Hyderabad: ‘The Intersection of Art, Ceramics and Spirituality’ exhibition by artists Deepa Nath and Manpreet Nishter explores the human experience from a variety of standpoints.
The exhibition, organised at Kadari Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, started on May 27 and will go on till the end of this month.
It was inaugurated by acclaimed painter and printmaker Padma Shri Kalal Laxma Goud. Former Union minister M. M. Pallam Raju, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor and senior artist Thota Vaikuntam have visited the show.
Deepa said, "Working with ceramics has been a spiritual experience, as it involves all five elements of the 'pancha bhuta."
In Hinduism, the 'pancha bhuta' is the basis of all cosmic creation. It comprises earth ('prithvi'), water ('jala'), fire ('agni'), air ('vayu') and ether ('akasha').
Deepa draws parallels between her creations and 'pancha bhuta'. "The clay of the earth, molded with water, fired in the kiln and then cooled by the air. The inspiration comes from ether, the outer reaches of the universe," she said.
A ceramic artwork on display shows two children being held by a volunteer at an orphanage. Children need to be held in their infancy but there aren't enough people to hold them at such institutions. Such jagged edges of the human experience are skillfully depicted in the paintings.
Another artwork depicts the journey of migrant labourers walking back home; scenes reminiscent of when the Covid-19 lockdown was declared all of a sudden in 2020.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the exhibition, Deepa said it is her deep involvement in Hindu philosophy, Vedanta. "This exhibition comes to you with this sense of renunciation. Let thine be done, not mine," she added.
The use of floral motifs in the works try to bring a sense of soothing to otherwise serious topics.
Deepa has earlier completed a series of paintings on underprivileged children, the upliftment of girl children and on partnerships.
While Manpreeth churned out the ceramic plates and bowls, Deepa worked on the art. She gives special thanks to Manpreeth for guidance.
Manpreeth is an expert in pottery and ceramics art.
The exhibition was initially planned to be held for only two weeks but was extended following good response.
