University in Diversity

Indiatimes
Indiatimes
Updated on Jun 21, 2014, 17:06 IST
University in Diversity

Jehangir Art Gallery is gearing up to showcase works by five artists a group show titled Unity in Diversity, starting next week. 

University in Diversity

The exhibition features a number of paintings and sculptures by artists Sandeep Chhatraband, Santosh Bhoir, Dinesh Parmar, Ram Kumar Manna and Uma Roychowdhury.

Says Santosh Bhoir, "Fascinated by all living creatures, be it man, birds, animals and plants, I express the symbiotic relation we all have had, through my paintings. My aim is to widen man's circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and nature and its beauty. As custodians of the planet, it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love, and compassion. In my works you will find muted colours or what I call earthy colours, beside the stylistic shape of beasts one never imagined. It's my own unique man-animal world."

Adds Sandeep Chhatraband, "The thematic hues in my work highlights the traditions and heritage of our culture through temples and ghats in Varanasi and its neighbourhood. The ghats of Varanasi are unique, tranquil and beautiful. My visits to Varanasi during different seasons over the years have inspired me to depict the architectural details and sanctity of our religious heritage with relevant vignettes in an expressive style. I have artistically adorned my works with relevant tonal rhythms and harmony of colours through light and shade effects. It has been my desire to bring alive the moments I spent painting the ghats — be it at dusk, at day or at noon. My works are realistic but aren't just images — they are imbued with feelings and passion and transport the viewer to the place."

Says Dinesh Parmar, "The simplicity and vivid cultural vignettes of social life of our rural areas inspired me to showcase those glimpses in my paintings. The present series illustrates distinct rural life and its various vignettes with emphasis on our culture and heritage. The colour tones used and their rhythm play a pivotal role in my work. I have tried my best to showcase the beauty of village women, their sentiments, emotional attachment with their pets and tried to capture their emotions in my works."

Says sculptor Ram Kumar Manna, "Over the years, I have worked with different forms and styles, without being repetitive, in order to discover my own idiom and visual language." Coming from a small village hamlet in West Bengal, Manna's works has witnessed maturity over the years. "From terracotta shreds found Mohenjodaro to terracotta sculptures, it has been a long journey. A fusion of experience and imagination has been amply manifested through the medium of terracotta," he says.

Adds sculptor Uma Roychowdhury, "Sculpting is for me is a way of immortalising the life I have witnessed. I portray life in its natural form and in a realistic manner, and blend it with my modern creative concepts. I have used sawdust as my chosen medium in mixed media constructions alongside conventional mediums, such as bronze and fibre glass."

(Unity in Diversity by five artists can be viewed at the Jehangir Art Gallery, AC-II, 161-B, M G Road, Kala Ghoda from June 24 to 30, 11 am to 7 pm)