Thursday 7 November 2013

BHOPAL - READING BETWEEN THE LINES

Bhopal became infamous for the tragic gas leak in the 1980s which caused the death of thousands of the town's inhabitants, but a completely different aspect to this city has emerged since - it has become a thriving centre for art.   A long line of important Indian artists have emerged from Bhopal, the most famous being M.F. Hosein and their exhibitions enliven the national art scene.

The latest artist from Bhopal to exhibit in Gujarat, is Yusuf and perhaps, not surprisingly, the environment and its pollution, is the focus of his art.  Using gauze fabric, the entire exhibition is dedicated to 'The River' and deals with its use and abuse.  The gauze is made up of loose fibers which are worked in such a way as to allow layers to overlay layers, suggesting the translucence and also the opaque qualities of a river.  Even the framing glass is printed with ruled lines, creating an initial layer.   The river is treated as a linear object, like a highway, bringing great benefit, but suffering the consequences of pollution, along its route.  

The environment is a favourite subject for artists in India, who have much to say about urbanisation and its adverse effects.  This exhibition is beautiful in its very restrained, almost monochromatic colour palette and severe geometric abstraction.

   

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