Two elements dominate the canvases of Kanthi.V, the peepal leaf and the face with the half-closed eyes.
The series of works is collectively titled “The Eternal Search” indicating the significance of these elements.
“The Eternal Search is my search in this lifetime to find answers to my questions on what life is about. The peepal leaves represent the environment which affects me and the face signifies that state I wish to reach to, a level of being that I aspire for. The leaves affect me, yet they are separate from me,” says Kanthi whose exhibition of works was recently on view at Atta Galatta.
Her subjects are set against dark, deep backgrounds often in shades of midnight blue or maroon. The faces are sometimes submerged in the colour and at other times appear to emerge form the backdrops, suffused in radiance. While the leaves always appear in the foreground, sometimes dominating the canvas and at other times peacefully juxtaposed against the face.
“I have used darker shades to say that the search is still on, I have not yet come out of my state of enquiry, I am still deeply involved in it,” adds Kanthi, who has employed the wash technique with her colours. The exhibition also featured her earlier series on birds.
