Exhibition captures myriad emotions

From innovating with brush strokes to taking up painting to come to terms with loss, a new exhibition here explores an array of experiences ranging from bereavement to empowerment and love.
Titled, "Meet my Soulmate", the week long exhibition underway at All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) here has on display over 40 artworks by students from National Institute of fine arts (NIFA).
Archanaa Panda has recreated perhaps an old photograph into a black and white portrait of her father holding her in his arms. In the background are numerous silhouettes of several 'happy' moments that are shared between any father and daughter - piggyback riding, cuddling, going on strolls etc.

"For me this artwork is about my soul. What I am exhibting here is the portrait of my father holding me in his arms. I miss him every single moment. That is my tribute to him," says an emotional Panda.
The amateur artist left her job as an IT professional after the death of her father last year.
Curator Renu Khera says they did not want to limit the exhibition with a theme and rather encourage free flow of ideas.

"Here we have given full liberty to our students. They can decide and come up with masterpieces of their own choice," says Khera, who is also director of NIFA.

The displayed artworks are thought provoking and highlight issues like urbanisation with an image of "a girl's soul stuck inside the concrete jungle" or the challenges faced by women in the society.
The paintings have been created in a variety of mediums like charcoal on paper, acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, water colour and mix medium work among others and by artists both young and old.
Eight-year-old Kashvi Khera's painting in acrylic on canvas is an image of a bright sunny day with colourful flowers. The blue of her sky and the green of her grass blend together to evoke joy.

A majority of the participating artists are women and therefore, it is conspicuous why many paintings reflect the problems faced by women.
"I painted a girl watching outside her window helplessly, yearning for freedom," says Samriti Sharma, a diploma holder from NIFA.
25 per cent of the proceeds from the selling the paintings will be used for treating a cancer patient, Khera said.
"We want our artists to be rewarded financially and 25 per cent of the revenue will be spend on the treatment of a cancer patient," she says.
Taking inspiration of his works from the daily life, Das

explained that his Yak painting portrayed the power and force of the animal - the porter of the mountains.
Similarly, the 'Everest' had one's eyes glued to the snowclad mountains and the melting glacier.
Standing out among the presentations is the portrayal of the resting place in Darjeeling of Sister Nivedita, a social worker, author, teacher and a disciple of Swami Vivekananda, who died there in 1911.
Das said through his work, he wants to draw attention towards the building now which is in desperate need of repair and maintenance and added that his work was a sort of tribute to Sister Nivedita.

While colouring bright spring in oil on canvas, the painter also showcased prayer flags in 'Peace' with a Tibetan monk trying to bring peace on earth from heaven.
Equally eye catching is the 'Lord Ganpati on Himalaya', a mix of Buddhist and Hindu forms in one painting.
Noted film actor and director Rahul Bose was among the art buffs who came to catch of glimpses of the creations. He particularly praised the painting on Darjeeling and the sculpture depicting the mother and child.
"The works are mainly reflected on various moments to rise or extend above the surrounding level as clouds, seas, mountains, human nature, etc," the two artists said.

While this is Chakraborty's 10th exhibition, Das presented his works for the first time in Mumbai. Both artists were happy with the response in the metropolis and plan to come again soon to display more of their creative works.
According to Das, who has a Master and Research degree (AMA) in Cultural Heritage and Restoration from UK and Italy, his paintings have been exhibited at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, National Library in Kolkata, besides various other places in India and abroad.
Chakraborty, who lives in Kolkata, has had his works displayed in India and abroad.