‘Success is receiving new interpretations and appreciation of your work’ – Ambica Nair, Bangalore Artist Group

Two collectives of artists from across India share diverse perspectives on art, professionalism, and the meaning of success, in this photo essay from a recent Chitrakala Parishath exhibition.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 235 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath recently hosted an exhibition in Bengaluru featuring two groups of artists: Six Essence (Baldev Gambhir, MNN Murthy, Lalit Gopal Parashar, KS Basavaraju, Gagan Gambhir) and Bangalore Artist Group (Mahesh Kumar, Ambica Nair, Insha Ummehani, Suni Mishra, Supreeth Adiga).

From vehicles and animals to beaches and landscapes, the art works feature a range of techniques and materials. While some paintings tease or provoke the imagination, other installations evoke a sense of wonder or humour. From Lucknow and Kolkata to Chennai and Bengaluru, the artists show a range of themes and styles across India.

“Success is receiving new interpretations and appreciation of your work,” explained Ambica Nair, in a chat with YourStory. What audiences see in the work of art and the impact it has on them are sometimes quite different from what the artist intended or expected, and this can be a delight to the artist and a reflection of the true power of art.

Ambica grew up in Kerala and Gujarat, and works on folk and gender themes. She advises aspiring artists to keep persevering, develop an eye for the fine details that others may miss, and sharpen their sense of observation.

The artistic touch can be applied at multiple stages of the creative process, added Supreeth Adiga, a photographer from Udupi who also has an MSc in animation. For example, one of his displayed works is an upside-down photograph of a flame.

There can also be an element of humour in art, says Suni Mishra, an art teacher from UP. For example, food has been used as an element in politicians’ speeches, but food can also be used in works of art. Some of Suni’s mixed-media works playfully feature a roti as a crescent moon.

Lalit Gopal Parashar, an art professor in Amritsar, has also published over 25 scholarly papers on art. “Success comes from the joy of inspiring, energising and motivating others, and not just from commercial sales,” he explained. “Light of differing intensity and direction can transform scenes in beautiful ways. There is a lot of joy in nature, and even more joy in sharing it as an artist,” he said.

Now what you have done today to find humour and wonder in the world around you, and explore ways of energising others with it?

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