“The divinity series in my paintings looks like it has a life of its own. In India, I have requests for my paintings to be showcased in pooja rooms!” These observations are from a French painter, Olaf Van Cleef, the scion of the Van Cleef family and counsellor on high-range jewellery at Cartier. Bengaluru is hosting an exhibition of his works from December 18 to 22.
“My second life is in India with my paintings, I worked with diamonds before, and will continue working with diamonds (crystals) in my paintings,” says Olaf, whose works are intricately detailed line drawings, sketches and water colours studded with Swarovski crystals and chocolate wrappers. “One of my paintings even changes colours in the day,” he says.
Olaf shuttles between France and Pondicherry, and was drawn towards Indian mythology, royalty and art as a teenager. “Observing the diamonds at the wedding of Maharaja of Morvi’s daughter in Mumbai, and gradually discovering the master painter, Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings of gods and goddesses were lifetime inspirations!”
Gallery g, in association with Taj West End is showcasing 50 paintings of Olaf Van Cleef at an exhibition, ‘Heavenly Pieces’ for the first time in Bengaluru. The show would be inaugurated with a preview on December 18, at the Art Corridor, Taj West End, and would continue at Gallery-g, Lavelle Road till December 22.
