If ever there is a time and place for art, it is here and now. The exhibition “Kala Samaavesha”, throws its weight behind the statement merely by its range of art — subject, medium and volume.
Over 40 artists including J. M. S. Mani, Ravindra Salve, Urmila V.G., Jayakumar. G and Aalok Sharma have displayed their works at the Venkatappa Art Gallery in the exhibition organized by ArtLabs.
Easily, some of the most intriguing works are the etchings by Mani, Harisha, Venugopal V. G., K. R. Subbanna, Jayakumar and Praveen Kumar. These etchings are the result of a workshop organized in Mani's studio by ArtLabs.
Mani's etching, of a woman in a rustic landscape, with her hair sticking out in the wind, the tree and the larger-than-life butterfly makes for an enduring image. So do Harisha's “Owl” and Subbanna's dog.
Jayakumar's wood cuts are more haunting, in their surreal imagery, with their ghost-like faces and figures. In “The bird man and his family”, the man's head tapers into a dark bird.
Appanna Poojari's amusing acrylic work “Krishna and Cow” with its flying cows and a rather voluptuous Krishna floating in mid-air playing the flute brings a cheerful contrast to the dark shades of the etchings. One marked difference is that a matted bun takes the place of the standard peacock feather.
His “Ganesha”, is also rather unusual. He has an attentive snake wound around him as he plays what appears to be a harmonium. He is accompanied by his mouse, who is also offering musical support with his “jalra”.
There are also some interesting drawings, like Harisha's “Owlscape” that contains a “landscape” complete with a tree, a mountain and a figure inside an owl. For that matter Praveen Kumar's green, yellow abstract building, titled “Land scape” was also engaging in its construction.
Lokesh B. H.'s electric “Day Dreams” were also interesting pieces of works in with their urban, sometimes abstract motifs, fluorescent colours and digital imagery.
Among the sculptures, Ramamurthy's trademark works in wood (Couple 1 and 2) and Omkar Murthy's “Window-2” were slightly more striking. “Kala Samaavesha”, will be on view until January 11 at the Venkatappa Art Gallery, Kasturba Road. For more details, contact 22864483.
