Artistic expressions and distinct narratives at this show in Delhi
The beauty of Nature is such that no two things are alike, and this is also true for artists and their work. Focussing on this very idea of individuality is the ongoing exhibition Naam-o-Nishan, that is showcasing 50 artists from across India. The event is a veritable feast for art aficionados as it brings together various traditions and indigenous cultures through more than 150 art pieces. It’s also an exclusive display of paintings across various mediums such as charcoal, watercolour, acrylics, oil, et al.
Delhi-based Reema Aggarwal, a self-taught artist who painted as a hobby but made it a profession during the pandemic, has eight paintings displayed at the show. “Nature has been a crucial element in all my work... The one painting that is really close to my heart is of Krishna. I made it as an ode to my father who died during the pandemic, as he was Krishna devotee,” she says.
Collins Osemeke, a Nigerian artist based in Delhi, is showcasing two of his pieces at the show. “My mixed media work highlights the need for gender equality. The second work, Confrontation, talks about the challenges we face in life and how can one work through it.” The artwork has various elements highlighting socio-political challenges in light profile, but on the top of the canvas is a question mark that indicates the need to work on a solution.
Curator Erum Khan shares, “Since I was working on this project before the pandemic, some artists have creatively reflected on these tough times in their work. One of them, Kaustav Mukherjee, was hospitalised due to Covid-19 and he portrayed it on canvas.”