When small is big

Ranging from a diminutive 3.5 x 5 inches mixed media work by Laxma Goud to Paresh Maity’s oil on canvas in 20 x 16 inches, the show is indeed a treasure house of little gems. 

Executed in varied mediums like watercolour, oil, acrylic, collage, etching and mixed media, the show includes works by artists like A Ramachandran, Alok Uniyal, Ashok Hazra, Avijit Dutta, <g data-gr-id="40">Chotu</g> Lal, Devdatta Padekar, Dushyant Patel, Jayasri Burman, KS Kulkarni, Laxma Goud, Maite <g data-gr-id="41">Deltiel</g>, Maya Burman, Nayanaa Kanodia, Neelkant Choudhary, Neeraj Goswami, Paresh Maity, <g data-gr-id="42">Roohan</g> Segel, Satish Gujral and Sakti Burman.

Shobha Bhatia, Director, Gallerie Ganesha said: “In the field of science, the shift has been from macro to micro. Scientists are constantly making new discoveries in the realm of quantum physics which change entire perspectives and question founded theories. In the field of art also, artists are constantly trying to innovate and challenge the ground rules. Cut to Size is an endeavour to experiment with small format works, which are in a sense part of our ancient tradition as seen in the Mughal, Rajput and Pahari schools, and bring it centre-stage with a new contemporary twist.”

While many of the artists in the show are mostly known for their large-scale works which <g data-gr-id="38">gives</g> them freedom of space, they admit that creating small format work is indeed a challenge. 

Neelkant Choudhary, who is known for giving Madhubani a contemporary flavor said, “It is always a challenge to try and work on a ‘miniature’ format, as effectively, without losing out on the finer nuances of art. A smaller format requires more focused and an effectively worked on miniature/ small format painting can be like a little gem, with all its facets intact.” 

There is yet another reason why artists are attracted to the small format. “Smaller format works are the need of the hour,” argues artist Alok Uniyal whose work has always been inspired by Indian miniature art. He added, “In today’s world, where everything is becoming small —homes, relationships, recall value — small format works, doesn’t it?” 

Uniyal, on a more serious note, shares that he was exposed to the charm of small format works during his academic years and finds no difficulty in imparting his signature style of elongated eyes, bold strokes and a vivid colour palette to his small format works even now. He said, “However, working in small format is always a risk, and a challenge.” He added, his smallest work is a 6 by 8 inches canvas. Artist Devdatta Padekar said, “One needs a lot of discipline and <g data-gr-id="55">focus</g> <g data-gr-id="56">to create a work in the small format</g>. I make smaller works as a regular practice and the intensity, the detailing and the expression in each <g data-gr-id="54">is</g> as vivid as it would be in a large work.”

Artist Dushyant Patel, who recalls his smallest work being a 4 x 7 inches one, imparts yet another reason to why viewers are attracted to the small format. “Smaller works are more affordable. And if the image one creates suits that particular size, anyone would want to have such a work on their walls,” he said.