Exhibition traces past and future of abstract art in India

With majority of abstract art history having originated in the west, a new exhibition here is exploring the roots of ‘abstraction’ in Indian art.

Titled “The Order of Things”, the exhibition inpired by French philosopher Michel Foucault’s book of the same name, represents a microcosm of different styles and expressions that exist in the realm of abstract art.

Curated by contemporary artist Tribhuvan Kumar Deo, the show features over 40 works of art in different media including latex, blowtorch, collage and fabrics.

“Although abstracts are widely displayed at several art exhibitions across the world, I was curious to represent the form with a different style.

“The unique thing about the exhibition is that every artist participating in the show brings his/her own style and touch while keeping the theme intact,” Deo said.

The show features artists like Bipin Kumar, Hukum Lal, Gopal Mehan and Vishal Joshi, who represent the early decade of stylistic concerns and formal aspects of painting like colour, line and energy.

On the other hand, younger artists like Smita Kinkale, Abhijit Pathak, Bahaar Rohatgi Dhawan and Sahaya Sharma have taken an unconventional approach towards the art form, while experimenting with different mixed media.

“All these artists have converted the material society around them into something that is beyond its given function. These can be sensual, teasing or put you in a state of zen (Japanese state of meditation).”

“The works predict the nature and journey of abstract art in the years to come. Each one of them has a unique voice and yet they coalesce to form an alternative voice of their own... a niche that thinks of the future by virtue of being abstract,” Deo said.

In vibrant hues of red and blue, works by artist Vishal Joshi, revolve around the spiral of life — the ability to transcend the earthly realm and travel into a space of contemplation.

Artist Sahaya Sharma has taken up uncanny but often ignored experiences like the air one feels while entering a store, as her subject to create a series of artworks titled, “The Blast of Air”.

Bihar-born artist Bipin Kumar has used a geometrical approach towards nature to highlight the need to “Save Water”.

Emerging artist Abhijeet Pathak who works in the mix media format, entails ‘line’, ‘colour’ and ‘form’ lucidly in his creations while representing different aspects of ‘Symphony’.

The show, underway at Art Explore Gallery in Hauz Khas village here, will continue till January 6.