Exhibition by Lalit Kala Akademi extended till Monday

The annual art exhibition by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, which is being hosted for the first time in the city through the joint collaboration of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam and Dr Stya Paul Art Gallery, Virsa Vihar, has been extended for two more days till September 15. It had started on August 31.

The exhibition brought together an extraordinary range of artworks that mirror society’s soul and celebrate the creative spirit. Vandana Bharati Kaushik depicts a simple yellow house, the colour of Vasanta. It has two windows—one with see-through glass, the other open—symbolising the house’s economic and social status. A young woman in modern attire, wearing jeans and a top, lies on the low wall of the house, busy with her phone. The eagle flying in the sky signifies freedom. Her painting reflects deep contemporary themes like passion, loneliness, and melancholy.

Gurpreet, the young artist, explores Punjab’s prosperous past. He begins with the natural light of a clay lamp, made by Prajapati, symbolising hope amid darkness. The beautiful daughter holding the lamp dispels darkness, surrounded by fragrant roses—an epitome of beauty amid gloom, harmonising with nature.

Sunpreet Kaur’s work appears simple yet complex. It features a middle-aged woman in a sari, with black hair tied in a bun adorned with a red flower, reminiscent of the sunflower in Amrita Sher-Gil’s work. Her piercing eyes gaze beyond the frame, exploring her inner self with care.

Parvesh, a prolific artist, excels at capturing the essence of rituals and ceremonies, analysing hidden meanings. His sculptures reveal life’s realities—though crude and rough, they serve as texts of existence and reassurance.

Poonam Rana focuses on societal issues, revealing health problems, mental distortions and desires. She depicts the daily lives of common people—workers, rickshaw drivers—easily identifying their social and caste identities.

Pancham Gaur’s fantastic taxi, painted black with a yellow roof, is intricately carved. The silent driver guides the vehicle, while the excited lady passenger looks outside. Her dreams are filled with images of gods and goddesses from various temples, symbolising her zeal. Another piece features a cat, mentioned in the Arthashastra, symbolising auspiciousness and cultural values, regarded as family, known as ‘Masi’. She follows the lady of the house until she gets her milk.

Shivam Gulati’s modern, proud cat has commanding eyes. Reena Bhatnager weaves heartfelt threads to satisfy her soul. Rahul Dhiman concerns himself with mental and physical diseases caused by dirt and pollution that poison lives. He sheds light on destiny and life’s course.

Ratika Verma understands that eyes are windows. Her gaze reveals hidden emotions and attitudes, some cold, others steady and intense. Gurmeet Goldi, a female sculptor, breathes life into driftwood and stones. Her figures represent herself or societal issues. These sculptures are vibrant, inviting viewers to connect and reflect on evolving trends. Some artists like Abhijit Dass are troubled by societal corruption.

Ranjan Malik carries the weight of unfulfilled desires, striving to discover his identity. Their works reveal the truths of today’s world. They explore unseen aspects of life, longing for the light of the sun and moon but aware of storms. Exhibitions like these offer valuable insights for progress. Dafy Brar’s paintings reflect Punjabi heritage—simple peacocks on Phulkari evoke enthusiasm. Reaching divine light and achieving self-liberation remain life’s essence. Sukhjeet Kaur immerses herself in nectar, cleansing her soul.

Distinguished art critic and connoisseur of art, Prof Saroj Rani, former Head and Chairman, Department of Fine Arts, Punjabi University, Patiala, offered her insightful review, “Artists serve as mirrors of society. True artists are blessed with a third eye, which is fire. Each one holds the philosophy of logic and reality. They carve out their own niches to renew themselves. They light the diya of their inner selves and burn the five elements to discover their true self. They are always intoxicated with divine love to understand the unknown energy that helps them realise the universe’s secrets. Each carries their own telescope, made from natural materials.”