A unique endeavour in all its purity

Art Lab’s endeavour is to rediscover, revitalise and synthesise distinct forms of art in all its purity. Art Labs is assisted by a team of like-minded professionals from various backgrounds wh
(Express News Photo)
(Express News Photo)

Art Lab’s endeavour is to rediscover, revitalise and synthesise distinct forms of art in all its purity. Art Labs is assisted by a team of like-minded professionals from various backgrounds who have a zeal to partake action  and participate to the extent and content for achieving pride and satisfaction of not only individual but also team objectives.

Sandhya K Sirsi, the co-founder of Art Labs is a self-taught artist practicing visual art and is based in Bangalore. She has to her credit two solo shows and multiple group shows with various art galleries. With cultural diversity and versatility portrayed in several media today, art has evolved through many forms. “The ability to create a medium of expression has drastically altered over the years, ” said Sandhya K Sirsi, a self taught artist and the co-founder of Art Labs which was conceived to popularise and invigorate various art forms in India. City Express spoke to Sandhya for eliciting more details about the exhibition and her views on art in India.

1. Tell us about Kala Samaavesha.

Kala Samaavesha is an ensemble of artists’ works. Of course, a good mix of prominent and emerging artists have showcased their works at the exhibition. Some of them included Aalok Sharma’s ‘Memories,’ Jayakumar’s ‘Hatch An Egg’ and ‘The Birdman’ and his ‘Family’ creations, JMS Mani’s famous’ Badami Series’, Sathya Pal’s ‘Floating Memories series’, Ramamurthy’s sculptures titled ‘Couple-1 and Couple-2’,Sunitha Verma’s ‘Peacefully Passionate’ and ‘The Blue Spectrum’ amongst other emerging artistes. The works  of Purushotham Adve and Ravindra Salve were also on display. Our effort was to collate works of different periods, media and styles. ArtLabs’ accent is on creation of works by conducting camps and residencies.

2. Where does ArtLabs stand in versatility?

ArtLabs is continuously working towards adding versatility of elements in creation, showcasing, sharing and learning. Most importantly, it is a platform for networking artists, art lovers, collectors and buyers, critics, art aficionados - a complete art fraternity breaking the barriers of geography and history of mindsets. It plays a small but important role in this big world of art. The art works in possession of buyers should continue to espouse the spirit of life, celebration and value to cherish - continuing the cycle of creation perennially by showcasing the talent of various time periods.

3. How has the significance of contemporary art changed over the years?

With the advent of social networking, significance of contemporary art has considerably changed over the years. The ability to create a medium of expression has drastically altered over the years and has brought down the time to reach out to people. We are now in a truly free world to express and reach out.

4. Do you think the avant garde art forms have gradually made their way into Indian art?

Yes, there’s no doubt about that. With India being recognised as a super power with an ever increasing depth of intellect, length of ‘can do attitude’ and width of talent, avant garde forms of art have gradually been accepted in our society today.

5. What does art mean to you?

Art does in some cases portray realism with hope and always opens up constructive escapism if used in moderation.

6. How difficult is it for artistes today to sustain themselves while pursuing their dreams?

Considering the overall scenario like in all professions, it is difficult to sustain a living even for artists. However, perseverance and focus will pull them through not just to sustain but grow and excel.

7. Where does India stand in the global art scenario?

With the limited exposure I have had and according to informed sources, we have untapped potential and needless to say Indian artists have already made their mark and presence felt in the global art scenario.

8. Oscar Wilde once said,” Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” Your thoughts on the same?

This is very true. However, the methods and the learning of ‘getting to know’ if shared becomes very important in cutting down the learning cycle subsequently .

9. Who is your favourite artist and why?

Two people I really admire would have to be M C Escher and M F Hussain. M C Escher is a Dutch graphic artist who brought out the importance and meaning of space in art work. I particularly like his woodcut, Sky and Water and Drawing Hands. I love M F Hussain for his versatility as an artist and changing the global outlook of an Indian artist. Anything said about this great artist is ‘less.’

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