VISAKHAPATNAM: Seven artists and their paintings are thematically varied, yet there is an invisible thread of a shared history — social, geographic and cultural — that connects them together.
Artists G.B. Ram Kumar, K. Ram Chand, Ch. Divya, K. Rani, Tulasi, Venkatesh Chadalavada, and Rama Murru are showcasing their works at Trishna Art Gallery at the two-day group art show titled ‘Seven Strokes’.
The show that was inaugurated on Saturday has five works of each artist displayed at the gallery located at Tarakarama Nagar, P.M. Palem.
Rooted in Andhra culture, the works bring out a colourful kaleidoscope in different mediums.
A student of MFA final year, Andhra University, Rama Murru’s works bring out the essence of village beauty through overlapping images in striking colours on acrylic on canvas. Making a contrast from this theme, Venkatesh Chadalavada dwells on the complex concept of dreams through pencil-and-pen sketches, acrylic on canvas, and woodcuts. With a tinge of philosophical element in his works, the artist creates a metaphorical reflection of the idea of dreams through a series of images.
“Pen sketches are the most difficult medium as it requires more concentration and is time-taking,” said the artist. One of his works on a chess board game reflects on how the pawn on the chess board can eventually be as powerful as the king and become instrumental in winning the game.
If Venkatesh’s five paintings are extreme abstracts, Ch. Divya’s works bring out the beauty of still life.
Then, there’s K. Rani’s concept of the evolution of womanhood from birth through various phases till the end of life in mixed media. “My works are infused with my personal experiences in life which reflect the joys and sorrows I have encountered as a woman,” she added.
K. Ramchand has displayed one of his new works of a village girl using his characteristic wash technique at the show.
“The work depicts the village girls decked up with ‘mogali rekulu’ during the festival,” he says. Ramchand has been conducting art exhibitions at Trishna, his residence-cum-art gallery, every year.
Hillary and Rachelle from northern Ireland, who had come to see the group show, were visibly floored with the splash of colour and cultural essence of the themes.
“The techniques of each artist are different. The art works reflect the rich Indian traditions which are striking,” said 15-year-old Rachelle, a budding artist.
The art show is open on Sunday at Trishna Art Gallery and will also be held at Visakha Museum from February 18 to 20.
