Walk into Gallery 78 and you’ll be able to witness an array of contemporary and abstract artworks. The show, curated by Hyderabad-based artist Abdullah Khan, amalgamates the works of seven artists from different parts of the country, three of whom are from Hyderabad.
Satish, Pragya, Sonaly and Ayesha
“The artists were chosen for their ability to induce mindfulness — to allow the mind to relax and wander, let go of the mundane and focus on the things that really matter,” he says. Abdullah’s series of works, which are also on display, are prominently geometrical and define dimensions with multiple flat planes.
Abdullah Khan and his abstract geometric work.
Ayesha Nazeen works with straight lines that cut the textured space into crisscrossing fragments. Her works represent the natural elements in most minimalistic and abstract versions. Explaining her perspective, she says, “I enjoy creating artwork that perceives change like waterfalls, snowfall as well as autumn and rain. I prefer to use greens and blues, as these give a soothing effect to the eye, along with the base of contrasts and highlights that pull the viewer’s eye to a natural light source.”
Ayesha Nazeen’s works represent the natural elements in most minimalistic and abstract versions.
Meanwhile, local artist Sonaly Gandhi’s works unveil the dynamics that define and challenge male-female relationships in contemporary times. While talking about her compositions, which are charged with metaphorical strengths, she says, “I use perfect symmetrical forms like squares, rectangles, checks and butterflies to cover the figures, thereby symbolising the strive for the ideal among humans. Working on large canvases has required me to justify the space, balance the composition, maintain the colour scheme and use subtle texture appropriately.”
Sonaly Gandhi’s metaphorical artworks.
Equally strong expressions but rendered in completely diverse style, are Satish Bhaisare’s abstract works. These have a tranquilising, soothing and peaceful effect on the viewer. In his compositions, intricate latticework of lines seamlessly merges into colour areas. “My roots of being a farmer have evolved with time. I recreate the joy of watching and wandering through the fields of serenity, the fragrance of nature and its soothing songs. My works traverse through this search for a connection between our emotional psyche and the experiences we encounter in modern times,” he explains.
Satish Bhaisare’s intricate latticework of lines merging into colour areas.
On the other hand, paintings by Pragya Jain from Bengaluru, are rendered in a prominently iridescent and flamboyant colour palette. Pragya merges the rhythmic and swirly colour strokes with straight and geometric juxtapositions. She shares her experience of exhibiting her works at Hyderabad for the first time, “Each work in the show will make you want to stop and submerse deep within it. I hope to participate in many more shows in this wonderful city in the future,” she concludes.
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