Strokes of the season

Gallery Space is celebrating the season, with a group exhibition titled ‘Summer Stories’. The artists have displayed their latest artworks, which explore their emotions, nature and colour.

Hyderabad-based artist Sanjay Ashtaputre said, “After I moved to the city, I came across a competition by the Hyderabad Art Society, and I took part in it. I won the competition and then I realised that this field is my calling, so I started practicing and since 30 years I am pursuing painting. I am also a musician, I play Hindustani classical music.”

Speaking about his style Sanjay said, “I have exhibited two paintings here. I don’t do narrative paintings, I mostly do figurative paintings. My paintings are on acrylic on paper done with charcoal.”

Mumbai-based artist Nishant Dange perused his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Government Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, in 2004. He has since been working as a freelance artist with ‘Grey Worldwide’ and ‘Bright Spark’. In 2007, Dange was honoured with the Bombay Art Society Award.

Nishant’s artworks are in charcoal on paper and are odes to female beauty. Drawing a fine line between the sensuous and the sensual, Dange’s figures are graceful; yet executed with confident, bold lines. Using dark charcoal, the artist adds drama to the moment, striking a contrast with the other colours on the surface. On the other hand, Dange’s depiction of hair, for instance, draws attention to his fine detailing. He exhibited three of his paintings in the art show.

Paintings of another artist HR Das exude the power, pride and heart of the beast, which is a part of us all. Speaking about his artworks Das says, “I capture the essence of village life through my cattle. My bulls and cows don't just exist but pulsate with energy. Whether yoked or free they effortlessly express the sheer strength and beauty of the beast.”

HR Das has taken the bull and made it his own. He has a distinctly unique style of portraying this magnificent animal that is so rooted in the Indian culture and psyche. Delhi-based Artist Asit Kumar Patnaik thinks that the true depth of feelings surfaces in emotionally moving circumstances and not necessarily in trying situations.

According to him, it’s the depth of emotions and feelings, which separates human beings from animals. He says, “We need to nurture these, rather than curb apparent the need to cry or express love.” Patnaik explores the human psyche through his adept handling of his medium. His brush strokes create puzzling cheerfulness that is both strikingly mature and visually rewarding and deceptive simplicity of his lines adds to the sensuality of the robust figures.

What: Summer Stories
Where: The Gallery Space
When: Until May 22 between 11.30am and 8pm

By Heena Mishra