The Hindu : New Delhi News : The colours of independent India

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Wednesday, Aug 08, 2007
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The colours of independent India

‘with a spirit of liberation’: Oil on canvas by Viveek Sharma

THIS FOR ``TALK OF THE TOWN” WITH PICTURE.

As a salute to the nation on its 60th Independence Day, Ati Art Gallery is hosting a three-day painting exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Delhi beginning August 11. The group exhibition is aptly titled ‘Independent India’.

In an attempt to make the most relevant and contemporary desi art strike the right chord with the discerning modern art lover, the exhibition will showcase works of 26 artists born after 1947. All the participating artists have port rayed their interpretation of modern Independent India.

Artist Seema Kohli’s series titled ‘The Golden Womb’ celebrates not just the freedom of the nation but also from human bondage and inner suffering. The all-pervading issue of urbanisation lights up artist Samit Das’s canvas with a portrayal of cities and dynamic development within the country.

But what stands out in the show is Mumbai-based Viveek Sharma’s canvas that shows the Father of the Nation. “It needs to be remembered that Gandhiji is as relevant to us now as he was before Independence. The representation of the infinite sky in my work portrays the spirit of liberation that will happen only if we follow Gandhiji’s footsteps,” he says.

George Martin’s works reflect the urban impasse. The work elucidates the never-ending desires of a human being. Kavita Nayar’s work titled ‘Woven Dreams’ interprets the common man’s dreams of independence, peace and the sublime.

Artist Namita Malik’s work reflects the various stages of mind -- the conscious, the subconscious and the unconscious. “I have focused on circles, texture and symbolic colours in my paintings,” she says, adding, “The light green and the orange colour in my painting can be related to the Indian flag which conveys the message of growth and prosperity.”

Tapan Dash has used multiple faces to convey confused thinking individuals, especially those born after Independence. “We have become so confused that we have lost the focus,” he says.

Kolkata-based Suman Roy’s work is inspired by indigenous tribes living near his home whose life has not changed even after 60 years of Independence.

Madhur Tankha

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