The Hindu : New Delhi News : An interesting Russian portrait of India

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 30, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

An interesting Russian portrait of India

Ilya Komov is a Russian artist with a strong Indian connection. His father was a well-known sculptor who was commissioned to make a memorial statue of Indira Gandhi. This statue is now at the Indira Gandhi Square in Moscow. While his father's hands have shaped the way most Russians look at one of India's most dominant figures in recent times, decades later Ilya is now portraying the sights and sounds of its people.

On his last visit to India, he met United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi who remembered his parents. His powerful links apart, Ilya has always wanted to visit India, a country that his parents had travelled to earlier. A dream that finally came true this February, and his impressions of the country have culminated in an exhibition titled "Russian Portrait of India''.

While Ilya's portrayal of the country might not be the first Russian view of India, it certainly is interesting. From the chaotic colours of the Suraj Kund Mela to familiar faces in the narrow winding streets of Old Delhi, Ilya's works capture different aspects of local flavour in his distinct bold style.

Strokes of bright yellow, oranges, purples and blues bring to life faces of the turbaned men, old havelis and women in saris. While his subjects might not be unusual in terms of content for foreign eyes, his treatment and style makes them new.

Fascinated by India, he spent his first six weeks painting all that he saw. Not satisfied with six weeks, he has come back for this exhibition.

Known for "painting his heart on to the canvas" in keeping with the tradition of old Russian art, he has been making a name in Russia and abroad. While he is known for his portraits and especially capturing the essence of a person in just a few strokes, he paints urban landscapes that show the juxtaposition of the modern and the ancient in Russia in the 21st Century. For those who want a little take on the Indian tramp's country from the land of the "laal topi", Ilya's exhibition is a good place to start with.

The exhibition, which opened at the India International Centre Art Gallery on Wednesday, is open up to January 5. --Mandira Nayar

--Mandira Nayar

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi