Convergence of thoughts
MANU REMAKANTH
|
‘Convergence-2007 India’ saw artists from different countries express their thoughts on environment and humanity.
|
Photo S. Mahinsha
Platform for artists: ‘Convergence 2007 India.’
Viewers flocked to the gallery in Vyloppilly Samskriti Bhavan to view the works of celebrated artists from different parts of the world. The exhibition, ‘Convergence-2007 India,’ conducted by VAM Art offered a platform to artists from Africa, Europe and Asia to share their concern about environment and humanity, irrespective of geographic boundary, caste, creed or religion.
“It gives you an idea of contemporary art in other parts of the world,” said K.C. Chithrabhanu, art historian and consultant of VAM Art Inc.
Range of work
The works ranged from paintings to sculptures. Even an abstract impression ‘Observation II’ connected powerfully, though the tone and the language was shrouded in mystery. Dutch artist Ad Arma had an impressionistic work of what he saw in an observatory. Prabhakar Patil’s untitled painting was more straightforward in its approach and one was struck by the beauty of the expressively decorative forms and the antique architectural elements. Surendran P.K.’s ‘Palms and Ponds’ was another work that attracted the viewers. The surrealistic greenery in the scene made familiar palm trees look exotic. K. Damodharan’s untitled oil painting blended music and colour. It had everything to evoke positive vibrations in the mind of an art lover.
Shijo Jacob’s painting depicted a monstrous aircraft against the background of a star-studded blue sky has got political and environmental implications that one can never miss. By naming it ‘Starry sky,’ Shijo explained where he wants us to focus our attention on.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the exhibition was the series of abstract and experimental paintings from far and wide. An artist like Jiro Inagaki from Japan can write music on canvas with materials such as handmade paper, metal plate, copper wire and even straw. Using hieroglyphic images and abstract figuration, Ndidi Dike from Nigeria integrated cultural codes into her work of art. Her untitled work illustrated the Afro-Egyptian reality to the uninitiated art lovers. The series of abstract works of Lebanese artist Salwa Zeiden attracted the viewers.
The show also presented some surrealistic works like ‘The ballad of Mushroom’ by Muthu Koya, an artist from Lakshadweep. The work portrayed all the horrors and anxieties of the modern world.
The metallic work of Jyothilal shows the nature of abode of the living beings. It doesn’t matter whether you are a human or a bird. “The philosophical image of the tree with its roots upwards in Bhagawat Gita is seen encoded in the sculptural work,” says Vijayakumara Menon, art historian.
The exhibition also included works of Ajayakumar, N.N. Rimzon, B.D. Dethan, Jeevan Thomas and Jyothilal.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
