‘Mind trip’ best describes the latest collection of paintings by renowned artist Druvinka. Titled ‘Beyond Illusion’ each painting will hold you prisoner for a length of time as you gaze into its depths and unexpectedly discover new elements within it.
Depth is a distinctive aspect of Druvinka’s art as her work for the past 19 years has consisted of layer upon layer of paintings on semi-transparent rice paper. Each painting is usually made up of a set number of layers, creating shadows within the painting as one layer overlaps the other.
This time however, Druvinka has pushed the limits of her work, experimenting by adding even more layers. “These paintings have a fourth dimension that creates movement,” says Druvinka, explaining “the objects you see within are like avatars or spirits.” Each painting depicts a particular subject, pivoting on her persistent theme of ‘personal struggle’.
“This theme has been going on for a year. It’s always an inner search. For a few years my paintings were about a closed search—a personal inner struggle, but now it has opened out,” she says adding that her present work takes the search beyond one’s self. “I’m you and you are me,” says Druvinka, elaborating that this exhibition encompasses the self and embraces others in the greater search in life.
Another feature of the exhibition that is currently on display at the Barefoot Gallery, is the optical illusions she’s deftly crafted into the paintings. Taking your mind on a journey as the painting tell stories of struggles to understand life, images change and unexpectedly spring out as your eyes traverse her large brightly painted canvases.
Unlike her previous work, ‘Beyond Illusion’ is brighter and possibly more joyous. “This time I haven’t toned down the colours by mixing them,” she reveals, pointing out areas, bright and rich in their true colour. “I used the colours straight from the tubes; before I would tone them down to suit my moods.”
Druvinka gathers inspiration for her work from where she now lives, the scenic Kullu Manali-valley of the gods, located in the Himalayas.
Her paintings will be on display at the Barefoot Gallery till October 31. |
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