HYDERABAD:The ongoing show at Icon Art Gallery brings forth a series of paintings by Naishita Kasarala. The show is titled ‘Palleku Podam’, which means ‘back to the roots’ or ‘let’s go back to the village’.
The tradition and culture of the rural areas has waned with time, and the authentic/deeply rooted, well versed folk practices have diminished gradually. The artist with an apparent affinity and affection for the age old traditional ethos, creates a wide array of works that are dedicated to rural Telangana. She has painted the Gangireddu, the fields, shepherds and many other village scenes the enliven the picture surface. The men and women along with the flora and fauna, make an aesthetically perfect presence on the picture surface. They are depicted working in the fields, being engaged in household chores and as relaxing in the warm togetherness with their fellowmen.
The artist works with an eye for detail and reinstates the fine intricacies of the landscapes, figures and animals with photo realistic finish. At times, the smooth real depictions are juxtaposed on flat space, which is mostly white. The contrast between the background space and the intricately rendered figures and other elements makes for very lively compositions. The quiet subdued background completely refrains itself from disturbing the beautiful play of realistic rendering of the forms.
The mundane activities of the village folk, their retreats and traditional performances are rendered in an iridescently hued palette. The frequent mention and depiction of patterns and motifs on the attires, the details of traditional jewellery are painted with delicate finesse.
One of the paintings depicts a group of nine tribal women, adorned with their traditional attires and jewellery, standing in a row. The myriad colours of their dresses create a natural rhythm and movement that enthrals. The stance and the way they stand manifests a stilled moment just after finishing a traditional folk dance or just before starting the performance. The gradual variation in skin tones, facial features and body postures make for a very captivating and picturesque experience for the viewers.
The artists’ works exemplify her nostalgia for the ever-fading rural traditions. Through her paintings, she revives the spirit of uncomplicated, modest and unpretentious attitudes of the village folk.
The exhibition will be on till March 31