I have always loved this quote. It exemplifies the emotional essence binding the artist and the land he treads on. It is not just technical prowess that can create a good landscape painting. The landscape must emotionally resonate with the artist for him to capture it through brushstrokes. Only if the artist has been thoroughly touched by the landscape he laid eyes upon, can he compose a landscape painting that will emotionally resonate with those who view it.

It is precisely this line of thinking why the ongoing art exhibition, The Far Edge Of The Frowning Forest has impressed upon my mind. Curated by Jitha Karthikeyan, the exhibition showcases the works of eight talented artists whose paintings broadly fit under the umbrella of landscapes. The portrayal of landscapes in art has transformed over time, moving beyond the "picturesque" or just aesthetically pleasing scenes. Like hidden archaeological sites, landscapes hold layers of history and stories of the past, present, and future. Buried beneath their beauty are the echoes of bloody battles, the birth and fall of civilizations, clashes of ideologies, current realities, and fears of a bleak future. They also evoke nostalgia and serve as reminders of lives lived. These eight artists use landscapes as metaphors to explore their connection with these environments, delving into their depths and envisioning future terrains.

Sarika Mehta's expansive stretch of land meets the vast sky at the distant horizon, offering a vision that takes us away from the familiar demands of our busy daily lives.

Paramjit Singh's poetic portrayal of the natural world beckons viewers into a realm of serene and captivating beauty.

Balaji Ponna’s series explores what he terms as “human-scapes”. The prevailing sense of darkness in his creations evokes a dystopian world where social fairness is an impossibility. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of our inhuman actions.

The paintings of the late artist Avinash Chandra, despite being abstract, express a joy for life, reflecting the vibrant colors and patterns of his native land.

Sanam Narayanan's creative process is inspired by his deep connection with nature. Intrigued by the open spaces amidst unruly greenery, he feels a sense of tranquility in these hidden areas that seem to communicate with him.

Magesh R’s intensely worked surfaces weave multiple narratives while he restricts his palette to a monochromatic format, suggestive of a blurry recollection of a fading memory.

Soumen Das delves into the organized linear nature of urban landscapes, revealing his artistic process in a multi-layered approach.

Pranay Dutta's artwork explores the intricate connection between terrestrial species and landscapes. Drawing from scientific and climate information, as well as a collection of images, he aims to convey a feeling of decay, urging observers to witness potential future ecosystems and highlighting the fragility of our natural systems.

The Far Edge Of The Frowning Forest

Exhibition on view till: 31 December, 2023

Venue: Gallerie Splash (Saraswati Kunj, 87 F, Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana 122011)

Find out more about Gallerie Splash here.

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