Art Scene India

14 Jan 2015

Art News: Milind Nayak's exhibition in Bangalore

Fragments from an Unstructured Existence by Milind Nayak

Artist Milind Nayak's mini retrospective 'Fragments from an Unstructured Existence ' is on at the Rangoli Art Center on M G Road Bangalore and will be on view till the first of February. It includes paintings from a fifteen year period from 1999 to 2014.

MIlind Nayak_From the earth series 2000, Art Scene India

"Each painting is an evocative rendering of fragments, remnants and snapshots of nature. The idyllic landscapes from his childhood, the monsoon, the garden adjoining the artist’s studio or the lotus pond that acts as a source of rejuvenation - at times a wellspring of ideas and at others an oasis of sustenance, every image encapsulates an ephemeral moment. And, Nayak adopts a non-structured approach tenderly channeling this space, simply facilitating the process and allowing the imagery to emerge spontaneously. His paintings are intuitive renderings with a philosophic weave creating portraits in time and space and, as he describes it, an act of faith." (excerpt from catalog essay 'Imagined Spaces of Paradisiacal Existence' by Nalini Malaviya)

Milind Nayak 'Untitled' painted live for demo 2015, Art Scene India

According to Milind, "My painting usually shifts between landscapes and abstracts. There have been periods where the paintings have been calm as placid waters, and times where they seem to be the eye of a storm. These are virtually situations which an artist works with. I have rejected the idea of stylistic consistency, in favour of embracing change and evolving constantly. The show includes different mediums like watercolours, soft and oil pastels, graphite’s and oil on canvas."

The exhibition (8^th Jan 2015 to 1^st Feb 2015) will be on view between 11am to 7.30pm at Rangoli Art Center on M G Road Bangalore.

Outreach programs:

Gallery walks by the artist on 23^rd and 30^th January at 4pm.

There will also be a slide show by the artist featuring works which are not in the show, along with a demonstration of the artist’s painting techniques on the 17^th of January at 6 pm.

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Studio Visit: Milind Nayak

6 Jan 2015

Art in Interiors: Artistic Expressions with Glass

Glass is a versatile medium that finds multiple uses in not only exteriors of a building, but also as a decorative element in home interiors. Industrial grade or architectural glass is used in structural placements such as flooring, ceiling and walls, whereas factory made artifacts are extensively incorporated into functional spaces in the form of screens, decorative window panels, murals and furniture. The ability of glass to allow light to pass through making it appear transparent or translucent is a property which makes it so desirable and versatile.

Hand painted lampshade by Bharati Sagar, Art Scene India

Glass is also popular as a medium to extend ones creativity and use it artistically. Stained glass, reverse painting on glass, blown, fused and molten glass are just some of the techniques and forms in which glass is manipulated to enhance its look and produce stunning art.

Integrating glass in interiors allows one to experiment with space and light. The manner in which light interacts with glass creating striking effects is what makes this medium so special. The effect is highly dramatic when colours, textures and patterns are highlighted when light passes through it. When digital images, various pigments and at times other materials/media are embedded in the glass the outcome can be spectacular.

The vibrancy of pigments as visible on the surface of the glass makes it interesting to display paintings on walls, as well. At times glass is substituted with acrylic sheets with similar results. The lighting here should be appropriate to maximize the effect and to accentuate the vibrancy of multiple colours.

Reverse painting on acrylic by KG Subramanyan, Art Scene India

Unusual three dimensional forms in glass when incorporated in residential or commercial premises can be equally awe-inspiring. Large sculptures with different textures and colours create a great visual effect and must be placed in such a way to allow natural or artificial light to pass through to bring out the finer nuances and details embedded in the glass. Murals, sculptures and installations made of only glass or as a dominant component and mixed with other media can easily become the focal point of the décor.

Glass sculpture by Sisir Sahana, Art Scene India

Studio glass, which is essentially limited edition glass products produced by an artist, is a popular form of art that makes wonderful accent pieces. For instance, hand painted light fixtures on walls and table lampshades will beautifully light up the space.

Most glass artifacts are best displayed in a minimal environment to allow its beauty to come through.

Although, stained or coloured glass can also be displayed in traditional settings. Lighting is one of the most important criteria for displaying glass art. An ill-lit corner or wall will completely ruin the effect of a work with glass.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently. Images of lampshades and interiors courtesy Bharati Sagar.

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5 Jan 2015

KG Subramanyan at NGMA, Bangalore

This was recently published in Times of India, Bangalore.

