2023

The Magic Thread

Solo show by Heeral Trivedi

The beauty of art is in its ability to show a different world, one created out of passion and imagination. Interwoven narratives, intricate like thread work, creating a magical experience, layered and thought-provoking. Some art is intense, challenging the viewer to introspection, but some art is comfortable, bringing us to a point of unison within: being both meditative and whimsical simultaneously. It is often said that the greatest skill of an artist is to create something that carries the touch of childlike innocence. Heeral Trivedi manages the unique feat of combining this innocence with deep and engaging storytelling.

This exhibition is a tribute to Trivedi’s years of experience. While there is a maturity in her technique, her art is still untouched by the cynical outlook that life brings about. She stays true to her curious self, ever-seeking new modes of expression. This is most keenly reflected in her poems which are written in synergy with the paintings. Each word and stroke is transportive, opening up new doors of perspective. The colour palette further brings out this soft daydream feel through its muted, appealing shades and with the abundant use of white, creating a mist of wonder.

 Her art stands as a true testament to the capacity we all have deep within us to transcend.  

 Sanjana Shah

Heeral’s mysterious story telling art gives viewers an experience of being a part of a painting or beautiful fictional book world, alive with engaging emotions and imagination. Her application of colours is nuanced and ever smooth. I have a desire of wanting more of her visual narrative which is so well coordinated but not repetitive. All the feminine elements in her works brings poetry in our mind.

 Heeral has made a statement in her artworks and in the art world with her dedication and creative restlessness at the same time and has made a strong but subtle space in the heart of viewers too.

Kalpana Shah

(Friday, November 17 to Sunday, December 10)

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Utopian Dystopia

Solo show by Jayesh Saachdev

In “Utopian Dystopia”, we explore the quantum dance of universal energy within atoms, revealing the extraordinary notion that all possibilities coexist. We invite you to envision the power of embracing alternative futures and conditioning your present self to inhabit them momentarily. This concept underscores the belief that all possibilities coexist, empowering us to shape our own realities and futures. Within the endless energy of atoms, we discover a profound source of potential, where science and art converge to reveal a tapestry of creative possibilities where imagination meets the cosmos.

Jayesh blends elements of this quantum dance through a visual cultural amalgamation with a contemporary surrealism identity. His fearless use of bright colors and intricate details attest to his artistic depth and draw the viewer in, inviting them to explore the deeper meaning behind each work.

Sanjana Shah

(Friday, October 6 to Friday, November 3)

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Spontaneous Order: An Unintended Coordination of Intentional Action

Solo show by Anni Kumari

Drawing inspiration from diverse realms, Spontaneous Order: An Unintended Coordination of Intentional Action unveils an intriguing exploration of the emergence of arrangement and coordination within complex systems. Through these immersive compositions, Anni delves into the captivating phenomena of self-organisation, defying central planning and hierarchical control. This body of work intricately portrays the delicate interplay of individual interactions, resulting in a collective harmony reminiscent of a well-choreographed dance.

 Here, mathematical algorithms steer an authentic artistic approach, where the Fibonacci series, fractal geometry, prime numbers and factors lay the foundation for complex and meaningful structures. These algorithms become Anni’s tools of expression, turning what seems like chaos into exquisite compositions that mesmerise the eye and intrigue the mind.

Embarking on a compelling journey of mapmaking, Anni skillfully unravels its intricacies, illustrating their significance in shaping our worldview. Merging scientific rigour with a hint of romanticism, she relinquishes control to the art itself resulting in an exquisite fusion of intention and intuition. She also unfurls the splendour of ‘imagined landscapes’, tapping into an artistic lineage where scenery springs from imagination, woven with threads of literature, poetry, and spirituality; transfiguring her artistic expression. Furthermore, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian art, temple architecture, Khovar, Kolam, Sohrai art, and Panchang, her creations exude a graceful confluence of influences.

Anni's sensitivity to the seven elements of art in these canvases defies several accepted Western conventions, birthing timeless pictorials pulsating with profound symbolism. She fearlessly dismantles established paradigms that ignite a transformative reassessment of entrenched beliefs that unearths new intersections of thought.

Born from spontaneity and bred by purpose, this transformative body of work embraces the beauty of hidden orders and the resilience of self-organising systems that transcend physical peripheries into the metaphysical, echoing through and beyond time and space.

Wendy Amanda Coutinho

(Saturday, September 2 to Thursday, September 21)

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Material Memories

Nahid Merchant & Smita Mandlik

Nahid Merchant and Smita Mandlik come together with a unique synergy of tactile mediums exploring how their memories have shaped their personal sense of identity. Themes of spaces and places, interconnectedness with nature and the residues of relationships come to the forefront with their engaging works.  Join us in exploring this beautiful myriad of material, resembling the multi-dimensional nature of our human life experience. 

