Small-format works shine like gems
12 Jan 2013 11:16 PM GMT
At a time when only the big and the bizarre capture most eyeballs, here is a show that will perhaps be a refreshing change at the fifth edition of India Art Fair starting 31 January. Gallerie Ganesha will exhibit artworks, both paintings and sculptures, by some of the best known names of Indian contemporary art — A Ramachandran, Ganesh Pyne, Jayasri Burman, Jogen Chowdhury, KS Kulkarni, KS Radhakrishnan, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Laxma Goud, Paresh Maity and Neeraj Goswami to name just a few — in miniature format.
Says Shobha Bhatia, Director, Gallerie Ganesha: ‘At a time when the trend is towards monumentality and making a splash, our attempt is to draw the viewer into an intimate dialogue with the artworks in keeping with the Indian tradition of miniature paintings and smaller formats. These cannot be viewed at a mere glance but invite the spectator to a closer look in order to get an insight into the artist’s mind. This collection consists of exhibits by artists who have mastered the art of working on both scales.’
Agrees Paresh Maity: ‘Miniatures are like jewels, they are deeply rooted in our history. India has a tradition of miniature art, from Mughal Miniatures to Rajput Miniatures, Kangra School, Pahari School. From the beginning of my career, I have been influenced by miniatures, their colours, dimensions and detailing.’
Says artist Neeraj Goswami: ‘Small format or miniature work gives a different high to the painter as well as the viewer. It is more like a spiritual discipline where the artist can easily unite with his true inner self.’
A similar thought process is shared by veteran Sakti Burman who feels that a ‘small painting is like chamber music, delicately played by three or four musicians. Small works generate an intimate relationship between the painter and the viewer.’ Says Neelkant Chowdhary: ‘Small-format paintings are capable of producing a powerful effect. It makes one aware of one’s space as well as the space in the painting. There is something about small-format paintings that has always been intriguing. Their greatest merit is that they usually are the source of idea, the creative drive of an artist that ultimately shapes the final works. It has always taken less time while working on a small format, yet they create same challenges.’
Says Shobha Bhatia, Director, Gallerie Ganesha: ‘At a time when the trend is towards monumentality and making a splash, our attempt is to draw the viewer into an intimate dialogue with the artworks in keeping with the Indian tradition of miniature paintings and smaller formats. These cannot be viewed at a mere glance but invite the spectator to a closer look in order to get an insight into the artist’s mind. This collection consists of exhibits by artists who have mastered the art of working on both scales.’
Agrees Paresh Maity: ‘Miniatures are like jewels, they are deeply rooted in our history. India has a tradition of miniature art, from Mughal Miniatures to Rajput Miniatures, Kangra School, Pahari School. From the beginning of my career, I have been influenced by miniatures, their colours, dimensions and detailing.’
Says artist Neeraj Goswami: ‘Small format or miniature work gives a different high to the painter as well as the viewer. It is more like a spiritual discipline where the artist can easily unite with his true inner self.’
A similar thought process is shared by veteran Sakti Burman who feels that a ‘small painting is like chamber music, delicately played by three or four musicians. Small works generate an intimate relationship between the painter and the viewer.’ Says Neelkant Chowdhary: ‘Small-format paintings are capable of producing a powerful effect. It makes one aware of one’s space as well as the space in the painting. There is something about small-format paintings that has always been intriguing. Their greatest merit is that they usually are the source of idea, the creative drive of an artist that ultimately shapes the final works. It has always taken less time while working on a small format, yet they create same challenges.’
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