Friday, March 21, 2014

Nature in Focus, Shifting Terrains and more..

NEWS
Nature in Focus

Have you ever felt a sudden surge of excitement on spotting a tiger in the wild? Have you ever felt dwarfed by the sheer majesty of a Banyan Tree? Most nature lovers will have encountered these fleeting yet powerful emotions that leave a deep impression on your memory. The underlying chord that tugs you closer to nature is what is central to ‘Nature in Focus’. After the resounding success of Social Media, Bangalore will now play host to acclaimed international and national wildlife photographers from across the world at 'Nature in Focus’. The two day festival will host a series of in-depth workshops, insightful interactive sessions and crowd sourced exhibitions that will bring photography enthusiasts from all across the country on one platform. 
Put together by photography enthusiasts at R Square Consulting Services Pvt Ltd, the festival will see an impressive panel which award winning wildlife photographer Steve Winter who will also be the keynote speaker at the event, top naturalists and conservationists like Rom Whitaker, MD Madhusudhan, Vijay Mohan Raj along with photographers like Sudhir Shivram, Kalyan Varma, Ganesh H Shankar, Jayanth Sharma, Tasneem Khan and Arati Rao. Nature in Focus is not a regular event but rather a celebration of freedom, humility, beauty, and the feeling of transcendence that follows a trek to the wilderness. This is where nature enthusiasts, photographers, conservationists, and researches are going to be on a single platform. To drive change by rekindling the bond we share with nature. Most of all, this event is almost free in the spirit of encouraging more photographers be part of this festival.

The festival will be on view from 29th March to 30th March at The Lalit Ashok, Bangalore.

Shifting Terrains
(Work on display)
Talwar art gallery, New Delhi presents an exhibition of Paramjit Singh’s new paintings and works on paper. In ‘Shifting Terrains’, Paramjit Singh continues to employ his unique visual language in textural depictions of luminous landscapes. Rich, dense and vibrant oil on canvas works provide close, intimate views of enveloping wilderness – clustering trees, sprawling grass and foliage, and flowing bodies of water. Devoid of specificity of time and place, his works evoke an impression of nature, materializing as memory.

The show is on view till 19th April 2014.
Madhubani and more
(Work on display)
Our Sacred Space, Hyderabad presents a show of Madhubani paintings by artist Rajesh Kr Jha.
Rajesh Kr Jha's family has been practicing Madhubani painting for generations. He is dexterous on canvas and other mediums. He migrated from Bihar, and has been painting for over a decade. The works are rendered in the exquisite style with distinct story telling. 

The show is on view till 23rd March 2014.

The Persistence of Form

( work on display)
Third Eye - Indian Art Gallery, Bangalore presents ‘The Persistence of Form’ featuring Vijay Nagvekar and Runa Biswas. Gallery Third Eye focuses on vibrancy, sensitivity, richness and the depth of Indian art. It highlights the creative nuances of artists with their varied styles, mediums and imagination. 
The works display various styles of art, like figuration and abstractions.

The show is on  view till 31st MArch 2014. 
( News reports by Sushma Sabnis)
FEATURE
Striking contrasts
The works of Francis Kodankandath and Sunil Poomangalath attempt to create a balance in diversity
( Imaginative strokes)
Grey columns of gloomy text interspersed with mug shots of deceased people—who knew that inspiration can lie in the morbid depths of the obituary page of the daily newspaper? It did for artist Kodankandath Antony Francis. He has reproduced the standard obit page on canvas in acrylic for a show at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery. In stark contrast, his co-host, Sunil Poomangalath paints a languid countryside with contented people and livestock.
( Day to day things that appeal)
‘The Art of Small Things,’ an exhibition of paintings by Francis and Sunil, brings together works that are entirely different in treatment, style and tenor. “We have been friends and have worked on many paintings together. But a combined show is a first,” Francis says. While 17 of Francis’ works are on display, Sunil has brought 10. Both self-taught artists attempt to create a balance in diversity.
It is the simple, day-to-day things that appeal to Francis, he says. But even the simplest of his works contain an underlying philosophy. His ‘Application for the patent of a paper boat’ is an example. “It is based on the principle of a paper boat. It has got a fascinating geometry hidden within. I wanted to recreate it,” Francis says. The work in paper has a 3D effect and is a take on American hegemony. “We have reached such a state that even a paper boat is patented by America,” says Francis.
(The art of small things)
Sunil’s heart lies in murals and his works clearly reflect that. A work titled ‘Prakrithi’ depicts a woman-tree. The lower part of her body forms the trunk, tapering into a hundred roots and her hair makes up the numerous branches. She has lotus buds for ear lobes and her perfectly proportioned body denotes certain Godliness. Sunil learnt murals on the job assisting several artists.
His ‘Radha Madhav’ is another, piece which is a delicate play of lines and curves enhanced by a romantic use of colours. “Nature is my muse. The nostalgic effect of a peaceful countryside brings out the best in one, doesn’t it?” Sunil asks.
( Distinctive mosaic of colours)
Francis’ style is a distinctive mosaic of colours, which requires one to behold the work from a distance. At each look, the painting seems to reveal something new. Not having a degree in art, perhaps, helped his craft, Francis believes. “My thought has not been straight-jacketed by theories,” he adds. Francis, who has a National Akademi Award, three State awards including the Lalitakala Akademi Award to his credit, has also showcased his works abroad. A Customs Superintendant, art is a great way of relaxation for Francis. “Only that I don’t get much time in between work,” he says.
The show has 27 works in all and is on till March 21.

( Report by Anasuya Menon for The Hindu)

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