Drawn to dance

Inspired by the Odissi dance form, Srikala Gangi Reddy has put together a series showcasing its beauty

July 29, 2015 09:05 pm | Updated 09:05 pm IST

Srikala’s expression of Odissi.

Srikala’s expression of Odissi.

The A walk down a winding path, an exhibition on dancers, is like a dance performance in itself. Inspired by the dance community at Nrityagram, the paintings displayed showcase the beauty of the dance form.

From the intensity of expressions to minute details in saris and ornaments worn, the art works exude grace. Supported by Nivriti - The Art Quarter, the collection is created by an IT professional-turned-artist, Srikala Gangi Reddy. An admirer of the holistic lifestyle led by the dancers, the artist says she was “at Nrityagram, and was captivated. There is so much depth when they perform. There are many ways to portray dancers through art, but I wanted to capture their essence and perfection for details.”

After quitting her corporate job, she focused on completing the collection. The paintings are based on the photographs and sketches she gathered from the dancers for this purpose.

Srikala wanted the art works to resemble “a little brook that marks the beginning of a stream”. The display starts with minimalistic, gray-scale works. “The paintings were done using charcoal on paper and look soft and subtle in black and white too. It is a range I could experiment with as it also gives more depth,” she explains. The works gradually move on to more vibrant portrayals, ending in a crescendo of colours. Also designed to look like an actual dance performance, the exhibit aptly starts with “The Offering” which Srikala says, is her way of presenting an offering and welcoming the audience. The work titled “The Glow” captures the moment of anticipation when the dancer is on stage, waiting to start, while “The Aura and the Soul’ represents divinity in vermillion and humanity in blue, “The Body of the Soul” illustrates the shadow as a unique element which can lead fearlessly as well as follow faithfully.

Srikala’s collection delves into most aspects of Odissi, from expressions and drapes to postures. The painting titled “The Expression” depicts the delicate yet intense emotions on a dancer’s face, focussing on her eyes. “The Rhythmic Weaves” set comprises a few art works that stand out for their vivid shades and intricate details. Be it the glimmer in the ornaments or the elaborate designs on the saris, Srikala has painstakingly brought them to life on the canvases. Looking at the strikingly precise pleats and folds, you almost expect to hear the rustle of the fabric. She says she enjoyed painting the bells on the dancer’s feet the most. “It’s one of my favourite parts and I could go on painting them!” “The Complete Picture” is impressive with its rich burst of colours. The painting presents the musical instruments. “I felt at one with the canvas while working on this.” She feels there is a lot more for her to do, as an artist. However, she is certain that her next collection will not be about dance. “There are so many subjects to explore. Even the style used may be different next time.”

A Walk down a winding path will be on at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath till July 31.

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