A touch of mythology
Multiple episodes from Indian mythology are retold in iridescent hues and stylistically rich strokes in Epic-fied.
A group show titled Epic-fied is a part of the 14th anniversary celebrations of the Alankrita Art Gallery. The wide arrays of works in the show are based on epic heroes and the popular stories that describe and accentuate their powers and strengths. The figurative and representational works bring forth the ever-so-popular tales in fresh and enhanced versions.
Pramod Reddy, one of the artists exhibiting here, talks about his work — “One of my works is based on Rama and another one on Vishnu. I believe that there are so many perspectives about life, relationships, philosophy and innate strengths concealed within the periphery of these epic tales that an artist can work consistently on them and will still be able to touch only the tip of the iceberg.”
An intricately rendered painting by Ramesh Gorjala brings forth the image of Krishna in a unique, rhythmic form. The central figure as well as the background contains drawings of multiple episodes and allegories of Krishna’s stories. A flying bull grants the essence of movement and gleeful vigour to the art.
Krishna remains the central figure in the delicate paper works rendered by Gouri Vemula as well. Different stances of Krishna Leela get manifested through these works that imbibe multiple details and textural extravagance. Talking about her artwork, Gouri says, “I dyed the paper with tea powder to achieve a strong base and then worked on it. The episodes of Krishna Leela have always intrigued me profusely; I assimilated the popular tales with my regular style and diction for the present series.”
On the other hand, Ahobilam Prabhakar’s Radha-Krishna paintings are lyrical and poetic. He creates the figures and the surroundings in a harmonious manner where a unanimous rhythm binds every aspect of the work together. Equally attractive is the painting of Ganesha rendered by Udaya Chiluveru that accentuates the divine powers of the deity. The entire background has been painted in a flamboyant gold. The dancing clusters of lotus flowers in the background not only create a perfect abode for the God but also infuse an apparent streak of energy on the picture surface.