Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Progressive strokes

An exhibition of works by members of the recently revived Progressive Painters' Association

In an effort to sell the works of artists, many of them students of the College of Arts and Crafts, Madras, the then principal K.C. S. Paniker set up the Artists' Handicrafts Association in 1964. And to manage exhibitions and sales of the products made by the association, the Progressive Painters' Association was formed.

That the Artists' Handicrafts Association eventually bought land on the East Coast Road and established the Cholamandal Artists' Village is a known fact.

The Progressive Painters' Association was inactive for many years. But recently, it was revived and a new committee formed. And now, an exhibition of works by some of its members has been organised.

The paintings and sculptures of senior artists such as Haridasan, Senathipathi, Vasudev, Nandhan, Paramasivam and Anila Jacob can be recognised at once. Some of these works and a few by younger artists have been part of other exhibitions held in recent times.

Surrealistic at times

The mixed media works by Douglas, titled `Purpose of Sleep', seem to express disjointed and moving dream-like images, somewhat surrealistic at times. Clearly defined human and animal forms emerge in Gopinath's concepts, which are done in attractive colour combinations.

Surprisingly, Richard Jesudoss has showcased his acrylic figurative paintings in sober hues instead of his sculptures, which are his forte. B. O. Shailesh's acrylics on paper look like prints; the multi-layered use of colour in the background makes `Train' stand out.

Umashankar's works effectively express solitude. Though there is still some resemblance to his father's works, Saravanan's paintings of tribal women, expressing ruggedness in a stylised manner, are worthy of praise.

Latha Sivakumar's oils on canvas in small format make for pleasant viewing. Jacob Jabaraj's innovative use of discarded CDs for etching attracts attention. The metal reliefs by Geetha and Hemalatha are attractive and can make good gifts. The latter's frontal sculptures in welded metal with enamelling reveal a strong influence of senior artist Nandagopal.

The exhibition is on at Lakshana Museum of Aarts till today, 10.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

LAKSHMI VENKATRAMAN

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