Friday, 19 April 2024

AstaGuru’s ‘Next Gen’ Auction Shines with Iconic Anish Kapoor Sculpture and Contemporary Masterpieces”

 

AstaGuru will present the next edition of its ‘Next Gen’ Contemporary Art Auction with over 100 works by leading and famous contemporary artists. The finely curated catalogue is led by an awe-inspiring creation by Anish Kapoor, executed in 2012. Lot no. 71 by Kapoor belongs to his vast oeuvre of mirror-like stainless steel discs that manipulate reflections, creating captivating distortions while providing a seamless view. This lot is estimated to sell at INR 5,00,00,000-7,00,00,000.

Works by eminent contemporary Indian artists such as Atul Dodiya, Subodh Gupta, Jitish Kallat, Nataraj Sharma, Valay Shende, Suryakant Lokhande, Ranbir Singh Kaleka, Surendran Nair, Bose Krishnamachari, Jagannath Panda, Baiju Parthan, Jayashree Chakravarty, Sheila Makhijani, G R Iranna and Sudhir Patwardhan will also be on offer. The auction is scheduled for April 8-9, 2024.

Commenting on the upcoming auction, Ankita Talreja, AVP at AstaGuru Auction House says, “This auction will be showcasing a diverse curation of works by both leading and upcoming artists in the contemporary Indian art space. These artists have been instrumental in voicing the passions and concerns of the current time, and reshaping how Indian art is seen today. Influenced by their cultural backgrounds and personal trials and tribulations, each work is a unique depiction of their artistic vision. Not only are these works diverse in subject matter, but also in styles, techniques and palettes. The unconventional and innovative nature of contemporary Indian art has found a growing base of collectors, both new and seasoned, looking to diversify their collections. We are proud to offer collectors a chance to acquire impressive sculptures and paintings from the oeuvres of the next generation of visionary artists. ” 

Surendran Nair:

Lot no. 1, an oil on canvas work titled ‘Rainbows In Curved Air – Study For An Installation Elysium (Cuckoonebulopolis)’  by Surendran Nair was executed in 2010. The artist draws inspiration from political caricatures and cinema posters. His work seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary imagery while being rooted in surrealism. This lot is estimated to sell at INR 15,00,000-20,00,000.

Rana Begum:

Rana Begum’s Lot No. 8 titled ‘No. 679 – Fold’, executed with lacquer-coated steel in 2016, is an impressive example of her prowess in minimal abstraction and geometric constructions.  She is best known for works that are an enigmatic interplay of light, colour and shapes on surfaces. This is estimated at INR 15,00,000-20,00,000.

Prithpal Singh Ladi:

Lot No. 15 is an untitled creation by Prithpal Singh Ladi. Executed with fibreglass, aluminium, rope, glass, wood, and paint, the sculpture showcases Ladi’s penchant for the unconventional, as he effortlessly transitions between the mundane and the fantastical. The lot will be offered at an estimate of INR 20,00,000-30,00,000.

Shilo Shiv Suleman:

Titled ‘Separation (The Magician)’, Lot No. 16  by Shilo Shiv Suleman is a unique display of magical realism. The acrylic on canvas executed in 2022 showcases Suleman’s fascination with the female form and nature. This lot is estimated at INR 8,00,000-10,00,000.

Atul Dodiya:

Lot No. 29 titled ‘Stammer In The Shade – VIII’ is a sculpture executed with acrylic, marble dust, iron crutches, iron brackets & gold leaf by artist Atul Dodiya. Executed in 2005, the presented lot will be offered at an estimate of INR 20,00,000-30,00,000.

Valay Shende:

Lot No. 36, a sculpture titled ‘Girl With Balloons (ED: 2APS+8)’ by eminent sculptor Valay Shende, is executed using his signature medium – coated & painted stainless steel discs. The presented lot serves as an ode to children often seen selling ephemera, such as balloons in this instance on the road. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 10,00,000-15,00,000.

Sheila Makhijani:

Titled ‘Peachy Peach Leachy Leach’, Lot no. 43 is an acrylic on canvas by Sheila Makhijani, created in the year 2002. The intense display of movement through soft and dark colour tones adds a unique and nuanced take on her intricate geometry. This lot is estimated to sell at INR 15,00,00,000-20,00,000.

