THIRUVANANTHAPURAMAn earnest attempt by an amateur artist is how Dhanya Tedy describes her debut exhibition of paintings and sketches ‘The Drawing Book’.
Yet on close observation, one might turn a tad doubtful whether they are just experiments of a novice. The artist would say that it was through ‘a trial and error method’ that she arrived at all her creations. Untutored in art, she has experimented with acrylic, water colour, charcoal, crayons, powder, pen and pencil in her own way. This has been clearly reflected in every work that is on display at the exhibition.
The works categorically fall into two; art works and themes. Life and nature take distinctive form and appearance in each work in this category. Bold colour combinations lie at the core of expression of nature on her drawing sheets. “Bright colours in nature are attention grabbing. Alongside, they impart some sort of visual pleasure upon an onlooker too,’’ Dhanya says.
Four paintings coming under ‘A drop of rainbow’ explored the seven colours of a rainbow through the images of flowers. Judicious usage of strokes is the highlight of these paintings. Round, long, horizontal, vertical, wide and circular acrylic strokes impart a freshness to each image.
A stark contrast to the aforementioned captivating characteristic of nature can be found in paintings showcasing the majesty of the animal world. Replete with dark tones, a cock and peacock revelling in their majesty is portrayed in ‘vibrance’ and ‘majestic’. “While flowers offer a peaceful welcome to human beings, the animal world prefers to bask in its own grandeur,” Dhanya points out.
An imposing work on seasons falling under ‘themes’ is worth a gaze. She has brought the change of all four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter together in a single tree. Divided into four sections, each portion conveys the season change and also the change it brings forth in the atmosphere. The artist has carefully blended lot many elements of nature on the canvas.
Likewise, in ‘unique’, the artist brings out her own perception on the first impressions about a human being by symbolising a group of trees. According to the artist “Looking from the top at first, the thick foliage of trees is visible to us. But, it is the hard wood that constitutes its existence. Likewise, men are unique and the initial perception one may have upon their persona may go wrong when it comes to their real nature.”
In the same manner, in ‘masks’, a smiling face is seen in the middle of several masks surrounding it. The face is the superficial view we perceive initially. “In reality, the person will be a mix of varied emotions that are conceived in these masks,” Dhanya remarks.
The crayon series has three paintings that connect the life of human beings with three major states of activity. The artist has well interpreted the rise and fall in human life and connectivity with industrial world through mathematics and mechanics. Another feature of mankind, which is seeking help. was also featured there. Four paintings on Indian art communicates safety, peace and serenity. Her attempts with pen and pencil drawings are also praise worthy.
Dhanya Tedy is working as a senior business consultant with Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd. The exhibition at the Roerich Art Gallery will conclude on Monday.