“If we can’t, as artists, improve on real life, we should put down our pencils and go bake bread.” – Barbara Kingsolver.
81 sqft is a solo show by Naveen Kumar, which is being showcased at Gallery Sumukha. This is not merely a show for Naveen Kumar. But rather, narrates a tale of the small studio from which his creativity originated – to create artworks of impeccable proportions. Naveen Kumar’s work has always had an element of freshness to it. There were days where he used to experiment with different mediums. For this show, which is a landmark in his career, he has also exhibited 3D printed sculptures. His stint and travel to Europe last year have played a pivotal role in his journey of experimentation with the works. What Naveen tries to convey, is the intimate relationship shared with his small studio space, which has given birth to creative marvels like his works in this show.
The artist’s studio is a place where tasteful practice is injected with individual convictions, recollections, characters and stories which are additionally frequently shared by the artist with the general public around. The studio space turns into an area where existential inquiries with respect to self-personality and information about the world is produced and kept up through particular tasteful activities like works of art, chiselling and so on.
Making workmanship in this way has been, by one means or another, a method for discovering learning about the self and the world, not simply in showing or imaging what has just been found. In 81sq ft Studio, Naveen has put forward his narrative that is spread over the shows. His peculiar methods take us through a trip to show how divided thoughts impact an artist’s imagination, which he then uses to frame a bigger picture. From supreme boats to a Kathakkali entertainer, from Victorian plans to Rajasthan’s society Kavad; all possess a typical space — and similarly, as we search for more profound stories to come to an obvious conclusion. The photos exist as only the visual interpretation of the artist’s psyche.
Sharing his views on the show, Naveen said, “This is my first full fledged solo show and this is very close to my heart. All the works I created began in my small studio back home. So every corner of the house including a small one sft space near the window has always played its part, hence I wanted to title the show 81 sqft.” The show promises the birth of a new star in the city’s art fraternity and the manner in which the artist has delicately created his artworks depicts that space is no constraint if one has the passion burning within.
The art show is on at Gallery Sumukha till September 16.