Nataraj Sharma:

Lot No. 64 titled, ‘Tailor Ahmed 6th Main 36th Cross’ is an oil on canvas by Nataraj Sharma. His canvases, imbued with both wit and introspection, delve into the ramifications of swiftly evolving urban landscapes. Employing a complex interplay of visual elements— memories, sweeping vistas, technology, intricate imagery, and the natural world—Sharma crafts a distinctive visual dialect that infuses familiar imagery with fresh connotations. This lot is estimated at INR 30,00,000-40,00,000.

Subodh Gupta:

Lot No. 103 titled ‘Black Thing (Ed:1/3)’ is a large-scale sculpture by Subodh Gupta executed using steel structure, plastic and painted stainless steel pincers.  The presented lot, created in  2007, showcases Gupta’s artistic vision and preoccupation with monumental works utilising objects seen in daily life. This lot is estimated at a value of INR 60,00,000-80,00,000.

Thukral & Tagra:

Lot No. 118 is an untitled oil on canvas by Thukral & Tagra. The duo’s work is characterised by vibrant imagery and exuberant colours, featuring everyday objects like cameras and alarm clocks alongside people, flora and fauna. This lot will be offered at an estimate of INR 10,00,000-15,00,000.

An analysis of the auction results can be viewed on www.astaguru.com.

All figures include margin amt.

About AstaGuru

AstaGuru Auction House was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Contemporary & Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions encompassing diverse categories, our portfolio includes art, jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately and vintage cars. In 2018, AstaGuru became the first Indian auction house to present an exclusive edition for vintage and classic cars. “AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles. The online module offers bidders the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their houses or while they are on the go.

For more information, please log on to https://www.astaguru.com/

Facebook: @Astaguru | Instagram: @astaguru | X: @astagurutweets

Colourful realms of life - Vachi Art Gallery

A group art exhibition showcasing the works of 11 eminent artists will be presented by Vachi Art Gallery at 141-B, 1st Floor, Atria Mall, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018 from 22 to 28 April, 2024. It will be open for free public viewing there daily from 11 am. to 7 pm.

The contemporary artists participating in this group art show are Somenath Maity, Pradip Sarkar, Anand Panchal, Bhaskar Rao, Ganpati Hegde, Nilesh Nikam, Amol Pawar, Sukanta Das, Rahul Dangat, Paras Parmar, Arti Vohra        

Nature occupies an important place in the conceptual paintings in this art show. It signifies various norms of Life in Nature and Gods in Nature in the pictorial forms as paintings. In a way, the vivid works to be displayed in this show will be focussed on Nature and its sanctity in life.

By Sunita Sanghai - Owner of Vachi Art Gallery

 Various works will be presented in different mediums and techniques by the participating artists as per their thematic perceptions.

Artist: Somenath Maity

Somenath Maity – He has endeavoured to capture the essence of bustling cities through oil paintings in abstract style. He is meticulous and uses bold colours and textures to portray raw energy and dynamism of the urban environments leading to cit

Pradip Sarkar – His works explore the fusion of imagination and music symbolizing life’s essence. He has advocated the presence of divine energy wityscapes in his style of focus on form, colour, and texture rather than people or building. hin humanity. His artistic use of geometric semi-abstraction in the artworks reflect a meditative journey rooted in Vedic philosophy and pursuit of self-discipline. It is a spiritual semi-abstract geometric art using imagery and symbolism.

.Sukanta Das – He creates captivating mixed media work based on beautiful portraits of women who are both pleasing and enigmatic. These figures spark the viewers’ imagination inviting them to create narratives around the subject. He uses calligraphy into his work thereby adding a unique blending of modern sensibilities and traditions in his style.

Artist: Bhaskar Rao

Bhaskar Rao – He paints landscapes filled with memories of the places he has seen. These works reveal his love for the world and the joy, awe and sometimes sadness. Trees are a special symbol in his works to signify their importance to nature and culture.

Rahul Dangat – He incorporates both warm and cool ethnic hues in his paintings, aiming to evoke the pleasant scent of soil and the soothing/calming feeling of the first rains. His style is based on abstract landscapes with a focus on nature and the textures specially achieved to get the desired visual effect in the works.

