Some of them explore the whys and wherefores of being while others blast the ruthless milieu in highest decibel. Anguish and anticipation find expression through different techniques, medium and tones at 12 y 12, the exhibition of paintings going on at Gallery the Creant, Sasathamangalm. Anoop T, Hochimin P H, Minesh Kumar T, Anu Rency Francis, Jagesh D K, Rakesh Puliyarakonam, Nimmy Melvin, Yamini P M, Sajeesh P A, Prakashan K S, Shanto Antony and Sateesh K K are the 12 artists who have displayed their works at 12 y 12.
Hochimin’s work ‘Local Call’ is an artistic revolt against the baleful malignancy of globalisation. The looming bull in the frame represents the anguish caused by existential dilemmas, the social and political impotency springing from globalisation. ‘Local Call’ is also about modern man’s whimsical indulgence in frivolity and his rejection of everything ‘local’. Hochimin’s other work on display has wings sprouting from a spinal cord and a phallus attached at the bottom. A strong statement against gender politics, the work ridicules the patriarchal discourse of morality.
Three frames in deep etched aluminum, T Minesh Kumar’s works have the delightful simplicity of monotones. While ‘Ernad Express 4 am’ is a realistic portrayal with flawless detailing, ‘Series of Atomised Activities’ is more of a perspective piece. ‘Hidden Cam’ has countless couples scattered in the confusing maze of a park.
Eerie and arresting, Jagesh Edakkad’s ‘Budding Cosmos 1’ and ‘Budding Cosmos 2’ use the same colour scheme to evoke an upsetting ambiance. Orange and green create a bizarre realm of total barrenness devoid of any flora. The only sign of bio-life is the man on bicycle and the hovering image of an alien life form.
Rakesh Puliyarakkonam’s works in mixed media create a palpable sense of alarm. There is no overpowering tonal play or stunning refinement. You will find parts of an organic existence morphing into war weapons hinting an impending doom.
Sajeesh P A sets the mysterious expanse of sapphire sea as the backdrop for his works. The surreal idiom, contrasting hues and recurring images convey a sense of restrained fantasy. K K Satheesh’s works lament the widening gulf between man and nature. An agonising dichotomy marks his ‘The State of Being Duel’ which has a man piercing his tongue with a blossomed twig. Both his works on display deal with man’s alienation from his organic environment.
While Yamini’s ‘Singer’ explodes with the vibrancy of her palette, intense introspection is the mood of Shanto Antony’s works. The exhibition winds up on January 29. Walk in anytime between 10 am to 7 30 pm.