The sign of eight

d_francis@dnaindia.net
The number eight could well be risky for curator Abhijeet Gondkar who is showcasing the work of eight young artists with a bold new language.

“The title 8 is an allusive imagery which combines graphic and painterly elements with literary and philosophical references on the basis of an abbreviated, and evocative sign language,” says Gondkar.

The eight show a fresher perspective. The final definition in their paintings is eluded,
instead the enjoyment is in the process – of the language of Braille, photographs, everyday objects and images to try to convey to the viewer, the hidden powers of their thoughts and invite viewer participation. In that respect, Viraj Naik, Shivanand Basvanthappa, Shailendra Kumar, Prashant Salvi, Prasanna Ghaisas, Nilesh Shilkar, Nilesh Kinkale and Mahendra Damle, bond over a common language that though diversified is hugely talented. And these new works are all tied to some concrete social phenomena.

The three ink-and-pencil on paper works by Viraj Naik are an amalgamation of the grotesque and iconoclastic rendered in amazing detail. The bull about to be rubberstamped, the gorilla head portrayed as trophy are extensions of human nature.
Prashant Salvi’s acrylic watercolour and dry pastel on paper works are rendered in magic surrealism. Animal and human form are morphed and treated with an undercurrent of eroticism, conveying ‘suppressed sexual desires’ with sophistication.

Inccarnations of Capsicum 1 and 2 by Mahendra Damle show us how everyday forms play a role in our lives. The way he scrutinises them may not be visually pleasing though.
Nilesh Shilkar’s watercolour and pricking on paper and Nilesh Kinkale’s oil on canvas paintings are as different as chalk and cheese. Where Shilkar’s paper works are minimal in content, Kinkale’s oils are busy with a kind of hesitant, restless activity.

Shivanand Basvanthappa’s ‘work is worship’ oil on canvas, is among the best in the exhibition. A lone worker eats his lunch atop a pile of grainery in a godown after climbing onto a ladder. Inspite of packing in a lot of elements, Basvanthappa manages to create a feeling of loneliness.

Interestingly, Prasanna Ghaisas’ works of acrylic on canvas and Shailendra Kumar’s photographs on archival paper are studies in contrasts.

Fresh talent, superlative thought, visual appeal better than average, and above all full marks for taking that risk. For these artists — on show at Tao Art Gallery till August 23 — the journey’s just begun.