Few exhibitions can claim to be a culmination of a decade of work. On January 6, the city-based collective Art Heart will host their first exhibition of artists at the Jehangir Art Gallery to highlight a decade-long commitment to the visual arts. “We conceptualised Art Heart in 2015. One of our main objectives was to offer new artists a platform. To that end, we would often host artist camps to welcome, and encourage new ideas,” shares Vandana Lund, founding member.
The exhibition is a natural progression of the practice, she adds. “The camp location in Kolvan is distinctly different. We invite artists from across the country to participate, and there are no stipulations made. We do not demand a theme, a number of canvases or a deadline. It is this freedom that contributes to the ideas that follow,” she states.
Untitled by Smitha GS, acrylic on canvas. Pics Courtesy/ArtHeart
This explains the origins of the curation that will open to Mumbaikars on Tuesday. “The title of the work, Texture of Thought, emerged as a result of these aesthetic practices. The freedom and the scenic nature of the camp often let people slowly examine the true nature of their thoughts. It is difficult for us to truly understand it unless we are in such a space. For instance, an urban Mumbaikar only knows the effect of silence and slowing down once you step out of the city. It was the same for the artists,” the founding member adds.
Little Magician by Monica Ghule
The curation will include selective works from over 100 artists who have participated in the camps. “We had to carefully choose to highlight as many artists as we could. It is not every day that you get a chance to showcase work at Jehangir [Art Gallery],” the curator shares. Art, however, is only one part of the equation, we learn.
Vandana Lund
The exhibition will be held to support the Abled Disabled All People Together (ADAPT), formerly Spastics Society of India. “A part of the revenue from the sales of the artworks will go to fund the ADAPT cause,” shares Vandana. That gives us some texture for thought.
FROM January 6 to 12; 11 am to 7 pm
AT Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
