Mention the Dandi March and the image that comes to mind is almost always the ‘Gyarah Murti’ sculpture in Delhi. In a re-imagining of the scene, Puducherry artist Gubendhiran K.’s work has Gandhi holding a canvas and his followers holding a palette, an easel and sculpting tools. From the struggle of artists in India to Gandhi as a master painter of India’s destiny, the interpretation is truly in the eyes of the beholder.
Mr. Gubendhiran has joined 14 other artists in a group show titled ‘Independence/ In-Dependence’ (August 15 to September 15), at Tasmai. The show has been designed around the concept of Independence and contemplation on the direction India is heading towards, as yet another Independence Day has been observed, says Kirti Chandak, director, Tasmai. “What does freedom mean to us? Do we live up to the price which was paid by our leaders for our Independence?” asks Ms. Chandak, who has curated the show. “Are we free from the trappings of psychological domination like dictatorship at work space and home, free from falsehood and corruption, free from bad thoughts and filth? We also need to be free from our ego and prejudices. These are some of the ideas explored in this show,” she adds.
The artists, who are from Puducherry, Cuddalore, Mumbai, Shantiniketan, Bangalore, Kolkata, Coorg and other places, have used a variety of media, including video art in their interpretation of the theme. While Gandhi is a recurring subject in many of the works, leaders like Sri Aurobindo have also been portrayed. Sarojini Naidu’s To India poem, Khadi, the peacock, the obsession with money and greed are other subjects which have also found their place in the varied works.
Abanindranath Tagore’s Bharat Mata takes on a contemporary setting, where subjects like growing crime, destruction of the environment and constraints on women’s freedom are portrayed in Saravanan P.’s work. “Our destiny is in our hands. We have to pass on good values to the next generation, which is sorely missing now,” says Mr. Saravanan.
Mexican artist Leyla Brashka explores the independence of women in a work which uses mirror and acrylic paint. “I have portrayed how women’s freedom is always clouded by judgement of those around,” says Ms. Brashka.
“We have turned selfish and true patriotism has no place today,” says Puducherian artist Saro Krishna, who examines ‘Lost Treasures’ in his work. He has also viewed the effects of French colonialism in his works, he says.
The show will conclude with a discussion on the Sunday film screenings, which have included Gandhi , Sardar , Veer Savarkar and Haqeekat .
