“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” - Andy Warhol
The artists of Melange, the upcoming art show at Chitrakala Parishath have taken on life, and emphatically conquered their demons. They are a select group who haven’t followed any traditional art learning platform but rather, have one teacher who has taught them aplenty and inspired them Nature. Melange is the brainchild of four city based self-taught artists (also friends) who are driven by the same passion and love for art. This exhibition is all about an amalgamation of beautiful paintings in water colours, oil and graphite, nature being the predominant theme. Some have constantly thronged Cubbon Park as a part of the plein artist sessions.
Vinita Jalan, Kavitha, Babita Johri, Shikha, Applee Arora, Jerusha, Karan Dev, Pavithra, Shweta Chandra and Sahaj Puri are a collective of artists, who have made it a point to communicate through their vibrant canvases through a gallery platform. It is as if not even a single week passes by in Bengaluru without an interesting show. There are many things that make this show interesting. One of it is how these artists, have captured the thrilling and sensitive moments of a mundane life. Flowers in full bloom, portraits of men and women with motion, landscapes of Varanasi and the Enchanting Buddha with elan all these form the major subjects of this art show. Speaking of the artist’s themselves, Vinita Jalan has been an artist extraoirdinare.
She conducts art sessions for young students to encourage them towards art as a subject and she is also a “painting expert” empanelled with an e-learning start-up. Her tutorials on the portal are wildly popular and have garnered top review ratings. On her journey, she says, “Growing up in small town in India, in a large house with expansive gardens and landscaping, I had ready-made subjects (trees, flowers, squirrels!) to sketch and paint. During my years in school, I would draw caricatures of teachers and be rewarded with my fellow students’ squeals of laughter.” Artist Kavitha Vardhan adds, “My ethereal journey began 25 years ago. For me, art is synonymous with my existence, soul and breath. It makes me realise that this is the space where I was meant to be.’’ Babita Saxena, a day dreamer feels, “I feel happiest and most energised when painting and creating my own world full of vibrant colours. Art is my escape into a dream world away from routine. I can’t imagine my day without painting’’. Despite not being from an artistic background, what’s heartening to see is the sheer dedication and urge to learn. Considering that art is a competitive field but the dedication and passion of these artists needs to be recognised and honoured.
The art show is on at Chitrakala Parishath from November 28 to December 2.
The writer is an art expert and curator.
