Delhi debut for Chigiri-e

 The works of Chigiri-e is basically an art form created by joining torn pieces of paper in collage style, transforming the myriad pieces into majestic paintings. As per popular lore, this art style came into being when the sense of melancholy and hollowness among the Japanese people, following World War II, gave birth to a type of art where an artist unified some assorted and fragmented bits of paper to depict hope. Chigiri-e evoked people to retrieve their lost hopes by knitting the broken threads of their lives together. Rajeev Lochan, Director, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) said, ‘given the present situation of mankind’s overuse and abuse of nature’s bounty, these works provoke a certain yearning for peaceful balance and co-existence.’ 

Traditionally, however, Chigiri-é aesthetics are said to have originated during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in conjunction with calligraphy. The exhibition showcases the artist's expression of hope manifested through the ‘flight to freedom’ as well as displays many moods of love, myriad facets of nature and inter-play between human life and nature. Rajeev Lochan added, ‘The compositions emphasize on the harmonious relationship between mankind and nature which depicts engagement and interaction between the two entities.’