Artist Dipti Bondre presents a series of mixed-media work that changes character with light in her recent exhibition on display in the capital
Mumbai-based artist Dipti Bondre evokes history and geometry in her recent exhibition titled “Ode to the Bosphorus”. The exhibition explores the uniting elements between the Turkish-Islamic architectural heritage and the Indian yantras and mandalas through an innovative layering technique. Being a mixed-media artist, in her recent works, she plays with photographs, paints and lights as mediums to present a unique experience to the viewers.
Dipti’s latest collection of works emerged out of her month-long stay in Istanbul. It includes photographs, which were taken by the artist during her visit. These are printed on linen canvases and then hand-painted over with gold yantras in accordance to the science of geometry. “I was always fascinated with Istanbul and its architectural beauty,” states Dipti and adds, “The fact that it was first under the rule of the Greek and was then transformed into an Islamic stronghold is what impressed me. And Bosphorus became its symbol for me. The layers in my work also symbolically represent the different historic influences this Turkish state holds.”
The works on display are created using a unique concept wherein the images change on the same surface. Through her works, she tries to present a confluence between the Turkish architecture and Indian yantras by just lighting up the canvases from the back. “I was always interested in incorporating light on my artworks in someway. Earlier, I used to work with gold as it gives a glowing effect before moving to experimenting with the lighting technique. The idea was to create works using light within the canvas combined with layering techniques on the surface with the help of basic laws of physics of creating multiple images. These works are back lit, and the image changes its character according to the light.”
Elaborating on her source of inspiration, Dipti says, “Sacred geometry is the fountain head and genesis of this series. Throughout history geometric designs have been ascribed with symbolic and sacred meaning. A cultural and intellectual dialogue, which began with the trade routes, spawned for centuries. I have attempted at presenting the unity between the ancient civilisations of Turkey and India.”
From the Basilica Cistern in the past to the Turkish evil eye in the present, her canvases represent it with perfect balance. “I have tried to incorporate a yantra symbolising the energy of a particular area like Basilica Cistern come alive through the Gayatri yantra, which is used on water; the Turkish evil eye combines forces with the Kuber yantra that symbolises prosperity; the head of Medusa finds expression through Kali yantra as she is the destroyer of evil forces and so on,” states the artist and adds, “The idea was to play with the concept of the absence of a defined form and the presence of light in my work. The techniques I have used to create a piece of work also include tools such as scalpels, knives, jig-saw blades and miniature rakes.”
Committed to redefining art, she is the first artist to explore the phenomenon that occurs when a light source is added to a painting. “I have acquired a patent for the invention of “image that changes with light” just after my scholarship at the Atelier Art School in New York,” shares Dipti.
The main aim of the exhibition is to present the union of different regions and religious practices in harmony. Dipti shares, “Done in acrylic on canvas with lights, the intent was to draw focus on harmony and oneness — key elements to peace.”
