The phenomena of nature is narrated as the collective physical world, and yet we perceive this word with deep everlasting emotion. Artists from different eras have played a prominent role in visual portrayal of their devotion & appreciation of natural splendors.
Across the century, decades and years, as the depiction of subject matter gained momentum with changes in perspective, techniques and subjects, the process of portraying the source of life through art has revolutionized, with not only illustrating the beauty but also the unprepossessing, acute side.
Amplifying the depiction of nature from scenic landscapes, our responsibility concerning the ecology, & its contribution in our existence and sustainability was the quintessence of this exhibition held at Picasso Art Gallery from 2nd Oct till 9th Oct 2022. Curated by Jesno Jackson, Art4You Gallery.
Juveriya Mahadi is a visual Artist presenting her exquisite collection 'Untitled'. The art installations are a culmination of her love for designing and experimenting. Using various textured paper, mesh, metal sheets complimenting with limited color palette, the artist has managed to strike a balance between letting the process take its course, while other works requiring absolute control of the mediums she was working with. 'Untitled 9' art installation is a calculative layering of textured paper, one on top of the other, with spaces narrowing inwards mimicing the center of the summit descending inwards along the burned edges. The mountain ranges and its topography are the inspiration behind these pieces. Juveirya adhered to straight geometrical representation of the intersections as opposed to encircling contour lines. The clever use of gold and mesh catching the light at the the right angle further enunciating the impact of the collection.
Along with Juveriye’s collection, are the exhibited works of Sahana Sen Paul - 'The White Paradise'. Idealizing the concept of minimalism, the artist has immersed the visitors into a beautiful emotion of tranquility. Instead of flooding the canvas with the various shades to represent the motion of sea and shores, the artist has limited the color scheme to shades of white enhancing the serenity, elegance and keeping the texture candid, leaving room for interpretation.
Arranging the collection of both the artists one beside was a commendatory placement as they complimented each other’s collection as well as gave space for every piece to be admired.
Many artworks represented nature in lost lands and new discovery, as well as artworks highlighting the plight of sealife. One compelling artwork was by Megha Manjarekar titled Dream Fish. This painting is a story of hope created on a 60cm x 90cm canvas using Acrylic paints. The texture on the body of the fish was designed by using undiluted acrylic paints further giving life to the subject of the painting. The use of warm colors, specially the fish tail fin’s (caudal fin) resembling a peacock bird’s feather, was a deliberate attempt by the artist. What makes the big dreamy eyes & vibrant colors on a cold background striking was the artist’s inspiration behind this creation - the fish lying on the bed of ice with empty eyes.
Presenting 3 paintings of abstract nature, Reel Manan is an emerging visual artist, has managed to add subliminal traces of rudimental existence in the collection.
The abstract collection represents the sails in the sea to the right and the far horizon to the left with Treads of Life line art in the center.
' Threads of Life' was the foremost painting in this exhibition. Reel Manan is a Dubai based artist whose creations predominantly rely on the concept of expressing an unbiased inner voice. With mix-medium on canvas, she has truly let her creative process guide her in interpreting the meaning of life and nature within using semi- abstract and line art techniques. Encrypting her understanding of the essence of living with nature and use of the above techniques to illustrate them was an unusual approach leaving this writer thoroughly engaged and intrigued.
Another prominent artwork at the exhibition was by NFT artist Vidhu Raghavan’s artwork,
'Blue Ice'
Vidhu is a self taught NFT artist taking inspiration from his search for higher divine being. His background in ayurvedic medicines and steady fast dedication to meditation has helped him conceive and design a surreal sense of our existence. His complete collection hosted on his NFT platform takes simulations from various ecosystems among us. The exhibited work illustrates an the unfolding of its multidimensional extant Underwater Terrestrial Kingdom coexisting with one another, waiting for the moment it will cross paths. This piece was exhibited in a print format letting the viewers sense the churning needed for their existence to continue.
Returning to the Sealife, Seascape by Nitya Subramanian and Underwater Pearl Dive by Maria Komal Abie were unconventional pieces from the exhibition.
Seascape is an acrylic on canvas, outlining the significance of strength & power. As a contemporary, self-taught artist, Nitya Subramanian has captured the shallow waters and seahorse in warm vividness in contrast to conventional translucent hue.
The painting, at first glance, details the seahorse as the primary subject surround in its usual coral reef habitat, but as you begin to explore different areas of the painting, you find the subject matter between the cell organisms, linking the begin with its creation.
'Underwater Pearl Diver' by Maria Komal Abie is a mix-medium painting on canvas. The portrait depicts the pearl diver in his prime stage of this skilled profession. The captivating part of this scene was the design in the painting at the right hand side, bottom corner and the same at the left top corner framing the depicted scene.
Maria is a Dubai based artist whose many designs are inspired from this city. Pearl diving holds a prominent place in the history of this city. The design mentioned above elevates a sense of preserving the act itself giving it an everlasting moment.
Picasso Art Gallery & Art4You Gallery has effortlessly showcased 60 paintings, pieces and installations. From detailed oriented landscape paintings by Dr. Ajit Gadekar to mesmerizing use of mix-medium and resin wall art - Treasures of Sea Collection by Noma Faisal, and use of natural flowers and resin capturing the infinite beauty in the art pieces by Alaa El-Hag, moving towards expanding the diversity in Art beyond the bounds of the canvas.
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The article is based on the opinion of this writer. The images of the artworks are used with consent from the organizers and solely for this article
by Surbhi Jariwala
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