A mishmash of overlapping images converging together on canvas- this could very well describe the collection of paintings titled ‘Parinamam 101’ exhibited by artist B D Dathan at Suryakanti Art Gallery in the city.
A combination of recreated print ads and artistic strokes on canvas, the collection is among a series of 250 paintings worked on recently by the artist.
A collage of abstract human forms, beautified with a set of dull colours from the palette, the series of abstract creations are bound to haunt you. True to its name the premise of ‘Parinamam 101’ revolves around how man has changed, becoming more selfish and emotionless. They speak of a world where people have become so blinded by greed that they don’t think about each other, where many wear superficial masks. Each of the paintings, through its grey shades on canvas, portray the same.
From a simple pen to the medium of watercolour, the artist has chosen mixed media on canvas for his latest collection of experimental paintings. The artist points out how the world has become more commercialised, overcome by greed. He states, “So many tricks and secrets are hidden behind these advertisements, which are just means to attract more innocent people.”
Talking more about his creations, Dathan says that each and every painting stands out from the other, making it a completely different work. A brief glance at one of the paintings is never enough to understand its essence, which becomes evident once you skim through his works. Elaborating on his love for the abstract, Dathan, who has been in the field of art for over 50 years, points out, “Art, not just paintings, is not about the superficial. Anyone can copy something beautiful on canvas and admire it, but that is not art. Is it possible to give form to concepts like greed? How would it look like if a form is given? Art is something which has the ability to haunt you, set you on a thinking mode and change you as a person.”
The exhibition which was inaugurated by Minister for Tourism A P Anil Kumar on Wednesday will be on till March 25. The gallery will be open to the public from 11 am to 6 pm.