HYDERABAD: The young artists exemplify a deep rooted curiosity to convert their themes and ideas into visual compositions. They believe in experimenting with varied media as they reinstate their dialogues in diverse material and base.
It is amazing to find that young artist Jyotsna Velivella seeks inspiration for her present series of work from mundane life and that it was her rendezvous with a traditional function that triggered her thought process and creative instincts.
Jyotsna explains, “I once wnet for a baby shower and was astonished to see turmeric being applied to the cheeks of the expectant mom. Rice mixed with turmeric was showered on her as a blessing. Curiosity got the best of me and I got to know the significance of turmeric and used it in my works,” she says.
On the other hand, Nandita Srija focuses her entire series on hard working women. The ‘Aayammas’ or the helping ladies form the central core of her visual expressions.
The photographs, paintings, mixed media works and installation altogether bring forth the strong identity and strengths of women helpers at home, institutions, offices and school. Through her works the artist brings forth the fact that like any other independent, working woman, these ladies too have personal aspirations and dreams for themselves and their family.
Nandita elaborates her theme by telling,”I began paying attention to their culture, background and their norms, I could connect to my theme as I had many interactions with them and realised, that they follow traditions with the belief that they can contribute financially in their households. They are replaceable and hence fear the consequences of any disturbance in their life.”
Another young talented artist, Saranya Settipally tells about the concept on which she has worked. “Trees, which give back a lot to the mankind, have always appeared in our folklore, poems, myths and mysteries as caregivers, as a mother figure. The benevolent tree is present in almost all the stories and art forms, classic or contemporary,around the world. In Hindu mythology it has often appeared with the name of ‘Kalpa (imaginary) Taru (plant)’ wish-fulfilling tree.”
There is a consistent connection of one work with another in the recent series. The artist excels in maintaining a unanimous rhythm in her work, in terms of the subject matter and conceptual precision.While some works are inspired by traditional Indian folk style of painting, the others are immensely personalised in their diction. One of the works titled, Tree of life, is an installation that contains embroidered pieces on cloth stretched on rings.
The installation also assimilates a few drawings and text that makes for a very interesting combination for the viewers. The artist’s works remind the viewers about their connection and innate bond with ‘trees’, and makes a serious effort to rejuvenate the warmth and accelerate concern for the fading greenery from the face of the earth.
Ujwal assimilates multiple excerpts where the stationery gains its well deserved importance. “My body of work largely encompasses detailed illustrations that form a narrative, emphasising on stationery as a crucial part of human life.
I have used many alternative processes and mediums to elaborate on this theme, including installations, assemblages and even graphic art”, explains Ujwal in his own words. One of the works contains a series of intricately rendered drawings that resemble comic strips, while yet another work unveils the working table of the versatile genius, Leonardo Da Vinci.
This installation work encompasses varied materials into an interesting visual allegory.The scattered pieces of stationery look antique, weathered and reflect the artists prowess/ strength in myriad subjects.