A fine yet fluid form of art!

Waging wars over water — the very life-life of earth and one of the most precious fluids on our planet and yet one of the most politicised commodities — are not common. But in an attempt to take the attention away from strife and give the scarcity or abundance of water a form and shape was what inspired Sharmila Aravind, a  City-based artist and documentary film maker to showcase, FLUID —  an exhibit showcasing photography, ceramic sculptures, installations and surrealistic paintings themed on water, with compositional elements that allow them to weave their own varied perceptions and stories. The artist has joined hands with PeeVee, Srinivasan M.R and Hamsavardhan, three Bengaluru-based artistes to put up the show. In a candid chat, they tell us more...

“I have been constantly enamoured by water falling from the skies in the form of rain. My poetry has always revolved around water and its different forms till now. Taking it a little further I explored water in conceptual imagery, also making a statement on today’s water situation,” shares Sharmila. Enthusing how the idea was to showcase their thoughts to individuals of all ages, Srinivasan adds, “I see this as an opportunity to showcase my thoughts and view points to a larger audience. This is my first foray into conceptual art, using acrylic and photographs as the primary medium to portray the socio-economic dependencies on life’s critical resource, WATER!”

Letting us in on how the idea conceptualised, PeeVee, a creative entrepreneur and photographer says, “Sharmila is a good friend  and we have collaborated on a project earlier named My City Speaks to me. Vasan and Hamsa are good friends as well, who brought in a different perspective to this show and Fluid became a reality.” PeeVee is also a lake activist, documenting various social projects including a series of images called Bangalore Lake Diaries.

The showcase brings a myriad of art works and the kind on your plate — photography, ceramic sculptures, installations and surrealistic paintings themed on water. Artist Hamsavardhan, who will be working on raw and fired clay based installations on the theme of water believes it’s time people get over information amnesia. “A lot of us know about the disputes surrounding water. But how about looking at giving water a form and shape? The Kochi Biennale which I visited along with Sharmila in February inspired me to be a part of putting up a show which would allow people  to weave their own varied perceptions and stories about one of the most disputed and valued offerings of nature. The intent is simple — we hope to feast your eyes and open up your mind through artworks that speak,” he concludes.

- The show will take place at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, Bengaluru till October 15.