The Journey | Online exhibition of paintings & sculptures by Anjali Sapra
Exhibition Date
22nd Jun - 5th Jul 2010
Visiting Hours
NA
Location
ONLINE EXHIBITION
Exhibition Details
The Journey... Anjali Sapra
To constantly evolve and work on oneself is an endeavor most humans strive for. Anjali Sapra in her exhibition "The Journey" embarks upon this voyage of self-introspection and self- realization……The journey is not only external in a physical sense but internal at the metaphysical level of being one with that which lies latent within each one of us.……. Anjali made a conscious decision to leave the IIM-A to focus on her art. She was fascinated by Indian Art especially the Mughal miniatures and the rich diversity of Crafts in India. The need to evolve further in art, to gain added understanding of the tools and techniques took her to the Triveni Kala Sangam; Delhi, where she trained for some years. This exposure amplified to her the possibilities of art. In 2005 she apprenticed with a senior artist and subsequently started working in a studio of her own.
Anjali’s work in the collection: “The Journey” is in Natural pigment and Oil on Canvas. Her fascination for natural pigments/mineral colors comes from the rich Mughal miniature tradition. She works in texture and layers her canvas, creating images which reflect her thought process, the nature of time and space, the physical and the metaphysical. The influence of Saint Kabir, his mystical poetry, the ‘Sahaja’(simple) way had deep impact on her thought process. The idea of the form transcending into the formless, the spiritual self being in complete harmony with nature all contributed in the awakening……….Anjali’s figures thus have evolved into forms of consciousness emerging out of varied hues with the gold bringing out the divine element inherent in each being. The eyes reflect a contentment inviting the viewer to engage in a dialogue with himself. Even as the colors on the background change from the deep muted rusty red to vivid turquoise and incandescent mustard ,and varied images and motifs float across the canvas signifying the transience of life and the triumph of the spirit, it is the serene eyes of the forms which follow you and leave a lasting impression on the self.
The other fascinating detail is the writing of some of the most loved and popular ‘Dohas’ [verses/couplets] in the original Devanagari script in vertical lines to signify how when the essence is understood ,everything else is irrelevant . Anjali uses the lotus, butterflies and dragonflies as metaphors to reflect on human aspirations and the need to evolve and transcend. These motifs assume special significance in her works as the butterfly emerges from the maze, the dragonfly in its limitless flight and the lotus which has always been associated with enlightenment across cultures inspire the viewer to embark on the journey....
The forte of the modern evolving artist is to constantly work, experiment in different mediums which gives the artist a wider platform of expression. Anjali explores the dynamics of the ancient egg tempera technique on handmade paper, seeking the sheen and divine aspect of the old iconoclastic paintings of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the same technique but on different surfaces. The process is quite laborious but the impact makes it worthwhile……..the colors acquire a depth and richness over which the images and writing in gold and silver foil come through to invite the viewer to be part of the journey. The Mixed Media work on handmade paper, though small in scale as compared to the Oil on canvas and the Egg tempera has its distinct way of furthering the journey. The preparing of the surface for her works is paramount to her as she experiments with Tea water, water color, gouache, foil, clove oil, glycerine and other products. What comes across in the final painting is scintillating as she works with natural colors complementing and supplementing the rich gold and silver foil…..
Anjali’s work finds another dimension in her sculptures as she explores the strength of the three dimensional form giving further impetus to the journey….a journey to which each one is invited to be part of…… a journey of dialogue with oneself…….
