A walk through the six exhibition halls at the Museum of Modern Art’s Art Gallery (AGMA) leaves one with many questions and answers. About 100 works of art – paintings, installations, sculptures and photographs – by 28 young artists from across the country are on display. ‘From all the sweat?’ The titled show has been curated by Niranjana Surendran.
unheard stories
A celebration of the arts in many forms using a wide range of media, according to Niranjana, the show features “alternative stories from different regions of the Indian Union, heard/unheard stories from people of different caste, class and gender backgrounds.” While some ideas are difficult for the layman to understand, one cannot stop and admire the artist’s creative process.
The installation of Rejani SR, spread on the floor, is a female form, with jute, coir, thread, shells, sand, salt, coconut shell and stick as the elements. How the body decomposes after death is briefly captured by the artist. Sanjeev Mandal looks at class dynamics and social inequalities by incorporating gold pigment and charcoal on paper. Vibin George has put together a vast, intricate artwork, ‘Varapu Matrikkal’, which upon closer examination brings to the fore the artist’s talent in using mixed media.
Woodcut work by Satyanarayan Gavra | photo credit: special arrangement
Kanan Koteshwar weaves magic with silk threads on deodar wood and river stones. Etching and wood cut prints are the specialty of Satyanarayan Gavra. Oil on canvas takes on a different dimension in Bansi Dholakia’s creations, while Savitri KC draws watercolors on handmade cotton cloth paper.
Oil on canvas by Bansi Dholakia | photo credit: special arrangement
Dakshinayani Chippada’s compositions may seem simple in its composition and use of colours. They are remarkable reflections on the mundane, especially daily tasks, brilliantly captured in ink and paper.
Mixed media on canvas by Raju Baraiya | photo credit: special arrangement
The work of Raju Baraiya, the ‘farmer’ captures the people working in the salt fields. Vivek Das’ installation, ‘Remnants of Hope’ using ‘collected and created objects’ is, perhaps, a representation of the artist’s inner turmoil. He has put together a self-written note to support the visuals. ‘Encountering’, Harsha Valsan’s striking sculpture in plaster of Paris, brick powder, stone and broom, is all about women who refuse to give up.
‘Encountering’ a statue of Harsh Valsan | photo credit: special arrangement
The photographs of Ali Akbar in the archival print (‘Thin Shores’) offer several interpretations about form and context. Journalist Daisy Katta exhibits photographs in her ‘Ramabai Series’.
‘Similarity’ by Debajyoti Das | photo credit: special arrangement
It is the inaugural show of AGMA, an initiative of Museum ArtScience, a non-profit trust formed by a group of artists, scientists, intellectuals and cultural enthusiasts. Artist Ajit Kumar Ji, Trustee of the Museum, says that there is no special place in the city for people to come and experience the art and AGMA wants to fill that gap.
Established by Rejani SR | photo credit: special arrangement
Ajit explains that the museum is a new age concept which is a blend of art and science. “They have long been treated as separate entities. We tend to forget that they have one thing in common – creativity. The trust was formed two years ago, just before the pandemic. Since then we have been hosting several events on the online platform. are conducted.”
AGMA is located near Althara Junction, Vellayambalam. There is an entry fee of ₹20.
In addition to the gallery, the AGMA also has a cafeteria and library, which is open to the public to hold small meetings, talks and movie screenings.
‘Where all the sweat from?’ AGMA has until July 31. Timings: 10.30 am to 9 pm. The gallery is closed on Mondays.