Bakhiya, a Way to Survive Challenges
Art HappeningsVolume 1 Issue 2

Bakhiya, a Way to Survive Challenges

By March 15, 2020No Comments

10 January-6 March, 2020 @ Threshold Art Gallery, New Delhi

The Threshold Art Gallery showcased a group exhibition ‘Bakhiya’ to symbolize the Sufi meditative activity of not letting things fall apart.
The unique exhibition, ‘Bakhiya’, which closed last week, at the Threshold Art Gallery, Delhi, incorporated the styles of kantha, sujani, rafoo, in the styles of refabricating instead of discarding, by featuring artists Achia Anzi, Gargi Raina, Priya Ravish Mehra, Rajendra Tiku, Rubaba Haider and Yael Bartana who came together to share their stories of difficult journeys and lessons thereof. According to Ms. Tunty Chauhan, curator, “This exhibition serves as a subtle reminder to the viewer to embrace and appreciate all aspects of life and revisit our conception of beauty and desirability not as the absence of imperfection but rather, by recognizing those very flaws as an inextricable part of what make us wiser, it carries connotations of fully existing within the moment, of acceptance, of equanimity amid changing conditions. This is the essence of surrender.”

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    • Volume 1 Issue 7COVID 19 has put everything out of gear and what was never imagined before has appeared in front of us as a giant. Artist community has not been spared. Artists being super-sensitive, having bare nerves deal with life in their own unique manner. This issue of Art Observer has covered that largely. ‘Art is Life’ shares viewing experience of many galleries and collaboration with museums overseas bringing eminent personalities in forefront. Rajesh Sarovar, a Kerala based artist has studied the human struggle for existence in his own larger than life display infused with colours. An article on his work is a story of artist’s journey as well. We share with you how the works of nine Bangladeshi artists launched by The Durjay Bangladesh Foundation have not only gone global but also share role of the art in dispelling the fear and anxiety in uncertain times. Art Observer has displayed the unique embroideries of Anuradha Bhaumik as well as the classical art of Tanjore painting with all the details on themes and techniques. Michelle Poonawala’s show at Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai was the first post COVID exhibition covered by Subhra Majumdar in this issue. Both online and physical visit have added…
    • Volume 1 Issue 6The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rethinking of our work schedules. The uncertainty of things happening has added to the panic that is making it difficult to lead a normal life. An artist already known to be super sensitive needs to save his raw nerves more cautiously. No wonder most of the artists are diverting all their energy to creativity. We are receiving the pictures of amazingly wonderful works done by artists from different parts of India. Understanding well that it is not possible to exhibit the works in galleries in such difficult days, we at Art Observer believe in giving full moral support to the artists to keep them going. For many it has become almost therapeutic and we appreciate the outpour that is honest, brilliant and vibrant. Art works of some artists are full of expression and style of execution. Falguni without being symbolic or philosophical, has dealt with the contemporary theme very directly that is as good as recording in a diary. Readers are sure to enjoy the diversity of styles in all these works by the artists. Dr D S Kapoor, an eminent artist and educationist has very laboriously guided the young generation to understand the…
    • Volume 1 Issue 5There is a very thin line between the Visual Arts and the Performing Arts. In fact these arts complement each other and are well integrated. This issue presents an exceptionally talented, classical dancer, the creator of Sufi Kathak, Manjari Chaturvedi. ‘In the Conversation’, this artist shares how her struggle to achieve her goal made her realise that ‘it is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end’. Readers will enjoy to read about the synthesis of grace, calm and sensuality. Mother nature’s palette is a rich source of inspiration for any artist. When a colour dominates in the imagination of a creator, it’s bound to reappear on the canvas and envelope the viewer. An article ‘Plants on Canvases’ by Pooja Gupta is all about the nature’s beauty mingling with the colours. What lies in a title is an in-depth study of thematic content of any piece of art by Simret Singh. ’Rang Matir Pachali’ is another article that takes us on a trip to an unusual exhibition during these days of lockdown. Shanker Art Foundation’s deep concern for the creativity among children has encouraged a huge participation of young ones…
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    • Volume 1 Issue 2Art Observer is dedicated to the wide spectrum of visual and performing arts. Efforts have been to share and showcase aesthetically appealing creations to all the ‘rasiks’. This journal is also a platform for the aspiring and talented artists to reveal their works and express their views. This issue has covered some prestigious, innovative and inspiring exhibitions that have made a mark. The National Kala Mela 2020 held at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, exhibition of renowned artists at Sanchit Art, New Delhi, An unusual exhibition of thread work – ‘Bakhiya’ that has symbolised the Sufi meditative activity compels us to look within and start embracing imperfection in day to day life. A very laborious task of organising exhibition of painted masks by Speaking Art Foundation familiarises us with the diversity in theme-Shakti. This exhibition of 200 masks was held at Lokayata, New Delhi. Breathtakingly beautiful and candid works of Idris are revealing the dedication of a photographer trying to freeze the images in time. Mahmood Ahmad’s transformation from vibrant landscapes in acrylic to drawings of female form in black and white is stunning indeed. One always likes to read about the great masters and learn from their experiences on…
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