When 33 eminent artists juxtapose phenomenal artworks and come together on one theme — Nature, it sure is bound to create awe. Depleting nature has become a major topic of debate and concern. So much emphasis has been given to saving the planet, that not even a single day goes by without something on conserving nature featured in the media.
This art show, Healing Nature, Restoring Balances at Gallery Time and Space in association with Bhoomi Foundation and Raffles Park is not only a visually aesthetic journey for the amount of rich and versatile oeuvres on display but for the emphatic narratives behind every work present.
Be it the bold narratives by Durgaprasad Bandi, the Baroda-based artist, the effort taken by artist Bhavani to create a meaningful video installation, thought provoking works by Gregory Lent, visually vibrant works by Murali Cheeroth, colourfully rich paintings by Milind Nayak, SG Vasudev’s emphasis on figures or stunning photographs by Selva, and Shibu Arakkal, all explore the vista of art in such detail.
The art show, carefully curated took more than a year to materialise. Nature unites us in both the positive and the negative realm. It is the very substance of our being and the substance of the world we inhabit — This is the message that the artworks convey.
All the works for the show symbolise how five elements — earth, air, water, fire and ether within and without, combine in elemental patterns to give us the reality that we experience. Some of the standout works of the show includes the serene nature paintings by artist Murali Nagapuzha from Kerala.
Colourfully painted birds amidst the backdrop of lush green leaves. Part memory, part nostalgia signifies the work of Murali. Clare Arni’s stunning photography has always caught the art lover’s eye. And it does here too.
In her work, she traces the story of Meera Bai, a Belgian who has dedicated her life to nature and spirituality, and is based in Hampi. V Hariraam uses abstraction in the best way possible to depict a more contemporary view of solar energies.
Speaking about the experience, co-curator Lina Vincent Sunish says, “Artists have a social responsibility and the power to change thoughts through their works.”
Gallerist Renu George explains, “We want more youth to come in and show their support.” The artists were told to think about nature as a healing entity and respond to the many negatives associated with human treatment of the natural world, and to generate alternative thoughts, along with individual and collective solutions for the well-being of the environment and our own bodies.
Ancient Indian traditions, both folk and textual, abound with deep learning about the natural world, its processes and its powerful resources resonates in this showing. The Art Show marks a fresh take and beginning to save the environment. The show shows lot of promise and paves a path to heal nature and restore balance.
The show is on at the Gallery Time and Space till September 30.
— The writer is an art curator and art expert.
