M uch as it sounds like an oxymoron, the faceless faces that are an integral part of Vrindavan Solanki’s works leave you spellbound.
An open-ended element that he has been consistently using over the last 30 years, Solanki’s faces that are blurry and shapeless have a compelling feel to them. ‘The Classic Touch’ is yet again an unrestricted theme for the ongoing show, as it plays around with sepia monotones and hues of brown and earthy colours to present a quaint charm. With the use of light, an element that has heavily influenced artists for many generations now, the sense of depth and the emphasis on gaze stand out.
He says, “I choose to leave the face a little blurry without giving it any definitive features or shape. It opens up a whole new world for the viewer. They can conjure up emotions and expressions to interpret it as they wish to.”
Having dabbled and experimented with a series that ranges from scenes in the city to a mish mash of representative art like mother-child relationships, he has forayed into nudes as well. “The highlight here are the female forms. Placing the image of Lord Krishna, I have tried to offset the impact it can have on the viewer,” he says.
Hailing from Gujarat, a land that is replete with culture and breathes inspiration in every element of its heritage, it is not surprising that the village scenes he has portrayed are as rich as they are vibrant.
Among the series is ‘Paheli,’ which the artist presented at Amitabh Bachchan’s 70th birthday last year. Depicting a villager dressed in the same costume, the actor was seen in the Amol Palekar film.
The show is on at Gallery Veda, Nungambakkam till November 6. Contact 044 4309 0422 for details.