the body of a solo debut using morphed animals that are surreally stretched. Portraits of cats, cows and dogs take on human anatomies while their expressions inhabit ours. Grisaille and rust renderings of colour remind us of the zinc and copper plates used to register these images, giving them a tonal quality that softens their dramatic content. The ‘Jatakas’ became popular in Maharashtra as tales that followed a courageous socio-political movement against caste exploitation. These Buddhist tales through animals reminded humans of their virtues and failings, Sonawane somewhere revisits these traditions to narrate stories of comic ignorance.

Sumeshwar Sharma

Clark House Initiative

OM PURI- 18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017 - RIP

(source image google /www.livemint.com)

Om Puri was born in Ambala to a Punjabi family. His father worked in the railways and in the Indian Army. As he had no birth certificate or records, his family was unsure of his date and year of birth, however his mother told him he had been born two days after the Hindu festival Dussehra. When he began his schooling, his uncle chose 9 March 1950 as his "official" birthday, however as an adult when he moved to Bombay, Puri looked up when Dussehra was celebrated in 1950, to establish his date of birth as 18 October

The Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation the 12th of January 2017.

The Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation and the CSMVS are delighted to present Kanu’s Gandhi in collaboration with Nazar Foundation opening on the 12^th of January 2017. The show gives people rare glimpses of Gandhi in unguarded moments, both in the personal and public space. Taken by his nephew Kanu who had rare access to Gandhi, these pictures were uncovered recently and give us a wonderful opportunity to study the Mahatma in solitude, at public events or during intimate moments he shared with his wife Kasturba.

The exhibition is the first of a two-part series on photography that the JNAF will present in 2017. This theme expands on the tremendous passion that the collector Jehangir Nicholson had for this medium and the archive of his work that is in the Foundation’s care. 

Do join us on the 12th of January at 6 pm at the Jehangir Nicholson Gallery . Tea will be served at 5.30 pm.

‘’ Love anything as it is, you cannot change love,but love can change you, you cannot change the one you love,

It was astonishing for me when I came across the book, Love Needed. The impression of the cover had enough to give eye balls too, it was definitely attractive. I read the name say, Zaara.A.Khan.  I wasn’t sure but was familiar with the name, flipping through the pages and  digging thoroughly gave me a insight to a new world.

The book Love Needed.

Love Needed is a novel that revolves in and around the capital city of India, Delhi. The book sounds just being a love story but reading the novel written by the young artist or author Zaara Alsabih Khan and we must say, her effort and hardwork is something that tells you much more realistic side of life.  

‘’The book is not just a complicated love story involving friends, it is about how parents fulfill their children's need sacrificing their own wishes, how they are treated with age.Encountering unexpected love,handling profession and family. What you may "SEE" may necessarily not be what you "SEE". Making you realise the real importance of time, money and death.How love melts a stone hearted person.With all the twists and turns in the life of a common man which leads him to a world beyond his thoughts.....’’

Author Zaara A. khan.

It is not surprising to mention that Zaara khan is a young inspiration to the new world . She is a medical student pursuing from Babu Banarasi Das, Lucknow. Apart,she is a certified Nutritionist and a Dietician. Her seminars attended by the youth are empowering, they are motivational and have a cause of expressions. In such short span of her journey she has readily worked in international (USA) based primary healthcare company, Sevamob as a camp co-ordinator and Nutritionist. She has given seminars to national and international organizations and institutions  like OXFAM, KVK and ICAR. Not only this, she sings and draws as well.

Zaara Alsabih Khan, happens to belong to Bhadohi which is located 45-50 kilometers from Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh India. Her father Iqbal khan is a businessman. And believe it or not she has travelled hours and hours daily just to study. She definitely breaks the stereotypical norms of belonging to a town, representing her city and state that’s what the vision and mission of a brighter and young India is.

Khan who is motivated by her mother,the doctor to be believes-  failing is a part of life if you don’t fail you never learn. She adds, One’s failure is an opportunity to success itself,but if something torments you mentally, you don’t need to be good at it,just leave.- zaara a. khan,love needed.

A part of the book stating about why Love Needed and why just not some other name?.

‘’ Love anything as it is, you cannot change love,but love can change you, you cannot change the one you love,for if you do ,you won’t love the new.If it’s given by any of the intentions above the other always feels good and right.If it builds you,always be ready to get destroyed. You can’t do without it,you can’t rid it, you will look for another, yet another, still with the pain, yet another. As intoxicating it goes, it won’t mind changing you from straight to homo, and if you don’t get it, you might end up loving yourself.

