Postcard paintings on show at the Prussian Blue Art Hub Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Over 500 postcard-sized watercolor paintings enliven the gallery space at the Prussian Blue Art Hub. The exhibition showcasing the works of 32 artists from across India is part of the gallery’s 15th anniversary celebrations.
Each artist has created a series of postcards that are displayed together as one larger work. “There is beauty in miniature paintings and each work on display is testament to that. The works are also extremely detailed,” says curator Suresh TR, an artist, art instructor and founder of Prussian Blue Art Hub. The show includes work by emerging artists and experienced artists.
A work by Jyotsna Dwivedi. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The most popular subject seems to be nature. Jazeela Sherif’s canvases are realistic depictions of the countryside, nature and city streets. While Bengaluru-based artist Anjali Doni portrays the small shops that are located in quaint Indian villages – a toddy shop “somewhere in Kerala”, a fruit shop in Kozhikode and the Pardesi Synagogue in Mattancherry. His other canvases include an old-world coffee house in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, and his favorite tea shop in Domlur, Bengaluru.
Painting by Ashima Bhan Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kochi-based designer Ashima Bhan, founder of Aaram Se, which specializes in making clothes for people with special needs, displayed her paintings of the male figure on chocolate brown canvas. Ashima says that she started painting during Covid-19. She says the form is outlined in black and the artist specifically wanted to explore the use of brown.
For Sipin CG, inspiration comes from architectural structures. His frames are filled with clock towers and the tops of buildings, including the Eiffel Tower. Sonam Sikarwar has used red, white and black colors to create a stunning collage.
Paintings of Sonam Sikarwar Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
It is the leaves that inspire Rahul R, Aarush Ali and Induja Shanmughraj, who have depicted greenery in various forms – potted plants, trees, ferns and weeds growing in the wild.
A work by Thomas Abraham Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In the spirit of the holiday season, some paintings bring back the era of greeting cards. For example, Anilkumar’s postcards can serve well as season’s greetings, filled with cartoon characters and other Christmas motifs.
Saji Ennakkad depicts life on the beach, while Latha Devi NB’s work is a collage of bright blue canvases. The seemingly abstract work creates a powerful visual impact. The works of Thomas Abraham create a similar effect – a mosaic of bright colours. He uses coffee with the ink, which gives the paintings a distinctive translucent quality. Smita Ampu’s canvases are full of verses.
Sippin CG | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Suresh says, though the paintings are small in scale, they have noticeable qualities. The Prussian Blue Art Hub has a studio attached to it, which Suresh’s students use to work on their paintings. An art teacher for over 15 years, Suresh has played an important role in shaping the art journey of many art lovers. Ever since he started training students, Suresh hasn’t got much time to exhibit his works, “but guiding someone through his or her artistic journey is a rewarding experience,” he says. “I would like to call myself a facilitator. And that’s why I created a studio space where people can come and work without any barriers.
Other artists showcasing their work include Aditi Shukla, Susan Thomas, Shine Thomas, Anilkumar K, Aditi Arele, Meenu Ittipe, Ganga Suresh, Ligimol K, Susan Mathew, Jyotsna Dwivedi, KP Lakshmi Ahuja, Lakshmi Balakrishnan, Shalini B Menon Are. Bhavashankari S, Sonia Kundra Singh, Vandana Raghavan, Thashina Doyil Joy, Bavyashree, and Aishwarya L.
The paintings are on sale. The show will conclude on 26th December.
published – December 19, 2024 10:15 am IST
