Deciphering different shades and definitions of devotion

Elaborating on a new group show, entitled 'Devotion-Invocation', Art Positive director Anu Bajaj states, "The concept of devotion for me is not restricted to religious fervor. It also encompasses positivism in one's attitude to life in its varied spheres be it commitment to a cause, belief, person, profession or society.

"The works present multifaceted interpretations of devotion and the way it transforms things and individuals. There are works that evoke peace and spiritualism and others that provoke disquiet and action.”

Art Positive is a unit of Bajaj Capital Art House. 'Devotion-Invocation' at the venue is the sixth edition of their annual art show. The works collectively explore the theme of devotion in a contemporary context, offering the viewers an aesthetic panorama of expressions that resonate around concepts ranging from the physical to the spiritual.

The show has been curated by Sushma Bahl, according to whom its title was open for artists to explore it in any which way they liked. The curator further explains: “Though devotion is often seen in a religious context, which is devotion to an icon, a religious figure or a person, one can also be devoted to an idea or principle or cause.

"It may also be perceived or reflected as ardent or selfless affection or dedication to someone or something. One can be devoted to one's work or passion. It can also turn negative when devotion turns into obsession or blind love..."

Given the freedom to interpret the concept in any which way, some of the artists have also dared to examine it in a somewhat negative turn where devotion turns into obsession or blind love. They not only explore the theme in its divine, iconic and religious context, but also in its philosophical and rational interpretations. The displayed paintings, sculptures and installations meander around one's devotion to an idea or principle or cause.