Mixed Views

The ongoing All India Women Artists' Contemporary Exhibition 2017 by Artscapes showcases myriad styles and themes

For some years now, this group show has gone on to become one of the largest of its kind in the city showcasing artworks only by women artists. The sixth edition of the All India Women Artists’ Contemporary Exhibition organised by Artscapes, a Degraphics initiative, rolled out at the Galleries of Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University, Chandigarh on Wednesday (March 15).

Step inside the gallery, which is always a delight to visit given its unique architecture, and you are guided to the start on your right. Here, we must mention that on the day of our visit to the exhibition (day three), the organisers had run out of catalogues making it a tad difficult to find out more about the artwork on view, the award winners and the participating artists. We were told by a lady at the reception that the artists were from all across the country. 

But like they say art speaks for itself and it did indeed. Catching our attention instantly was Renuka Sondhi Gulati’s work titled ‘Binding Threads’ and Priya Sisodia’s ‘Waiting’. While it doesn’t seem the artists were given a theme by the organisers, a look at the artworks and you realise some recurring ones.

At this show, women artists have captured the daily lives, children on the street, animals around us and mundane chores in their own unique artistic way. For instance, Shivani Shukla’s painting of what looks like a disowned dhabha kitchen almost brings the place to life. You can actually feel the dust rising. Women – different ages and economic backgrounds – have become a muse for these artists. Kankipati Keerthi’s portrait of a modern woman is arresting. The Michael Kors bag, an iphone in one hand and casual demeanour is beautifully captured.

We loved Aditi Vinod Ghodkhande’s work titled ‘Start From’ which is a quirky take on the never–ending baggage we Indians lug around. An unmistakable yellow taxi with endless luggage piled on its roof will definitely bring a smile to your face. Preeti Singh’s painting ‘Memories create pictures’ of a woman curled up in sleep (or fear) and her memory cloud will make you stop and ponder. We also liked Kiran Kumari’s self portrait but we really wondered if the shattered glass frame it was encased in was intentional.

The exhibition also brings in sculptures and mixed media (there’s a rug too and art done with threads). Here Taposi Das’ ‘Paras Pathar 2’ – a long stole made with hand woven fabric and painted with the blue ‘pathar’ caught our attention but we weren’t too happy with the placement and treatment it got at the show. Relegated to a shabby corner with the fabric touching the floor, the organisers should rethink its placement. This artwork deserves better.

We also admired Vijaya’s sculpture ‘Unread sentences’. The artist has carved a Braille book out of stone and the attention to detail is worth commending. The spirals holding the book together and the dog eared edges have been recreated to perfection, making you wish the pages actually turned.

The exhibition is on till March 25; open from 10 am to 5pm, barring Sunday.