Amol Pawar – His diverse experimentations with mediums, colours, and forms reflect his unique life’s rhythm, predominantly captured in earthy tones which echo his profound connection with nature. He seamlessly blends figurative and abstract elements, depicting human figures as reflections of himself. He portrays eternal love symbolised by Shakti that includes powerful animal figures and symbolic elements like numbers and calligraphy.

Nilesh Nikam – His art revolves around meditation and holistic wellness featuring iconic symbols like tortoise, lotus and conch providing solace amidst life’s chaos. He has used meditation as a valuable practice in human life with priority on health and well being. Inspired by meditative yoga practice ‘Tratak’, his works guide viewers through inner reflection with a gradual focus on a central point to attract positive energy. He often introduces new concepts and symbols enhanced by colours symbolising success such as gold, silver and bronze etc., enriching his works with depth and significance.

Artist: Anand Panchal

Anand Panchal – He has depicted landscapes inspired by his life experiences filled with gratitude and love. His strokes illustrate memories and emotions echoing his personal truths. Trees symbolize resilience having sacred significance in his works. His art reflects deep connection with nature and the environment characterized by a blend of landscape, themes

Paras Parmar – He delves into abstract poetry and verse with a focus on blues and earthy hues. It presents a harmonious structure reflecting a serene state of mind, devoid of conflict. His use of vibrant colours and subtle pastel tones together create a positive and tranquil atmosphere. Layered influences of mood within the painting evoke gentle emotions in a sensitive human being and spirit. His work ‘Kamdhenu’ is extremely thematic & relevant.

Artist: Ganpati Hegde

Ganpati Hegde – His work ‘Sumukha’ portrays Lord Ganesha as a symbol of nature’s energy using vibrant colours and natural elements like flowers and leaves. It suggest the Ganesha’s eternal connection to creation and spiritual happiness to result into symbolic figurative work. Wealth depicts Laxmi the goddess of prosperity embodying the concept of wealth beyond material possessions including nature’s abundance. An elephant bows before her as she sits gracefully on a lotus, adorned with symbolic elements emphasizing the sacredness of nature and divine blessings. It is a symbolic depiction of the deities.

Arti Vohra – Her artwork incorporates every aspect of life subtly influencing our perceptions & experiences. True essence of art lies in the eyes of the beholder to allow for diverse interpretation. Her aim is to create artwork which offers the viewers the freedom to interpret it in their own way. She is impressed by the diversity of the world and it has duly resulted in her sound artistic expressions in the unique art works. 


From: 22nd to 28th April 2024

Vachi Art Gallery Presents

The Soul’s Canvas”Expressions of Inner Worlds”

An Exhibition of paintings by 11 eminent artists - Somenath Maity, Pradip Sarkar, Anand Panchal, Bhaskar Rao, Ganpati Hegde, Nilesh Nikam, Amol Pawar, Sukanta Das, Rahul Dangat, Paras Parmar, Arti Vohra

VENUE:-

Vachi Art Gallery

141-B, 1st Floor, Atria Mall / Dr. Annie Besant Road,

Worli, Mumbai 400 018 / Timing: 11am to 7pm.

Contact: +91 9152011110 / www.vachiart.com


Tuesday, 16 April 2024

The Guild is delighted to announce The Chaos Trilogy III:

Out of Here, That’s My Goal, an upcoming exhibition curated by Premjish Achari and featuring the works of Baiju Parthan, Gigi Scaria, Gulammohammed Sheikh, Namita Vishwakarma, N. N. Rimzon, Rajkumar Korram, Ranbir Kaleka, Ravi Agarwal, Sathyanand Mohan and Shantibai.

The exhibition will preview at our Alibaug location on Friday, the 19th of April, at noon, and continue until the 30th of June.

The Chaos Trilogy - III

The three exhibitions that form the Chaos Trilogy open the conversations on the chaotic situation we are embroiled in to examine the various crises that have taken centre stage in the last three decades in India. The first two parts of the exhibition, titled Disorder Under Heaven and Aliens in a Foreign Land were held over 2022–23, and looked at the themes of the growing social chaos since the nineties; and the questions of home and homelessness, respectively.



