Can You See What I See? The very title of this fascinating exhibition at Hyderabad’s Kalakriti Art Gallery poses a thought-provoking question. This exhibition, curated by Supriya Lahoti Gandhi and Ruchi Sharma, invites viewers to actively participate in the interpretation of art rather than remain passive onlookers. Showcasing an array of paintings, sculptures, and installations by 12 diverse artists, the works collectively prompt viewers to look beyond the surface and discover hidden narratives woven into everyday images.
Some of the artworks resonate deeply with the artists’ daily life observations, adding a layer of relatability while encouraging a search for the intangible stories masked within. Ajay Dhapa’s piece, aptly titled Navivasi (new fragrance), serves as a stunning example of this intricate narrative style. Using a floral carpet as his canvas, Dhapa portrays childhood memories of Jamnagar, employing Mughal and Pahadi miniature painting techniques to depict a vivid marketplace, ancient architecture, and vibrant street vendors, all amalgamating into a broader theme of multicultural coexistence and communal harmony.
Projecting a different vision, Ajay Lakhera’s artwork hinges on fragmented, jigsaw puzzle-like images. These hundreds of tiny pieces symbolize unstoppable memories and assert the artist’s viewpoint that even the insignificant events of our lives cumulatively shape who we are. This amalgamation of memories intricately weaves the fabric of life, narrating a tale of existence as observed through the minutiae of daily occurrences.
On a macro level, Can You See What I See? stands as a diverse collection of narrative artforms grounded in Nature, architecture, and human interaction, further exploring history and social dynamics. Ganesh Das’s series of paintings are particularly notable for their environmental advocacy. Through vivid depictions of birds, animals, and flora, Das reminisces a time of harmonious coexistence with Nature, urging for earth-friendly practices to replace the relentless exploitation of natural resources.
Architectural history is given a tangible form in Girjesh Kumar Singh’s compelling installations, crafted from pieces of demolished constructions. Singh’s series of doorways serves as historical markers, with the brick red hues of the old walls narrating stories of migration and displacement, adding both depth and texture to the exhibition.
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Gulab Kapadiya’s circular artworks focus on the vibrancy of small businesses and vendors. These pieces feature vendors selling bamboo baskets, jute bags, bangles, and flowers, set against repetitive motifs of lotus buds and watercolour washes that lend a nostalgic, vintage feel to the settings. By centering these often-overlooked figures, Kapadiya underscores their integral role in the cultural and economic tapestry of daily life.
Equally captivating is Kamal Pandya’s sculpture resembling a large stainless glass. When scrutinized up-close, it reveals modern architectural designs interwoven into scenes of neighbourhoods, bustling streets, and marketplaces, reflecting the ever-evolving urban landscapes.
One of the standout installations, The Layers by Neha Verma, encourages interaction from multiple angles. Utilizing layers of fabric and paper carvings hung from the ceiling, Verma creates a series of visual windows that invite viewers to peer through and uncover a portraiture on the wall. Employing architectural patterns inspired by Hyderabad and Lucknow, Verma’s installation challenges observers to delve into the interplay of layers to fully appreciate the composite image. Her other artwork, Shatranj ke do Khiladi, uses a chessboard-like layout to celebrate indigenous crafts like chikankari embroidery and paper carvings, flanked by jaali patterns intrinsic to regional architectural styles.
The exhibition also features a variety of other works such as Kapil Anant’s portraiture from his Incredible India series, highlighting a street food vendor, an elephant, and a mahout. Nitasha Jaini’s series, on the other hand, provides a critical commentary on corporate work culture, portraying men and women with laptops navigating hybrid cities of old and new. Additionally, select artworks by Raka Panda, Sanjoy Patra, and Srinivas Pulagam contribute to the vast narrative landscape of this exhibition.
Can You See What I See? will be on display at the Kalakriti Art Gallery in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, until July 2, offering an evocative blend of visual storytelling that urges viewers to see beyond the ordinary and delve into the hidden layers of each artwork.
