Gallery Sumukha is hosting ‘Cultural Encroachment’, installations and photographs by Lilian Hasler.
Lilian, who came to Bangalore on a grant a year ago, got interested in the City’s green and empty spaces and captured the same through her camera. “People spoke of the City not having many open and green spaces. So as and when I chanced upon them, I captured them and am now exhibiting the same,” she says. Buildings under construction and popular places however dominate her work. “The way constructions are undertaken here are different from those in Europe. The scaffolds used for construction fascinated me,” she says. Over 20 photographs including those of Ulsoor Lake, Bannerghatta Park, Commercial Street and constructions in Electronics City are on display.

Scaffolds with tubelights and a fibre installation of an eye are also a part of the exhibits. “The eye represents the overview of my understanding of the City as an artist and a European,” she explains.

Further sharing her experience of the City, she says, “When I first came here it was so different and shocking. Now I don’t want to go back. I have adapted myself to Bangalore.” The Bangalore art scene has also left her impressed. ``The art community here is so strong and interactive. I have noticed solidarity among the artistes here,” Lilian says. ``What also impresses me about India is that there is the much needed connection between art and craft,’’ she adds.

So does she plan to come back? “Definitely. I will be leaving for Switzerland soon, but in three months time will come back to Pune. I plan to study the art scenario there,” she reveals.

Lilian, who has been a sculptor for over 40 years now, has trained at the Kunstgewerbeschule Bern. Political and social changes in Europe have influenced her personality and visual language. The exhibition will be on till April 5 at the gallery located in Wilson Garden (near BTS Depot).