Pearl Art Gallery is showcasing ‘Melange’ a group exhibition of paintings and sculptures from May 9 to June 8 and participating artists like Kishore Roy, Ramesh Gorjala, Sachindra Nath Jha, Laxman Aelay, Nisha Singh and Shashi Paul have brought together some vibrant and energetic figurative works which have a universal appeal.
Notable among them, however, are the works of the lone sculptor Shashi Paul. The artist is showcasing a part of his Ganga anthology of works. Recently inspired by the might and myth of Ganga as well as its current plight and desecration, the artist has portrayed the mighty river in its myriad moods and dimensions – sometimes serene, vigorous at other times, beautiful and pristine at once and dirty and maligned in another which underscores its influence and behaviour in different times.
“The Ganga is not just a river but a symbol of our civilisation. Around its mighty banks and the river basin are based numerous stories, folklore, mythology of rituals and recitations, goddesses and gods, tales of pundits and purohits, which manifest its magnificence. I have used colour and form as a new language to describe this glorious river,” said Shashi Paul.
“This body of work is based on years of research and efforts of witnessing the river in its various stages and forms, interacting with different people and studying folklore and mythology. Reflected in these works is my life that has been deeply influenced and inspired by knowledge and insights shared by a number of artists such as the noted sculptor Himmat Shah.”
The artist has also been greatly influenced by the life and times of fiercely independent thinking of the legendary Van Gogh. The influence of his radical thinking and the uninhibited use of colors can be seen in this splendid work in a much different time and context.