All Images © Artist and The Guild

Out of Here, That’s My Goal

In this final exhibition, as part of the Chaos Trilogy, we examine the ecological crisis and map various artistic responses to the impending doom. The ongoing environmental crisis originated with modernity and has escalated in the last three decades because of the increased exploitation of natural resources. This problem has also led to the rise of climate refugees, mass displacement and disenfranchisement of citizens, and aggressive destruction of ecologically sensitive areas with the help of newly formed laws.


Kafka's writing inspires the title, and in this context, it does not propose an exit from this situation; instead, it advocates departing from the status quo if we need to imagine an ecologically sensitive future. The mainstream discourses on the ecological crisis and the strategies of resistance are mainly anchored from a Eurocentric perspective. The global south is obscured from these discussions. It is often held responsible for this crisis due to heavy dependence on fossil fuels, large-scale manufacturing units, and archaic waste disposal systems without addressing the exploitative nature of the global capitalistic system. Furthermore, we must understand the limitations of alternatives, such as lifestyle environmentalism, that blame modern consumer culture as the root cause of ecological problems. We need an urgent shift of frames sensitive to the context of the global south to understand the material interests of the global south in saving the environment. How could we harness such an interest to confront the owners of capital who are responsible for this crisis? This exhibition proposes alternative perspectives to look beyond the local, the parochial, and the community to think about planetary solidarity and human emancipation.

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, and 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.

For more details, please contact us at:

teamattheguild2@gmail.com, theguildart@gmail.com 

200breath taking images by 100 plus professional as well as amateur wildlife, nature, travel and food photographers from across India and abroad

DCP Expeditions, India's one of the fastest growing Photography Training Academy will be exhibiting its 9thGrand Annual Photography Exhibition 2024, on 19th,20th and 21stApril 2024 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Bombay Art Society situated at K. C. Marg, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.

Ashok Dewangan_Floating Market-Bird Eye View

The exhibition carries with it a legacy of almost a decade, exhibiting astonishing creative photography by hundreds of photographers from across the country and also, from beyond the country borders. The platform aims at providing the talented photographers an exposure to a wider audience. The imagery involves several genres of photography starting from wildlife, birds, macro, landscapes, astro to travel, streets and food photography.

Photograph: Caesar Sengupta

A total of 200breath taking images by 100 plus professional as well as amateur wildlife, nature, travel and food photographers from across India and abroad, will be displayed in two galleries. Photographs printed on Epson enhanced Matt papers and beautifully mounted in frames will glorify the galleries of Bombay Art Society for three days. The previous exhibitions conducted in the bygone years had immense success with nearing 5000 footfalls over 3 days. This year, the exhibition is optimistically looking forward towards over 7500 footfalls.

Photograph: Santanu Majumdar

This year the exhibition is supported by industry leaders like Olympus India, Creative New tech and Photoshop by Honeycomb Creative Support Ltd.

For more information, kindly check the website https://dcpexpeditions.com/

For detailed information, kindly contact:

Dr Caesar Sengupta

caesar@dcpexpeditions.com

9819839820


From: 19, 20, 21 April 2024

DCP Expeditions to exhibit its Grand Annual Photography Exhibition 2024

at Bombay Art Society, Bandra

 

VENUE:

The Bombay Art Society

K. C. Marg, Bandra Reclamation,

Opp. Rang Sharda Hotel

Bandra(West), Mumbai 400 050

Timing: 11am to 7pm.

For more information, kindly check the website https://dcpexpeditions.com/

For detailed information, kindly contact:

Free Entry

The National Gallery of Modern Art

 

The National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, Government of India cordially invites you to the Celebration of 70th Foundation Day of NGMA  on Friday, 29th  March 2024 at 5:00 pm. 

Your presence will add joy to our celebration!


Tuesday, 9 April 2024

Yellow Canvas – Children’s Art Exhibition 2024

 A non-commercial group art exhibition showcasing the works of about 100 school children from preschool to 12th standard from 11 countries will be held at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Bajaj Bhavan, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021 from 12th to 14th April, 2024 between 11 am to 7 pm. This is the 4th edition of group art exhibitions coordinated by Mr. Sohan Kumar Choudhary who is himself an artist having passed B.F.A. from Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai. This exhibition is the first of its kind to be held in Mumbai with a participation of about 100 students from Mumbai and other States of India, Singapore, USA, Israel, Germany, Netherland, U.K., U.A.E., Mayanamar, Belgium, Hong Kong. Students are exhibiting artworks made in different mediums as in Acrylic, Charcoal, Pen & Ink, Mixed Media, Oil pastel, soft pastel & watercolour etc will be showcased in the exhibition and there will be free entry for this Art exhibition.