Hence, it proves that love has no boundaries,no limits,no time,no caste, no colour, no bar,no profession,no standards,no place,no age. That’s how one goes blind, deaf, mum, that’s how strong the power of cupid is and that’s how one pleads ''LOVE ME''. ‘’

 WHY?. BECAUSE

 ''LOVE NEEDED''.

-Love needed

- Review By Art Blogazine

Buy Book

http://www.amazon.in/Love-Needed-Zaara-Khan/dp/8192972887/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483107251&sr=8-1&keywords=love+needed

PIN POSTER : Mumbai NGMA

Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art, Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall, Mumbai
Inauguration: 23rd December , 2016, 6:00 PM
Open for Public from 24th December, 2016 till 31st January, 2017
Timing: 11:00 AM- 6:00 PM (Closed on Monday & Public Holidays)

”Mukha – The Intimacy” exhibition by Hesham Malik at Carpe Diem Art Gallery – Majorda. 7th Jan – 3rd Feb 2017

Art has been the very first language which we humans chose to communicate with. The symbols, signs and colours formed the basis of what we define as today’s languages. The future of the world art market is inextricably bound up with changes to our society and its role in the world. We all work towards art fundamentally becoming more than an award, a respected space for ideas and knowledge that enrich the rapidly changing societies in our world. 

Artist : Hesham Malik

 
As India embarks on the largest investment in the arts in this region, it takes the lead in opening up an exchange of ideas through the art markets between competitive countries, so art is not merely an inward, national-looking process. A plethora of artists take on the challenge of portraying our culture and history around the globe.

Hesham Malik is a leading contemporary artist of his time. Globally, he identifies himself as an Indian artist. Hesham currently holds the record for the most expensive painting sold by an Indian artist. Inspite of his consistent colossal success in the international art market, Hesham is a humble person who believes that art should not only be for the upper class but be made accessible to anyone.  A lifelong artist, Hesham painted both for personal satisfaction as well to help charitable organizations. Hesham as a young man was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the family business but once he moved back to Dubai after obtaining his degree in International Business at Seneca College in Canada, he continued painting to raise money for charities. As an individual who has had health issues that have controlled his lifestyle, Hesham understands and empathizes with differently abled people and has often worked with and supported organizations working in this field. Hesham Malik will be displaying 20 of his artworks in an exhibition titled “Mukha – The Intimacy”. 

“Mukhâ” has travelled from Beijing to Prague and from Prague to Goa, where one of the world’s most esteemed artists Hesham Malik has his roots intact. Mukhâ has made its way to be a part of the Carpe Diem Art Gallery – Majorda, Goa.
“Mukhâ” is a Sanskrit word which means Face. The artist aims to depict the connection of the energy within us which flows right to the heart and leads to a body or facial expression. The series being displayed has 20 art pieces which were created by the artist years ago. The series, on paper and on canvas portrays his style of abstract figurative with the intricate work on the subject and balanced by falling flakes.  

Many collectors state that when they experience Hesham’s bold colourful figures, they feel a hidden power and spirituality. On the other hand the artist himself states “As an artist I believe I should direct people to look at their sparkling hidden soul rather than our world’s harsh reality. Moreover, recognition for an artist is not as important as the work itself.”
“Mukhâ” was initially inspired through the Indian Spiritual practices – “which have been collectively known as Sanatana Dharma” states Hesham. It is evident that the artist has identified art and culture as a pillar of his identity and positions his art accordingly. This is not only demonstrated by the extensive display of his art but also his involvement in guiding young artists of the new generation. 

“Mukhâ” – the face is what we all see and is often the basis of many of our judgments about someone or something. The artist argues that the character and intention of people should play a larger role than the face. However, at the same time he views the face and expression as two different things.
Greatness in the work of art cannot be measured by its ability to be understood by the masses. Most artists spend more time looking and trying to figure out what the customer wants rather than what they seek to say. Hesham is one of the few artists who lives what he creates before his colours tell a tale.

It’s one thing to see Hesham’s paintings or sketches in a book or online, but to see it in person is quite a different experience, to stand in front of his pieces is like sharing the same heart with the artist. The interesting thing about this art exhibition is to see how people connect with the artist’s experience and declaration. 

