Art thawed the grey and cold landscape of Delhi that bathed in unexpected rain showers two days back, as the annual @indiaartfair opened its gates for the preview for the four day event.
I paid a visit on the second day of the two reserved preview days. What was meant to be a quick walk through, turned out to be a four hour long experience because the art on display had me lost in each bold stroke and sculpting. You see, art enables us to find and lose ourselves at the same time.
Though there were these pieces that stood out for me.
1. Globally renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei’s “Water Lillies” draws upon French impressionist Claude Monet’s monumental work where he depicts nature’s tranquil beauty. It takes a new meaning in this giant recreation (15 meter long) where Weiwei used 6,50,000 Lego bricks in 22 vibrant colours. In an interview with a global publication, Weiwei had explained his thoughts behind this work as integration of Monet’s impressionist painting, reminiscent of Zenism in the east, and concrete experiences of his father and him into a digitised and pixelated language.
2. Delhi based self-taught artist Baaraan Ijlal’s series “Songs of abundance” is evocative and striking. Through her work she explores theme of anonymity and liberty in the journey of personal freedom. The painting here is a tiny one amongst the giants that surround it, but one that makes a dent in your mind and one that you carry within yourself. Art that provokes. Art that evokes. Art that leaves an imprint.
3. Faiza Hasan’s series of remarkable charcoal sketches. The strokes so fine that you have to take a second look to believe that it actually is not a photograph of a time gone by, but a sketch made by hand. The everyday people here can be you, me, or someone we know. Stories within us.
4. The last one by @madhukarmucharla – a young artist from Hyderabad. The first thought that came to my mind on seeing this was “भीड़” (crowd). This to me was thought provoking and has a lingering feeling of dissent attached to it – one that I can get behind.
Special thanks to @theleelapalacenewdelhi for organising a guided tour with art expert @gautamiraju.