This show will be inaugurated on 12th April 2024 by Honourable Guests Dolly Thakore -  Indian Theatre Actress, casting director and Media & Communication Personality, Mrs. Manju Lodha - Chairperson Lodha Foundation, Poet, Philanthropist, Member of Censor Board & Vice President of Maharashtra Hindi Sahitya Akadami, Mr. S. P. Ahuja -  President- All INDIA Anti-Terrorist Front Mumbai, Dr. Soma Ghosh - Classical, Folk & Ghazal Singer, Recipient of the prestigious ‘Padma Shri ‘ Award in 2016, by Indian Government, Dr. Aneel Murarka -  Industrialist & Indian Philanthropist, Mr. S. Rajkumar - National Promotion Head KOKUYO CAMLIN LTD., Mr. Sooraj Thapar – Actor, has done more than 700 theatre, about 25 TVCs, & more than 75 Television Serials, Moni Kundu - Social media influencer, Meesha Gupta -  South Asian art consultant & Gallerist (London & Bombay),  Markand Soni -  Actor, Singer & song writer. Has done more than 300 TVCs, 6 Television shows & 3 Movies (Brahmastra - most recent), Varun Buddhadev – Actor, he has won The Best Child Actor Award From The Honourable President Of India For His Film Tulsidas Junior his 3 Films releasing In 2024, Delisha Chutani - Indian Child artist & kids influencer.


 Sohan Kumar Choudhary is the founder of Yellow Canvas which is a link between aspiring artists and their educator as well as the prospective art collectors. Sohan Kumar Choudhary conducts many art activities related to art such as Art Classes, Workshops, Art shows, Camps for all age groups etc. thereby promoting the artists to paint in various mediums and imaginations along with the introduction of Indian folk art such as Warli paintings, Madhubani paintings and Gond Art to connect overseas students/children with the nuances of Indian Culture & Art heritage as well as traditional Indian Art in order to encourage young talent.

The participating Students: Aaryansh Modi, Ariha Romin Mehta, Devam Modi, Hetvik Gupta, Ivaan Sancheti, Izyan Haseeb Musani, Tarushi Lodha, Armaana Lodha, Kabir Kurien, Luchkin Leonid, Anvay Shah, Raisha A. Gandhi, Reyansh Nanavaty, Ruhan Sancheti , Smera Sanghvi, Alishka Salecha, Amaira Jalak Desai, Annirudh Karkee, Kimaya Padhye, Partth Partik Jain, Savir Pavan Modi, Yug Ami Anand Pande, Aariv Sanghavi, Anaaya Deep Shah, Burhanuddin Mufaddal Umrethwala,  Hasan Khan, Kriday Garg, Mitansh Nilay Vakharia, Naevah Mehta, Anuriti Singh, Eva Kunal chandawalla, Mahee Kothari, Maishaa K. Patel, Mysha Manoj Jain, Riaana Shah, Satvik Subrotho Rana, Shanaya Kothari, Tanush Jani, Tashi Amit Gorwara, Aarav Jain, Aarya Viral Shah, Aum Desai, Dhyana Kothari, Nathanael Suganth, Nishi Bhavin Shah, Rianna Patel, Rishvika Ankit Solanki, Samaira P. Shah, Sanvi Ashish Khedekar, Shriya Mehta, Viraat Hingu, Vviyaa Ritesh Jain, Aalia Kacheria, Aarav Dave, Aditi Kothari, Ahaan Rishi Mantri, Aisha Kothari, Anaya Meghani, Dravya Vardhan, Kanishk Deshmukh, Nandini Ram Mohan, Nisreen Sanchawala, Swara Yogendra Kokate, Tarasha Tidke, Vivaan Shah, Vyom Goenka, Aamena  Lokhandwala, Anay Aadish Shah, Ayaana Agarwal, Daksh Hiral Jogani, Dhriti  Viral Dave, Dishita Sehgal, Havyn Ankit Parmar, Himnish Kashyap Mehta, Hufriya Cherag Italia, Kahaan Rathi, Owee Vinayak Hendre, Sanjana Viresh Valmiki, Vedika Dodia, Vivaan Siddharth Purav, Vritti Prem Avichal, Aarya Sharma, Dwisha Mehul Maniar, Natasha Kalpesh Rathod, Nithya Sharad Avhad, Nysha Pavan Modi, Riddhima Singh, Vedant Himanshu Ghela, Vyomi Rahul Mehta, Ananya Subrotho Rana, Manav Gorakh, Meghana Bhat, Pritika Shah, Taksh Gagan Kothari, Srisha Mota, Arman Saud, Maanya Parikh.


