North-east Indian Art Makes Waves
Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, in collaboration with Kirat (an organisation of artists from north-east India), has organised an art exhibition titled 'Ishan Baibhab', featuring works of 28 painters from Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim, at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in Dhanmondi.
Among the participating artists, Tripura painters demonstrate a distinct scholarly touch. The cultural heritage of Tripura developed thanks to the royal patronage. Once the painters of the area practiced immensely on study works where lacked imagination and proper articulation, in recent years, the painters have been experimenting with new forms, themes and styles.
This is a sign of development and their works carry varied subjects. Most of the painters are very conscious about their political, social and economic conditions. The artists have also given importance to their traditions and customs. Some of the painters' works delve deep into compositions, figures and geometric forms. The artists are considered to be realist, semi-realist, abstract expressionist and impressionist. It is noticeable that the painters have been continuously experimenting with their preferred fields and shapes to establish a personal hallmark through their paintings.
A number of the participating artists have divided their canvases into fragments, and used kaleidoscopic compositions. The colours look tranquil, with their smooth brushing and mellow textures. Among the participating painters from Tripura, Chinmoy Roy, Chandan Majumder, Abhijit Bhattacharya, Arup Saha, Partha Pratim Ganguly and Tapasree Ganguly's works are remarkable. Dipika Saha and Mukulendu Pathak's bronze sculptures are certainly aesthetic. The sculptors have experimented on animal and human figures.
Aditi Chakravarty stands out among the participating painters from Assam. Looking at her acrylic work, one wonders what innumerable symphonies and shades of colours the artist has discovered in nature. Her canvas highlights varied abstract images. But this abstraction does not muddle the viewers' perception. The canvas, wearing layers of washes of lucid colours, rather composes her expressions. Through her painting, the artist has discovered the mystery of nature and human psyche.
Dhiraj Pradhan and Shampa Bhattacharjee are two notable painters from Sikkim. Dhiraj Pradhan is a pure abstract painter and his acrylic painting is form and composition-oriented. Blue is the dominant colour, and the work gives the viewer a tranquil feel.
Shampa Bhattacharjee has portrayed six female figures in similar approach and style. The work, featuring black and red, is quite interesting. Movement and expression are key aspects of the work.
V. Lalzawmkima is the only participating artist from Mizoram at the group exhibition. His work is closely connected with surrealism. Analysis of dreams and movement are the most important features of the work. Today it is possible to say that the movement became a ground-breaking and intellectual event in human history. The influence of the movement is visible even in today's world art milieu.
Y. Gunindro Singh is one of the participants from Manipur who has brought to light social and political issues affecting his native state. His female figures are realistic. Subdued colours and meticulous technique lend an imposing view to his work.
Shovin Bhattacharjee is the sole participant from Meghalaya. The painter has worked with digital print on archival paper. The piece on display at the exhibition is the artist's take on The Last Supper. Yellow chairs surrounding a red table, with digital motifs, get the focus.
The exhibition continues till May 29.
Comments