Expressions of soul
LALITHAA KRISHNAN
|
The timeless appeal of ragas has constantly influenced Vidya Sundar’s artistic journey over the past 12 years.
|
Photo: R. Shivaji Rao
Eloquent tableau: Vidya Sundar mixes music and paint.
Music is the harbinger of emotions. To capture a fleeting mood, to transcribe the magic of a moment inspired by Hindustani ragas from the ceaseless flow of melody in time and space to an eloquent tableau on canvas has proved an epiphany for artist, Vidya Sundar.
The timeless appeal of ragas has constantly influenced her artistic journey over the past 12 years. “My life centres round music and art. Listening to luminaries such as Vilayat Khan over the years, my instincts for spontaneous emotional expression have been finely honed.”
Haunting welcome
With the haunting strains of raag Marwa welcoming visitors at the start of the ten-day exhibition (August 11-20) inaugurated by poet, playwright and author, Sreekumar Varma at Vinyasa Art Gallery, the viewing experience took on a decidedly atmospheric note.
A fiery slice of golden-orange sunset sky framed by brooding cliffs defines the evocative grandeur of Marwa, an evening raga. In the foreground, a single plant, tender green leaves curling into a self-forgetful trance signifies the human spirit surrendering to a greater power.
Jog is a raga beloved of lay listeners and connoisseurs alike. Laden with the spirit of romance, yearning and sublime tenderness, it has inspired the artist to evoke the expectant stillness of a rain-washed night with wet leaves dripping moisture, quivering droplets trapped on delicately veined surfaces.
An enigmatic raag Madhusri also conveys shades of forlornness. Crisscrossing knife strokes in shades of darkening crimson suggest gathering loneliness, braved by a solitary white flower resting on the ground. ‘Alone yet unconquerable’ explains Vidya.
A solid bank of dark rain clouds showers life-giving bounty on a lone tree with golden foliage set against a melange of refreshing aqua, pink and violet shades in a depiction of Tansen’s creation, raag Mian Malhar.
Recurring motif
Using a combination of techniques encompassing roller and palette knife layering, brush swirls and finger smudging to define backgrounds and textures, Vidya has succeeded in imparting a different energy to each acrylic-on-canvas creation. The lotus is a recurring motif. “Blooming in the mire, its waxy leaves impervious to water, this flower distinguishes itself as an offering for the Gods rather than as an embellishment for mortals. Yet, within its austerity is an amalgam of vulnerability and a touching bravery that solitude brings,” muses Vidya.
Tale about Tansen
Legend has it that Tansen rendered raag Deepak with such intensity that he suffered burns on his body. How could you regard a raga that has the power to set lamps alight, with anything less than awe? An incandescent yellow background with subtly merged shades of crimson and orange lights up a deep green foreground that highlights an upright lotus, slender neck drooping from the rising heat.
In contrast, a magnificent, richly hued lotus in full bloom against a vibrant turquoise background draws and holds attention, a symbol of devotion and longing for the beloved/divinity in a representation of yet another Tansen creation, raag Darbari.
Raag Kedar draws you into its innermost depths, the divine lake, Manasarovar, brimming with a profusion of lotuses and floating leaves. But it is the imagery of Maru Behaag that lingers in your mind’s eye long after you have left – a moonlit rhapsody, silver-flecked waters, a white parijat tree sighing in the breeze, a prayerful lotus, a dry-brushed white mist that actualises windy gusts slipping through your fingers.
The 15 ragas represented also included Adana, Pahadi, Chaya Nat, Megh Malhar, Chandra Kauns, Bhoopesri and Bhagesri. “Expressions of my soul,” smiles Vidya.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
