JOIN USWhat one gets to see at the ongoing 58th edition of the National Exhibition of Art, put together by the Lalit Kala Akademi, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), are works of 111 artists from across the country.
The artists have been picked based on their merit. It is evident how the participating artists have blended creativity and imagination to present extraordinary pieces of work.
There are paintings and sculptures on display. Anupama, an artist from Delhi, chose to pay a tribute to the Indian woman through the many women figurines that she has created. “My sculptures are an ode to modern-day women (in both villages and cities) who toil day and night to augment the family earnings, do household chores and keep the family together. I’ve created figurines of women who are dancing and those who work by the hearth in their homes,” explains Anupama. She has used a mix of strings and aluminium wires to create her work.
Every artist has managed to bring in a touch of the culture and way of life of their respective native lands. Akhil Mohan, a native of Kochi, has depicted the paddy fields of the state. His paintings show how people work in the paddy fields.
“Kerala is known for its coconut trees and paddy fields. People can easily identify with the picture and it also brings back a certain nostalgia for those who have moved out of their native lands in search of jobs,” explains Akhil. He also says that he can easily identify with the instances that have been shown in his painings. “I am familiar with the process of growing and harvesting paddy. I’ve shown all this in my work,” he adds.
Another artist, Chandan B Baruah, has used the print-making technology on wood in his work. He has paid a tribute to the Indian soldier. “The soliders guard our country’s borders and work very hard to make sure that the people here are safe. I have paid a tribute to their dedication, commitment and discipline. They literally worship their work and have a dedication like none other,” says Chandan.
Every piece of art displayed at the exhibition tells a story. Pavan Ganesh Kavitkar has used images of a pot to depict relationships. “I’ve used a pot as a metaphor to talk about relationships. If a pot is not held firmly, it will fall from one’s hands and break. Similarly, if a relationship is not given the respect it deserves, then it will not be a smooth sail. There must be mutual respect and commitment in every relationship,” he explains.
The exhibition is on at NGMA, 49, Palace Road, Manikyavelu Mansion, from 10 am to 5 pm, till March 24.