Carrying the theme “Lost in hues”, the final year Fine Arts students of Stella Maris College visually treat us with their dazzling paintings on the walls of the Focus Art Gallery in Egmore on July 28 and 29.
Durga, Duhitaa, Krutika, Masooma, Shruti, Maya, Sinica, Han na rae yang and Halima collaborated and created varied paintings focusing on a distinct theme individually. “The subject matter we as artists implemented is completely different and has no correlation. However, the one aspect that lays us together is the usage of colour. We have used colour to express our emotion and the way we feel. Emotions like serenity and positivity is what we are trying to portray separately and hence we gave the name, ‘lost in hues’” said Krutika Raju.
“As an exhibition, we have worked on it for two months but the paintings were curated for over one and a half years. This is something Stella Maris students have never done before, especially as undergraduate students. Usually, as a whole batch, we have the final year exhibition which will take place soon after this. This art show has been set up by just the nine of us where we want to show the world how we exist and where we stand.” said Durga Devi in conversation with DC.
Expressing thoughts on social issues, environmental degradation and emotions is their motif. There was a theme initially but since the girls brought in a lot of their older paintings, the theme had been demolished. “I’m a professional classical dancer and my paintings are about how I get that kind of peace and calm when I get when I perform at the temples” added Kruthika.
Durga also said, “In general, art is very subjective and depends on how a person looks at it. For example, one can even look at a sombre painting or a dull painting and still find happiness in it. We didn’t want to restrict ourselves to a particular set of materials, especially because art colleges for UG students only teach you through acrylic naturalism with the forte of “paint what you see”. We wanted to break away from it and use other unconventional materials. (For example, Sinica used glitter and Maya painted on a fan blade, a pad etc and Hannah did a digitally art based painting.) Art started out as a hobby but now stands for who I am today. Living with beautiful objects that pay tribute to the natural world, it reminds us to slow down and reconnect with nature and discover beauty in the unusual aspects of life.”
“As an artist, I have always been told that art is a luxury. To me art should be affordable and also bring positivity. I am not a conventional painter, painting realistic portraits or landscapes. Through my art, I wish to travel to many homes, many cultures different ambiences and never be stagnant. Art is the first step to communication, love and peace. It is magical if you can break free from tradition. This collection ‘Name Your Price’ is for everyone who loves art but finds it expensive. Take home a piece of magic with you, at the price you think it is worth. Art shouldn’t intimidate anyone, but rather bring a sense of calm. I don’t want the audience to look at the painting and walk away because it’s too exuberant, I would want them to own it.” said Maya Umesh with deep enthusiasm.
