Gayatri Sinha an independent curator and art critic has put together an exhibition on ?Mahatma Gandhi?. 12 Indian artists’ present paintings, pictures, abstract sculptures and even videos in this unique exhibition being held at the Saffronart Gallery Space, from January 15 to February 15 of this year. These artists include the likes of, Jagannath Panda, Riyas Komu, Navjot, Ram Rahman, Surendran Nair and Manisha Parekh.
This is a lower scale exhibition in terms of selling value than some of the auctions that have taken place previously, and this may be due to the fact that the global art index has taken a hit for the first time in the last six years. The Indian art market too had been on the rise till mid-last year, after which, the slowing economy and uncertain financial conditions have remained a thorn in the art world’s side.
The current exhibition is very unique even for a theme-based exhibition and for art lovers and investors it is worth the time spent. The 27 pieces range from Rs 1 lakh to 75 lakh, and the total sale is expected to gross Rs 2.7 crore. Two of Surendra Nair’s huge canvass paintings, are the most expensive, valued at Rs 75 lakh each. One of these paintings, which show a young-looking Gandhi, holding up a mountain, much like Krishna held the Govardhan, is a breathtaking painting. The detailing of the hill is unique for it has mini monuments corresponding to various religions and tries to portray Gandhi’s universal appeal and religious tolerance.
Each artist has his/her own image of the Mahatma, and some of the pieces are like nothing one has seen before. One series of paintings, which shows a gun being pulled out of the hand and shot (the Gandhi assassination), is an intriguing piece of work, which one can only truly understand after seeing a video installation of the same. Pictures depicting the things Gandhi stood for, sculptures made in resembling his beliefs, pictures of his home town, and even a series of pictures of Gandhi’s face as seen in statues all over South India are showcased in this exhibition.
Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder Saffronart and Gayatri Sinha the exhibitions curator said, ?The idea of seeing Gandhi from an artist’s eyes and revisiting him, his thoughts and ideas was something we wanted to do. In the wake of the terrorist attacks where so many debates and protests have occurred, we realise that action is missing. Gandhi is more than just a person; he is a thought, an idea, a moral force behind doing the right thing. This exhibition is about bringing the ideas of Bapu back into all our lives and with this diverse showcase of art work on display, we hope to honour the man who has given the world so much.?