Lines Between Us, an exhibition of paintings by 50 artists, pays tribute to artistic dialogue and creative expression

The Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi has collaborated with Shailja Art Gallery for an exhibition of paintings, titled Lines Between Us, featuring the works of 50 artists.

A reflection of cultural exchange, the exhibition is a medium to bring together artistic minds from across the nation and provide an opportunity to showcase Punjab’s artistic brilliance on a broader platform. Shailja Jain, founder of Shailja Art Gallery, emphasises the importance of artistic freedom.

Each piece, carefully chosen, has a unique story to tell. Patiala-based artist Rajinder Kaur presents Maya that blends poetic sensitivity with visual homage. Rajinder who has executed her theme in acrylic, cites Vincent Van Gogh as a key inspiration behind her emotionally resonant piece.

Jaskanwal Kaur from Chandigarh showcases a conceptual acrylic painting, titled Song Of Nature. She explains how the painting parallels the journey of life. A new born, pure and untouched, is gradually shaped by flaws just like a river that begins clean but gathers impurities as it flows.

Jaskanwal has been painting since the 1970s and has received several accolades in her career, including the prestigious Amrita Sher-Gil award.

Madan Lal, a renowned artist and a recipient of Punjab Kala Sanman, displays Urban Angela that bridges the gap between the human and the artificial world through vibrant colours and layered symbolism. Using a musk deer as a metaphor, he explores the search for inner essence within oneself rather than in the outside world. His painting features a parrot, representing conversation and thought and other birds symbolizing freedom. The outcome is a deeply soulful and thought provoking painting.

Two acrylic paintings of Aradhna Tendon, whose work has been exhibited across India and abroad, adorns the gallery walls. She has been painting for over three decades. Her artwork blends emotional depth and personal insight. One painting offers a rather domestic narrative, and the other captures poet-saint Kabir in conversation with two female figures. Both a reflection of inner self and spiritual contemplation. Chandigarh-based artist Reena Bhatnagar explores themes of urbanisation through bold abstract forms and vibrant colours. Her work, Inner Vista-IX, offers a unique bird’s eye view of cityscapes with utmost precision. She executes her painting with finesse.

On till June 14