Sanjana Shah

(Friday, July 21 to Sunday, August 20)

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Infinitesimal to Infinity

Stone Stories by Shrinivas Gadre

Exploring a self-created technique of Photography, Shrinivas Gadre brings to life an unseen world. A world that is contained within stone but that contains the majestic visuals of our entire universe! This artistic pursuit is deeply philosophical, driven by the intent to show us the mysteries of nature and the unbelievable symmetries and synchronicities it encompasses. If creative expression is fundamental to human beings, then the theory that we ourselves come from the universe is emphasized upon through his photography. These unimaginable colors and patterns mimic the same ones we see in nature’s creation, from the smallest molecule to the largest galaxy. It pushes the viewer to wonder how this abstract art is formed naturally in these stones and creates parallels with the fine art made by humans. Using a camera attached to a microscope Mr. Gadre makes his photographic frame, capturing sights that are open to our imaginative interpretation! Where one may see a shadowed silhouette, another may see a mountainous landscape…the variety of narratives triggered by his photography is truly awe-inspiring and unique! It is a rare combination of entirely unfiltered natural photography that looks absolutely like art on canvas. We bring these to you in the hope that it expands your perspective and allows you to experience joy, peace, and wonderment. The works are divided between the areas of Soul, Heart and Mind, allowing the viewer to shift focus to these different states of being while engaging with the art.

Sanjana Shah

(Friday, June 23 to Saturday, July, 15)

Sense, Symmetry & the Sacred

Vijay Shinde & S. Harshavardhana

Human cultures have had a sacred sense of symmetry since time immemorial. Certain patterns emerge universally irrespective of time and space, and these are often used in creating centres of ritual and higher meaning. The geometric symbols of circles, squares and especially triangles have been seen in the architecture of iconic monuments in our history! However, the purpose of these repeated and precise shapes is unknown and still shrouded in mystery. Are they inherent to us and come up instinctively in the human mind, spanning cultures and generations? Or are they found in nature and hence replicated by us subconsciously? Whatever the answer may be, it all comes down to a sense.

Artists Vijay Shinde and Harshavardhan Swaminathan’s art has been created from this distinct sense guidance. There is no end destination or product in mind, only a natural movement of the hand completely disconnected from logical strategy. The repetition that we can see of these symbols is evidence of an almost trancelike process that is a deep kind of meditation for the artist. The works however are rarely quiet and both achieve nuance and intensity in their depictions – triggering a cathartic outburst of emotions in the viewer. While the symmetry is pleasing, the work itself isn’t supposed to be comfortable, it is supposed to be a catalyst for introspection. The vibrant yet dark colours, the messy, unpredictable strokes and the mirroring of pattern showcase dichotomy. This is a reflection of us and our world, a sort of triggering that only very few spaces can achieve. The sacred ones.

Sanjana Shah

(Friday, May 19 to Thursday, June 15)

Titans Of Time

We present some selected works from the repertoire of the enduring legacies of Ram Kumar, Souza, Swaminathan, M. F. Husain and Jogen. The curation features exceptional pieces that have been much documented and appreciated over the years! From the largest Ram Kumar landscape comprising four canvases, to the rare self-portrait of Swami and the historic anti-war work by Husain inspired by the 1971 Bangladesh war - each piece represents an iconic milestone in their independent art journeys. 

This show is an attempt to pay tribute to these dynamic moments of creation that are in many ways the foundation of Indian art, paving the way forward by providing a culturally strong and relevant base. The history of our art is even more important today as we speed forward and look towards an incredibly innovative future. So we bring to life once more these titans whose vision and execution have remained awe-inspiring through the ages. 

Sanjana Shah

(Thursday, April 20 to Monday, May 15)

The Still & Sanguine: Stitches by Morii

Tao Art Gallery x Bougainvillea Gallery

The hand embroidery technique has been a long-standing one in the Indian tradition. Primarily used to create intricate, heavy patterns on clothing and other interior accessories, the forms depicted usually follow a set pattern of motifs. Today with the advent of machines, it is a slowly dying art form, invested in by a few.

Brinda, through her brand Morii emphasizes upon the ‘art’ in this technique, harnessing women artisans to create fluid abstract landscapes. Her vision is inspired by nature and its subtle, often unnoticed movements through wind and water. The colors used and patterns stitched are calming and joyful to experience with the technique becoming a means of deeper expression. There is much power in its minimalism as each work stands complete, leaving the viewer with a sense of peace and introspection. Brinda says, “through my art I aim to create embroidery that transcends its traditional roots, producing visually striking pieces that embody the spirit of abstract painting.”

With this unique collaboration between her vision and the women artisans bringing it to life, we see a beautiful narrative of creativity and community unfold.

There is evolution in the stillness and philosophy in the sanguine.

Sanjana Shah

(Friday, March 25 to Monday, April 10)

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