Hesham has selected one artwork " 8 Griffions" to be auctioned. The proceeds will be donated to an NGO - “Sethu” - Centre for Child Development and Family Guidance who are based in Goa and who have been tirelessly helping thousands of children over the last several years. Sethu is a charitable trust based in Goa, India, which helps children get the best out of their lives as they grow and develop. Sethu’s mission is to be a bridge between children and their families, their schools and their communities to foster their complete development through assessments, therapy, educational initiatives, training, awareness and capacity building.

“There are 7 figurative angels on the painting but the painting is titled 8 Griffons as the 8th angel is the viewer and in our case it would be the children at Sethu's.” – Hesham Malik

“Mukha – The Intimacy” will open at Carpe Diem Art Gallery – Majorda Goa on the 7th of Jan’17 along with the auction for charity.  The exhibition will remain open till 3rd Feb’17.

Shankar Palsikar (1916-1984) - “A Centenary year of Artist’s Birth” National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai

Shankar Palsikar (1916-1984) - “A Centenary year of Artist’s Birth”
National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, Ministry of Culture and Government of India in association with Shankar Palsikar Art Foundation and The Raza Foundation, New Delhi presents Shankar Palsikar (1916-1984) - “A Centenary year of Artist’s Birth”, a major exhibition of a visionary who shaped the course of modern painting. 

Prof. Shankar Palsikar a teacher of par excellence for generations of students, he evolved original interpretations to the traditional and rich art of this sub-continent by giving it a harmonious turn, a subtle twist there, thus creating a new contemporary world of Indian art. Palsikar Sir, besides being a great orator, was a sensitive writer in Marathi and English. He was born in Sakoli Village in Vidarbha. After his matriculation he studied in Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai (1942-1947). He was awarded several prizes including the most coveted one- the Meyo Medal- for his first class scholastic career in 1947 at Sir J.J. School of Art, the First Cultural Scholarship in Fine Art, by Govt. of India(1949), Gold Medal of Bombay Art Society(1950), Gold Medal by Fine Art Society of Calcutta(1950).

He was also honoured with Gold Medal and Life Membership by the Art Academy of Italy for his outstanding services in the field of Art and Art-Education. Beside the major honours mentioned above, he was awarded Silver and Bronze Medals on many art events in India and was nominated as one of the nine eminent artists of India by Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. In 1965, he represented India in International Plastic Art Conference held in England. He was appointed as Dean of the Sir J. J. School of Art in 1968 and retired in 1975. As an art educationist, he was invited by Govt. of Sri Lanka to plan the academic programme for the art institutions in that country. He was nominated as one of the nine eminent artists of India by Lalit Kla Akademi, New Delhi and a member of advisory committees of various universities in India. 

The Indian Art fraternity that consists of both artists and art connoisseurs alike is aware that, like the master painters S.H. Raza, M. F. Hussain, V. Gaitonde and K. K. Hebbar, Prof. Palsikar had deeply contributed to the evolution of Indian Art, but unlike them, had always preferred to remain a devoted teacher to his adoring students. Being a pedagogue, unwilling to be in the artistic limelight, he never deigned to have a public viewing of his works, but a posthumous retrospective, during the year of his passing, was organised by Prof. Vasant Parab, then Dean Sir J. J. School of Art in coordination with the Govt. of Maharashtra at the Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai in 1984. It would be great privilege to artists and art lover to view his paintings at the centenary Exhibition at NGMA from 23rd Dec. 2016 – 31st Jan. 2017. 

It is a major exhibition of a visionary who shaped the course of modern painting. The exhibition is curated and designed by Arvind Hate. During the tenure of this exhibition, special art and cultural programmes such as musical evenings, book launches, dance and lectures would be organised at National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai. These programmes have been designed in respond to Prof. Palshikar's persuasive conviction about inter-relationship of all art forms. He always used to remind us that artists from various art-practices must reciprocally react to each other and sense the common goal that creates fundamental understanding of art and aesthetic that strengthens the cultural growth of an individual in particular and society in general.

Convenor: Prabhakar Kolte
Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art, Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall, Mumbai
Inauguration: 23rd December , 2016, 6:00 PM
Open for Public from 24th December, 2016 till 31st January, 2017
Timing: 11:00 AM- 6:00 PM (Closed on Monday & Public Holidays)

PIN POSTER MUMBAI: ART GATE GALLERY

Art Gate Gallery
115, Jamshedji Tata Road, 1st Floor, Above Satyam Collection, Next to Eros Cinema, Churchgate, Mumbai, India 400020