17 Dec 2014

Art Talk: 'Recollections Reconnections' by Artist SG Vasudev

Heavy textures gouge out a terrain that is undulating and sinuous, mapping a visual narrative in SG Vasudev's recent works.

Rhapsody, Recollections and Reconnections by Artist SG Vasudev, Art Scene India, Bangalore art scene

I met the well-known artist SG Vasudev at the December ArtPark event at Ravindra Kalashetra, right before the opening of his solo show. The ArtPark is an initiative by the veteran artist to encourage interaction between artists and the general public in an informal environment, outside a gallery setting. It allows visitors to talk to artists, watch them draw and paint and even buy art directly from them. The lush green park with its tall trees, tucked in a secluded corner away from the bustling streets of Bangalore, forms a perfect setting to mingle with your friends and enjoy the art.

We discussed Vasudev’s upcoming show, ‘Recollections Reconnections’, Ananya Drishya - a monthly event where artists and other members present their work, and the possibility of a visual art festival in Bangalore. The driving force behind many public art initiatives in the city, Vasudev is an active crusader in his attempts to popularize art and to position Bangalore as a significant art destination. “We clearly need support from all quarters, and the government and corporates must come forward and encourage art and culture activities,” he passionately argues.

Vasudev’s latest series of paintings shows a perceptible shift from his earlier works. Heavy textures gouge out a terrain that is undulating and sinuous, mapping a visual narrative. The transformation is evident in his visual vocabulary with the granular and textural backdrop assuming greater significance.

The imagery has also undergone subtle changes, shelving the rigidity of the form and progressing towards the abstract. Similarly, the muted colour palette allows greater interplay with the topography, while the embellishments play out like musical notes. Animals, trees, human figures and other elements from his previous works are all there, but have evolved and morphed into figures and forms where their edges fade and amalgamate with their surroundings. A delightful rhapsody that plays out on canvas.

Interestingly, Vasudev first builds layers of white pigment on canvas to form a thick textural background, and then adds colours, only to remove it systematically from most areas. An avid music aficionado, SG Vasudev listens to music as he paints and he likens the process of his painting to the notes in music. “It is similar to the ‘Raga, Taana and Pallavi’ process in Carnatic music, when a ‘raga’ plays out, it is complete by itself. But, when ‘taana’ starts, it initiates another element and when that completes, ‘pallavi’ starts, which normally has verses and it completes the concert,” he explains. And, so for Vasudev, it is the removal of colours which completes the painting.

The exhibition continues till January 10 at Gallery Sumukha.

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12 Dec 2014

Art in Interiors: Miniature Paintings in Home Décor

Traditional miniature paintings are exquisite and should be displayed in an uncluttered environment.

Miniature paintings, as the name suggests are small format artworks with innate historical and traditional linkages. In India, the miniature style of painting is believed to date back to the 16th century, although earlier accounts do exist. Miniatures are traditionally colourful, intricately executed and are typically done on various surfaces such as paper, wood, silk etc. Early works feature portraits, ceremonies, court and hunting scenes, stories from epics and mythology – different schools have their own peculiarities and styles. Some of the notable traditions of miniature painting in India are the Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari and Deccani courts.

Traditional miniature painting 'Krishna and Radha' by Nihâl Chand, used under creative commons license, Art in Interiors, Art Scene India

This form of art is delightful and immensely collectable. Paintings which are old have a great vintage and antique value. Often rare and infrequently sold during auctions or private sales, the minute artworks are heavily prized for their delicately detailed work and their historicity.

Miniature paintings are exquisitely intricate and have such fine brushstroke that they need to be displayed on uncluttered walls with minimal mounts and frames so as not to distract from the wonderful stories that are being articulated in the images. From a home décor perspective, miniature art with its historical themes are ideally suitable for traditional and ethnic décors. The effect can be enhanced by displaying them in a cluster and highlighting them with suitable lighting. Grouping them according to theme, period and school which they belong, to build a narrative would work best to heighten the impact.

Mughal miniature painting from the Hamzanama series, used under creative commons license, Art in Interiors, Art Scene India

Their antique look and vintage appearance add much to their value and as long as they are in fairy good condition one need not tamper with them.

In case, one doesn’t have access to original miniature works, there are a few artists who can reproduce and also make their own small format paintings. These too can be grouped and put up as part of a traditional décor and displayed in a similar way. Corresponding antique furniture and other artifacts which complement such a décor scheme will be in harmony with traditional miniature art, as well.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.

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