Flute unites art and fashion

The instrument flute has a long history. It dates back to the days when it was the most prized possession of Lord Krishna who mesmerised everyone with the melodies he churned out. Over the years, ironically, the instrument has lost its charm.

In such a scenario, an art exhibition titled Love, Peace, Water: Indian Culture on Flute has been organised by the Dhoomimal Art Centre. The show brings together India’s best painters and designers who have expressed an aspect of Indian culture with the flute as the theme. 

The list of participating artists includes names like  Abbas Batliwala, Gogi Saroj Pal, Laxman Pai, Nupur Kundu, Radha Krishnan, Rameshwar Singh, Seema Kohli, Nida Mahmood, Shipra Bhattacharya, Sudip Roy, Vandana Rakesh and Vijender Sharma.

‘I became an admirer of  the flute only a few years ago when I listened to Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia. The music had a magical effect on me and I could immediately relate it to love, peace and water,’ says curator Mohit Jain.

‘The calmness that an instrument like flute can instill in humans is surreal. The exhibition focuses on restoring dying forms of art, instruments, dance and other mediums,’ he explained.

One of the works presented at the exhibition is a sculpture — a globe with Lord Krishna’s image carved on it. Standing upright on it is a flute that carries out the message of the lord. Carved by artist Biman Das, the sculpture depicts peace.

‘The flute, like the shehnai, is probably one of the simplest instruments that can produce different types and frequencies of sound. All major ragas have some connection with the flute. For me, it definitely embodies the sound of serenity and love,’ says Das.

Talking about her work, Dance of Flutes, artist Nupur Kundu explains: ‘In my work, the bansuri and the veena perform a mystical dance that resonates from north to south. The white and black hues particularly express the purity and mystery of the duet. The painting is both an expression and yearning towards the peace, harmony and beauty that the flute symbolises.’

Another interesting art piece is the work by Vandana Rakesh. She has portrayed everything associated with Lord Krishna on a flute including Seshnag, mor-mukut, Radha beside other elements. ‘I think no other instrument can represent peace more than the flute. I chose to portray Krishna and various aspects of his life,’ she says.

Take a dive into the enriching, interesting world of art and colours in this exhibition.