‘Celebration 2011’ at Kumar Gallery, New Delhi

New Delhi’s Kumar Gallery presents an eclectic mix of works done by India’s renowned and upcoming artists. Its annual show is aptly titled ‘Celebration 2011’. Here is a look at some of the artists whose works feature in it:

B Prabha largely worked in oil. Her signature style was marked by the graceful elongated figures of pensive rural women on a canvas done in a single dominant color. Her paintings explored the emotional realm of Indian women, seeking inspiration from the mental strength exhibited by them under adversities in day-to-day life.

Master-abstractionist Sohan Qadri, averse to creating figurative visuals, prefers to employ signs that are reminiscent of tantric and ritual symbolism. It epitomizes dynamic and flowing energy (Shakti) His practice transforms the very nature of paper - no longer a mere two-dimensional surface, but a dazzling three-dimensional medium.

Considered one of the most talented contemporary artists, Paresh Maity is a wonderful watercolorist. He captures both the beauty of nature and complexities of the human form. The imagery turned more abstract over time. His works exude great evanescent beauty as captured by him during his sojourns all around India and the world.

Young artist Shampa Sircar Das constructs rather unfinished and mystical human forms. Her visual narrative is replete with motifs like scripts, signs and animals. It exhibits an element of surrealism. Lotus is the oft-recurring motif in her paintings. Her strong and vivid palette thrives on an extensive usage of primary colors in various tones. At times, her work done in monochromatic tones of silver and grey, turns introspective.

Amit Slathia’s work reflects his love of the scenic beauty of his home state Jammu as well his brilliancy in figure studies. The colors vividly resemble a pastoral setting, with soothing shades of dry sand. He makes his work animate with all its engaging elements. It’s not merely illustrative. The artist’s work exudes a serene mood in varied ways. Driven by the silence of nature, he is equally fascinated by light, and also by the shadows.