Artist Satish Gujral used art as a language through which he tells stories of the traumatic Partition, eternal relationship, while Lalu Prasad Shaw focused on his subjects’ physical characteristics, displaying mastery of line and colour and Manu Parekh’s surreal landscapes, fecund and sensual, are often composed of imagery of fantastical organisms. These three artists play a pivotal role in the history of Indian art through their distinct forms of art. An exhibition titled ‘Body, Mind and Soul’ celebrates the work of these three masters of contemporary art.
“The exhibition offers carefully chosen creations of these three veteran artists who have achieved a great feat in their style and aura,” shares Pranamita Borgohain, curator of the show.
Talking about the title of the show, she says, “I have tried to sum up their distinct styles of work in one word each for the show. Lalu’s works emphasise human figures and their physical attributes with utmost detail signifying the ‘Body’, Satish portrays the emotional and social aspect of people and their lives using varied medium and styles comprising the ‘Mind’ whereas Manu’s works have more of a metaphorical, spiritual and philosophical aspect to them, thus the ‘Soul’.”
The exhibition begins with an introductory section comprising the works of all three artists, presenting some of their signature and well-known styles of work, shares Pranamita and adds, “All the works on display are from the gallery collection. We have displayed the works in such a way that the viewers get a better understanding of the different styles, techniques and mediums explored by the three masters over the years.”
She continues, “The exhibition elucidates Lalu’s widely known highly stylised portraits of Bengali men and women; the masterpiece from the famous Banaras series by Manu and the signature work of Satish using acrylic and gold with a prodigious finesse.”
Satish’s sculptures emanate an intricate exuberance in grandiose ornamentation exuding all the essential elements of dynamism, energy and life. The exhibition also has some of his latest paintings with horses or bulls, says the curator. She explains, “His style has a rhythmic and lyrical approach, for example, in one of his works the golden chariot comes alive with sheer resurgence of colour and motion. The flying birds complement the motion of the painting; they act as a symbol of soaring up higher in the sky. ”
Manu Parekh’s early body of work explored the complex and curious relationship between humans and nature, and celebrated the vibrant link before his visit to Banaras. The holy city filled with mysticism and melancholia has played a major role in his progression. She says, “His ‘Banaras’ series reflect hope, faith and despair. The boats and temples, winding stairs nudging and jostling each other for space reflect the life, energy and vitality of the holy city.”
The typical Bengali Babu wearing spectacles and silk kurta, holding a stick and a flower emanates Lalu’s muse for nature and the milieu surrounding the Bengali middle class, often depicting pleasant and quiet scenes. “The bright red backdrop with a flower in hand radiates a sense of romance and love,” points out Pranamita and adds, “Interplay of warm hues and vibrant colours and a detailed and neat representation of simple and graceful figure, with sound academic technique are trademarks of Lalu’s production.”
The woman in red saree holding grapes in her hand with the bright yellow exterior exudes her inner desire. Whereas the Babu is in a more composed environment of tranquil blue and green probably remembering and waiting for his muse.”
