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
--------------
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