From: 12th to 14th April 2024

"Yellow Canvas 2024"

A Children’s Art Exhibition

 

VENUE:

Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery

Bajaj Bhavan, Ground Floor,

226 Jamnalal Bajaj Marg

Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

Timing: 11am to 7pm.

Contact: +91 9975781972


Wednesday, 27 March 2024

“Tradition Bound” Solo show of paintings By Well-known artist Kappari Kishan in Jehangir

 

Artist: Kappari Kishan

Kappari Kishan's paintings showcase a plethora of cultural and colourful vibes. His works accentuate happiness, simplicity and traditional ethos of his native being. The timeless hair decorations,  formal attires worn by Telugu women are an uncommon site these days and are best reserved for festivities. Here the artist still remains truthful to his subject and continues to being elusive. Come rain or shine the characters are geared up to brace the natural form of adversaries donning beautiful umbrellas. 

Acrylic on canvas

Braids, tiny hair jewellery and flowers are  featured in his work. The costumes of the characters have a distinct south Indian flavour and his love for painting the rear anatomy of his characters and painting Telangana women consistently for more than two decades now is  certainly  admirable. 

 

With the progression of time artists disembark from forms but Kappari Kishan is vehemently inducing serenity and mindfulness into his work.

 

Serene Buddha's, scenes from the Jataka tales along with the women characters is the metamorphosis and obvious in his present body of work. The faceless characters may appear quite mundane but for him the journey is quite therapeutic and a  motivation to open up his canvas. 

 

And one fine day when these traditional looking damsels vanish from the earth Kappari Kishans works will narrate "once upon a time they were people who dressed up so beautifully"  and the story continues and becomes elusive.




From 25th to 31st March 2024

“Tradition Bound”

Solo show of paintings

By Well-known artist Kappari Kishan

 

VENUE:

Jehangir Art Gallery

161-B, M.G. Road

Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001

Timing: 11amto 7pm.

Contact: +91 9848747432

 

Sunday, 24 March 2024

“A WALK THROUGH THE CITY – 2” I Solo show of Paintings by well-known artist Maredu Ramu in Nehru Centre Art Gallery

Rooted in an agricultural background, Maredu's imagery is a lexicon that is compelling in the works on display. Each composition has a message for the observer, be it through the hoardings or in the markings of a burgeoning metro. He is inspired by the growth in the city of Hyderabad, which is his domicile.

Artist: Maredu Ramu

His interest in architecture and the planned layout started on being inspired by the layout of the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro. The fact that there has been centuries of evolution in terms of materials use to build cities. Each city has a history and he experiences pride that his city of Hyderabad is "solid" in terms of not experiencing natural calamities and that there has been unprecedented growth.




Water bodies and birds form part of the linear compositions as the organic elements are part of his childhood and the village life that is deeply embedded in his imagination. Life in the city since adolescence has left an impact as one sees film hoardings of actors or of politicians who have left a mark in their field of work or who have brought about remarkable changes to society. His paintings have created a visual language with dense and opaque forms with multiple references. There is a child-like approach to his renditions that have thick brush strokes to emphasize certain symbolisms in his compositions. Unfinished works in the city that have created an impact in his life, are symbolic of the infinite growth that is the identity of an Indian city! Maredu Ramu has created a landscape for the observer to imagine and create their own journey.



From: 26th March to 1st April 2024

“A WALK THROUGH THE CITY – 2”

Solo show of Paintings by well-known artist Maredu Ramu

 

VENUE:

Nehru Centre Art Gallery

Dr. Annie Besant Road

Worli, Mumbai 400 018

Timing: 11am to 7pm.


Friday, 22 March 2024

"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