Visit A Delhi Art Exhibition Where Landscapes Become Visceral Personal Metaphors

The Far Edge Of The Frowning ForestGallerie Splash

"A landscape painting is essentially emotional in origin. It exists as a record of an effect in nature whose splendour has moved a human heart, and according as it is well or ill done it moves the hearts of others."

Walter J. Phillips, English-Canadian painter and printmaker

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.

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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.

Sarika Mehta, stories of land 12 x 16 inches, oil on canvas 1Gallerie Splash

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

Paramjit Singh, 36 x 24 inches, oil on canvasGallerie Splash

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.

Balaji Ponna, Celebrating green day, 59 x 82 inches, oil on canvasGallerie Splash

Balaji Ponna, neither of the house nor of the ghat, 59 x 82 inches, oil on canvasGallerie Splash

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.

Avinash Chandra, 24 x 33 inches, oil on canvasGallerie Splash

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.

Sanam Narayanan, Untitiled, 11 x16 inches, water color and pen and ink on paperGallerie Splash

Sanam Narayanan, untitled, 8 x 12 inches, water color, pen and ink on paperGallerie Splash

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.

Magesh R, Persistance of faith, Silicon carbide and ink on hemp paper, 24 x 35 inchesGallerie Splash

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

Soumen Das, still stays as once they were, 72 x 48 inches, acrylic on canvasGallerie Splash

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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.