The Hindu : New Delhi News : Art in colours of mysticism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 28, 2006
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New Delhi

Art in colours of mysticism

Madhur Tankha

BREAK WITH MATERIALISM: A painting by Renu Agrawal

NEW DELHI: A painting must be a feast for the eyes of art connoisseurs. And the highly venerated paintings of the Tanjore school of art are an important constituent of Indian classical art forms. No wonder artist Renu Agarwal is mounting her debut three-day solo exhibition, beginning October 1, depicting Tanjore paintings at the Open Palm Court of India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.

Titled "Shakuntalam", the exhibition, which is an ode to Renu's deceased mother, is a handiwork of the artist's labour and creative genius. As the artist wants people to understand the meaning hidden in the symbolism of Hindu mythological themes, she will be showcasing works that depict Hindu gods and goddesses. Through this exhibition Renu intends to break free from the shackles of the materialistic world.

Beginning as a zealous effort to decorate her new home, the works by the artist in Renu soon found their space over the canvas in all the vibrant colours and mystic grandeur that form an intrinsic part of this traditional form of painting. Trained in interior as well as textile designing, the artist, an alumna of Lady Irwin College, received encouragement from her family and friends to portray the divine aesthetic character in her paintings.

Depicting new perspectives by blending the traditional style of the Tanjore school of painting with modernity in all its richness, Renu has produced works that manifest the traditional technique. Moreover, mythological themes are clearly visible, and new ideas and innovations are floated all over the canvas.

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