We live in such uncertain times that one wonders how the youth today respond to everything that’s going on around them. This also extends to artists who interpret external events and react to these in their own way by painting them on to their canvases.
Which is why one should take a closer look at a group exhibition, Class of 2008, that will showcase the works of students who had graduated earlier this year from M S University, Baroda.
The show is a comment on events relevant to today’s urban youth. I wouldn’t be surprised if some works in the show also project the angst that’s there for everyone to perceive at the moment. The show is on from December 10 to January 10, at Art Konsult, 23, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi.
While the Mumbai tragedy continues to anger us, the city is getting back on its feet. Check out an exhibition by the internationally reputed painter Surendran Nair that starts on December 12, undeterred by the terror attacks, at Saakshi Gallery, Tanna House, Mumbai.
In Kochi, too, there is a show this week where an artist consciously tries to translate issues that affect him on to the canvas. A solo show by K T Mathai, who has been working closely on the issue of land exploitation by local, national and multinational mafia, titled Fairy Tales from a Lost Land, tries to make a point.
Curated by Johny M L, this will have paintings and watercolours in which the artist articulates his concern for how life in the village is losing its purity because of the exploitation of the environment. On from December 13, at OED Gallery, Kochi.
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... and novelists as artists
I’m also definitely going to check out Lupe this week, a unique show that gives us a glimpse into the concerns of eight graphic novelists — four each from Switzerland and India. This show has been curated by Sarnath Banerjee. On till December 10, at Central Court, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The Fabergé collection
Fabergé — The Precious Jewellery of Russian Empire is being brought to India for the first time. The 196 pieces in this exhibition have been sourced from London, St Petersburg and Moscow, and valued at $22 million!
The creative works of Carl Fabergé (1846-1920) echoed the events of his time and he was intimately associated with Russian history at the turbulent turn of the 20th century. The featured pieces have been collected from museums, archives and private collections and present a great opportunity to see the famous jewellery.
The exhibits bring back a bygone era. One can also see products created exclusively for the royal family. It is striking that Fabergé was able to embrace all genres of gold- and silver-work, jewellery-making and stone-carving. The collection includes rare documents and photographic materials. December 6 to January 18, at the National Museum, New Delhi.