When artistes and stalwarts like Balan Nambiar, SG Vasudev, Gurudas Shenoy, Chandranath Acharya, jasu Rawal, G Subramanyam, Milind Nayak, Paresh Hazra and Rekha Rao come together to exhibit their works, you expect fireworks, and that’s exactly what the art show delivers.
All the artists mentioned have stood the test of time and have emerged not only as the finest artists of the state but they have also carved a niche as some of the best modernists in the country.
The Modernists of Bangalore is a landmark exhibition, paying a tribute to the quintessential champions of the modernist credo in the city. The exhibition tries to map the development of an eclectic modern discourse whilst postulating sources, historical precedences and socio-political milieu.
It also recognises the uniqueness of the modernist constitution found here from the activities happening elsewhere in the country within the same time period. All the artists ,who are part of the show have been widely celebrated and revered.
The striking factor is every artiste’s work differs from each other and has its own identity. While Balan Nambiar’s works made of solid steel exude flawless precision, his forms are inspired by the symbolic images of Mother Goddesses found in folk and ritual art of Kerala and from performative traditions like Theyyam.
The philosophical and sacred entwine in his works, resonating strict geometrical principles found in concepts like the mandalas and yantras. Gurudas Shenoy, the painter and muralist par excellence, his inspiration stems from landscapes and the urban jungles. It is as if the urban scene is ensconced in the environment, becoming a reflection of its organic hues.
Milind Nayak has always considered himself more of a colourist than a draughtsman. The vivid hues in his work speak of his audacious flirtation with the colour palette and the sheer enjoyment he experiences. He constantly tries to reinvent his practice and thus one has seen him experimenting with different mediums — watercolour, oil, oil pastels, graphite, photography and digital printing.
If there is one artist who carries the tradition of the Bengal School with elan, it is Paresh Hazra, a story teller par excellence, Hazra’s works are a sight to behold. SG Vasudev one of the most respected artistes, has experimented with various styles and forms, tapestries and has been carrying the experimentations gracefully. Rekha Rao , has got some of the best tutelage from her father, the legendary KK Hebbar. her works juggle between the definitions of complete abstraction or representation. She lets her subconscious dictate her every move.
There is Jasu Rawal’s simplicity and G Subramaniam’s childlike exuberance. Gurudas Shenoy who was inspired by his father GS Shenoy who was at the forefront of most of the art groups in Karnataka, “In the late 70s and 80s lots of art activities happened in Karnataka and South Canara and I was witness to them, artistes like Klimt, Aadimoolam and Jackson Pollock inspired me to dream. I was fascinated by the landscapes of Udupi and now my works are turning more minimalistic.” Works by these modern and contemporary masters are a testimony to the changing shape of India’s visual culture.
The exhibition is on till August 2016 at Art Houz.
