As the world grapples with incessant conflicts and the consequences of violence, prominent artist T.V. Santhosh has made these concerns the cornerstone of his artistic pursuit. His recent exhibition, named “History Lab and the Elegy of Visceral Incantations,” marks a momentous return with a solo show at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai after a period of ten years. This exhibition dives deep into the pervasive essence of conflict and war as omnipresent elements in our day-to-day existence.
Lauded for a political yet intensely personal flair, Santhosh unveils an array of watercolor paintings that immerse the viewer in a variety of dystopian landscapes. The central figure in these works is often enmeshed in harrowing ordeals, offering a stark commentary on the state of our world. Alongside paintings, Santhosh’s compelling sculptural installations provide a tactile dimension to his exploration of history marred by combat and discord. “It’s about the evolution of warfare as shaped by technological progress,” Santhosh explains. He goes on to detail how advancements in weaponry have not only changed military tactics but have also tragically caught innumerable civilians in their devastating tide. His works prompt viewers to consider the multifaceted interpretations of history, marked by conflicting viewpoints, obscured truths, and underlying agendas.
The protagonists in Santhosh’s art pieces, as well as his symbolic installations like an empty rat trap, reflect international attention. Regular features at art auctions, his creations scrutinize the role of politics and media in distorting reality. Santhosh asserts that mass media and historical narratives shape and sometimes manipulate our emotional responses and can challenge our sense of justice. Yet, he clarifies that his work transcends the simplicity of political activism or artistic activism, having evolved from a more direct involvement in such movements in the 1980s. His approach, he states, is rooted in a personal, philosophical inquiry, with political and ideological nuances seamlessly integrated.
Originally embarking on his educational journey at the Institute of Fine Arts in Thrissur, Kerala, T.V. Santhosh later honed his skills further in sculpture during his Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in Fine Arts at Santiniketan in West Bengal and Sayajirao University of Baroda respectively. Now based in bustling Mumbai, the city’s nuances have seeped into his work, lending an urban character to his expressions. His recent installation at Phoenix MarketCity in Chennai – featuring a replication of the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station with a distinctive 30-degree tilt and LED timers – serves as a metaphor for the shifting perspectives of history, probing at the foundations where untold stories might be unearthed.
Santhosh’s artistic repertoire spans sculptures, paintings, and installations, often incorporating disparate materials such as LED panels. When asked if the subject matter drives the choice of medium, he acknowledges the affirmative, particularly for his sculptures. Santhosh’s methodology is distinct in its strategic coordination of material properties with the potential for conceptual depth.
Present in some of his works, like “I Promise,” where the patterns of metal wire fencing are replicated through meticulous wood carving, is the use of LED timers to impart layers of meaning. These timers, often set to count down, echo our personal journey towards mortality and a collective countdown toward an ecological or broader human catastrophe. Alternatively, they might evoke the ominous ticking of time bombs.
This encompassing exhibition, which invites widespread introspection on the nexus of war, technology, and humanity, will be accessible to the public until February 11, presenting a solemn reflection on societal undercurrents and the haunting evolution of human conflict.
