An artist’s freedom is sacrosanct. It’s a free space wherein they can be anybody of their choice. It’s also a space where dictates of commercial success and unmerciful competition usually dubiously seeps in because of the diktats of the art market. Pratibha Agarwal, co-promoter of Art Life Gallery, who’s curating a new show titled Paradise Regained, has dared to do things differently. At her sacred creative space, all kinds of artists are welcome, specially new entrants. With Paradise Regained, she proves once again that talent cannot be tarnished by boxing it in constricted compartments.
Through this show, the participating artists have tried to represent themes of environment conservation. Debu Pyne, Garima Singh, Surbhi Soni, Lalit Kumar and Daisy Mittal have come together to put across their simple notions that plead to be portrayed. “People these days are becoming more and more reckless, not caring enough for nature. This is an important matter to ponder on, and all the artists in this show are of the same opinion,” says Agarwal, adding, “Most of these artists aren’t very well known. Some are still finding their footing, while others are beginners, but each individual’s art is meaningful.”
While Singh is influences by landscapes, trees is what she loves to paint the most. Simple ones with a clean look are what she often creates. Her co-artist Pyne, spends a lot of time amid nature—taking walks, sitting in silence and observing or visiting new nature reserves to find his inspirations. One usually comes quickly as he believes that there is so much around that we take granted for. Soni, on the other hand, aims at inspiring people through her thoughts on nature. She talks very little, letting the canvas become her voice. Kumar, another artist participating in the show, displays his ideas through geometric shapes that talks of guarding our animals. Finally, Mittal participating for the first time in a professionall exhibition, has let the strokes of her brushes chart their own course. The result offers an interesting take on caretaking and conversation, but like all the other participants, Mittal feels, no matter what
interpretations the viewer draws of the works, they must feel stimulated enough to work towards its safeguarding.
On till October 13: 11 am to 6 pm at C-97, Sector 44, Noida.