Periphery and centre: how this art exhibition explores news trends and themes
In this photo essay, we feature more highlights from the exhibition titled Mapping Periphery & Centre, along with curator insights.
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Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (KCP) recently celebrated the second edition of its ‘Namma Art Bengaluru’ national festival. See our coverage of earlier exhibitions at this popular cultural hub here.
The programme included a special exhibition put together by art historian and curator Lina Vincent, titled Mapping Periphery & Centre – A Pan-India Dialogue. It featured the works of more than 60 accomplished artists across genres and themes.
“Each curatorial project moves forward in an organic way; one formula does not fit all. It is researched, developed and put together with the artists on board in the discussions,” Vincent tells YourStory.
She is also heading the Visual Arts section for the Abhivyakti City Arts project at the end of the year. The largescale public programme will be held from 27th November to 13th December in Ahmedabad.
“When I receive the goodwill and continued support of artists, gallerists and my curatorial peers, then I feel I have done something right,” Vincent adds.
The artist lineup in the KCP exhibition, some of whose works are included in this photo essay, includes Arunkumar HG, Balaji Ponna, Bhartti Verma, Chippa Sudhakar, Girish Kulkarni, Harsha Durugadda, Kanchan Chander, Manveer Singh, Nikhileswar Baruah, and Prashant Pandey.
Other featured artists are Rani Rekha, Ruchita Madhok, Shanker Kumawat, Shweta Raina, Venugopal VG, Shyam Pahapalkar, Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, Harsha Kancharla, Mayur and Tushar Vayeda.
Arunkumar H.G. is a Bengaluru-based contemporary artist whose practice investigates the complex relationship between humans, animals and the rapidly changing urban environment. Balaji Ponna is known for his evocative figurative paintings that examine memory, identity and everyday lived experiences.
Bhartti Verma has a multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media. Chippa Sudhakar is a Hyderabad-based artist whose paintings are deeply rooted in observations of rural life, agricultural landscapes, and the rhythms of everyday existence.
Girish Kulkarni is a contemporary painter whose work explores the intersections of memory, architecture and the passage of time. Harsha Durugadda combines painting, drawing and mixed media to examine the complexities of identity, migration and social change.
Kanchan Chander is a contemporary artist celebrated for her vibrant abstract paintings inspired by nature, energy and emotional experience. Manveer Singh’s figurative paintings explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and human resilience.
Nikhileswar Baruah is an Assamese contemporary artist whose practice is inspired by the landscapes, folklore and cultural traditions of Northeast India. Prashant Pandey focuses on expressive figurative works that examine social realities, personal identity, and emotional introspection.
Rani Rekha’s sculptural installations and mixed-media works transform everyday materials into powerful explorations of gender, labour, migration, and social inequality. Ruchita Madhok’s multidisciplinary practice encompasses painting, drawing and installations.
Shanker Kumawat’s paintings draw inspiration from Rajasthan's cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and everyday life. Shweta Raina is a contemporary artist whose paintings investigate themes of memory, emotion and the relationship between inner psychological states and the external world.
Venugopal VG is a Bengaluru-based contemporary artist whose paintings examine the interconnectedness of humans, animals and ecological systems. Shyam Pahapalkar is a painter known for his expressive engagement with landscape, architecture and everyday environments.
Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, a leading contemporary artist, is renowned for extending the traditions of Gond painting into new conceptual and visual territories. Harsha Kancharla is a contemporary artist exploring themes of identity, memory and the rapidly changing social landscape.
Mayur and Tushar Vayeda are brothers from the Warli tribal community of Maharashtra who have emerged as important contemporary practitioners of Warli art. While preserving the distinctive visual vocabulary of traditional Warli painting, they have expanded the form to address contemporary issues such as environmental conservation.
Visiting such an art exhibition with so many different styles and genres provides a unique opportunity to immerse in creative expression. This variety showcases the many ways in which art can communicate emotions, stories, messages, and ideas.
Viewers also gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, social issues, and life experiences. For art afficionados and the general public, the exhibition can spark new ideas, broaden artistic knowledge, and foster a greater appreciation for creative talent and processes.
Seeing different styles and themes encourages critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness. Emerging and established artists benefit from such a platform to share their work and build recognition.
Curator Vincent calls for more public spaces for such art exhibitions. “I hope a city like Bengaluru and its corporate and industrial layer will support such spaces and invest in infrastructure for the arts. This includes not only white cube galleries but common creative spaces for everyone,” she urges.
She offers tips for aspiring artists as well. “Simply continue to follow your instinct, and be truthful in what you make and share. Do not ever be afraid of change,” Vincent signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.)