HYDERABAD:The process of painting is a consciously cultivated act. But the source of the image(s) is generally generated in the subconscious mind from where the artist retrieves it for recreating the same . The ongoing solo exhibition at the Minaaz Art Gallery by senior artist Anjani Reddy claims this version with regard to her images. Says the artist: “For me…… the process of painting originates from a sub-conscious state of mind, where the images are stored in the psyche…”. Her paintings are windows to her nostalgia and dreams which create impressions upon her canvases. Women are the protagonist and also lend support to each other. Group of two and more and sometimes only a single lady distantly focused on her inward self, create an arresting visual.
Aesthetics comprising line, colour, texture and design are an important aspect of Anjani’s art. Her characters portray prosperity and abundance. The well-designed and decorated cloths of the women appear like an extension of the environment they are placed in. In the earlier series, the spectator would view these ladies against the backdrop of heritage homes. In the current series, there’s a shift from architecture to earthy sprouts.
As far as the mode of colour application goes, Anjani seems to be enjoying two techniques – of impastos and washes. And due to her love for the illustrative mode of paining the impasto method becomes handy where she sketches her forms in the think applications. The Ram, Sita, Laxmana painting is an indicator of this painting methodology. The other paintings executed in washes exemplify her signature stylization, replete with detailing and designs. But, her recent washes have given a fresh perspective to her work which seems to bring in a lot more freshness from the natural life.
Although the wash technique has provided freshness to her work the spectator can perceive a new edition of the male form and the emotion of love in her paintings. This factor seems to heighten the romance in an idyllic surrounding. Says the artist: “I enjoy creating beautiful compositions that transport the viewers into my world, with graceful female figures in their natural environment, colourfully dressed in traditional attires, leisurely engaged in day to day activities.
Apart from this, most of the time there is a lone female figure in solitude, having a dialogue with nature, while a bird perched on a branch watches silently.”Having retired as the head of the painting department from the college of fine art JNAFAU, Anjani had a full career exhibiting in groups and solo exhibitions and has been the recipient of many awards and honours.
The exhibition is on till April 10