Have we changed the natural expanses as much as to end up feeling lonely, disoriented and detached? The works by Tanmay Santra initiate similar concerns and contemplations.
His art makes one think about one’s connections to their surroundings
The recent series by the artist are a part of an ongoing show in Delhi that amalgamates artists from three different countries. The simplified and minimalistic works bring forth a personal trajectory that is subtle yet strong. These landscapes rendered in water colours on paper are real and imaginary at the same time. The frequent mention of the huge rocks perhaps reinstates the local, personal connection picked up from the artists own city, Hyderabad. “My works imbibe excerpts picked up from my surroundings, like, the construction sites and other details of the landscape,” agrees the artist.
The spaces are completely devoid of vegetation and any form of life.
The spaces are completely devoid of vegetation and any form of life. The small, puny and negligible size of the houses as compared to the surrounding vast spaces make them look alienated and dwarfed off. The socio-political and spiritual aspects related to inheriting the earth and owning it form the basic core and concept of these works. The artist with an inquisitiveness and modesty of a child embraces and explores the concept repeatedly as if looking for a satisfactory answer.
The concrete structures in the barren urban landscapes look lonely, secluded and solitary. Talking about a similar work titled, Home-1, Tanmay says, “The surreal landscapes by Salvador Dali are extremely intriguing, I wanted to create a similarly, ambiguous space in this particular work which is inspired by Dali’s painting Enigma of desire.” Talking further about his commitment as a lecturer at Central University, he fondly says, “Both the roles, of an artist and teacher are complementary and interrelated. I am frequently inspired by the student’s spark and enthusiasm.”
