STILLNESS IN MOTION

August 17 - September 18 , 2023

In a world that is perpetually in flux, finding pockets of tranquility and repose can be elusive. "Stillness In Motion" captures the innate process by which movement and energy transpire into moments of stillness, revealing the beauty and serenity within.
In this exhibition, we delve into the idea that action can often guide us toward moments of tranquility. Known to finish a work in one sitting, M.F. Husain masterfully captures the essence of movement in his works. The image of the horse, a classic icon in Indian art history and a prominent feature in his work depicts the free-willed and valiant nature of these creatures, alluding to their distinct sense of performativity and the gust of energy that they bring about. While Husain's work conforms to his traditional style and structure, Krishen Khanna's "Man with Sitar" from the 1960s stands in rarity owing to its fusion of abstraction and figuration, a departure from his conventional visual oeuvre. His use of colour and expressionist brushwork breathe life into his subjects.
Amidst the theatrics that occupy these paintings, Manjit Bawa and Sudhir Patwardhan's works create intimate moments of introspection. Manjit Bawa's delicately drawn figures are imbued with a sense of vulnerability, the portrayal of a man relishing the aroma of a flower making for a perfect example. His forms are rendered weightless owing to his exploration of space and the use of a muted colour palette. Similarly, Sudhir Patwardhan's "Untitled" pays close attention to the individuality of the figure, bringing out palpable volumes of the body, clothes, and hair alike. While they may seem mundane, his figures possess intricate details of the human form- details in the eye or the nose, or a tilt of the head, capturing the simple moments that make us human. 
Yet, one could argue that it is only in the complete absence of human presence that the world stands still. In conjunction with this idea, the exhibition sees the likes of K. H. Ara and Reba Hore's works, where objects such as flower vases and household furniture remain central to the composition. Comparably, Jeram Patel's "Untitled" depicts the various tools that he used in creating his patented blowtorched wood works, providing a distinct reflection of the artist's practice. Owing to the use of these unconventional tools, he possessed the uncanny ability to work with freedom while continuing to have control over the details and material. Devoid of human presence, the objects in these paintings exude a sense of permanence within the transitory realm of time.
The exhibition explores the juxtaposition of stillness and movement, inviting us to ponder the harmonious coexistence of these seemingly contradictory elements.

- Hiya Sanghvi

Images


Installation



Press


Sunday Mid-Day, September 17, 2023