nettipatamThe golden mask that adorns the foreheads of elephants during temple festivals in Kerala is seen in a dazzling and colorful replica at the ongoing India International Spiritual Arts Festival. Apart from the artist Shobha Prem, ethnic nettipatam, crafted using gold-plated fiber domes, are among many other exhibits that take pride in the virtual show (https://spiritualartfestival.org/), which runs for 100 days until November 8, 2021.
More than 70 artists from India, Poland, South Africa and Oman exhibited their art and sculptures based on meditation, awakening, spirituality, enlightenment and inner peace. Beautiful sculptures by artist Vernika Singh, made of aluminum and mild steel, depict humans exposing postures, movements and gestures in Surya-Namaskar. Raw figures focusing on anatomy rather than facial features immediately captivate viewers. Pune-based Manasa Priya creates works of crochet art inspired by children and oil paintings by Kuppana Kandgal highlight the serene texture. Ishrat Humaira creates mystical landscapes in abstract textures that revolve around rocks, trees and nature. Molly Shah’s Kaleidoscope series in watercolors captures the mundane.
“Art shows are expressions of emotion including love, compassion, wisdom, wisdom, brotherhood, brotherhood, forgiveness and more,” says Blake Willis, a professor of anthropology and education at Fielding Graduate University in California, in a video message on the website. . “It provides an international platform for deserving artists to showcase their work. We look forward to enjoying the stories behind the art and creations. ”
Festival director Kalki Subramaniam, who is also a transgender activist and author, says the festival supports up-and-coming artists and a Delhi-based artist sold five pieces in a week. “During a pandemic, spiritual strength is something we can rely on to stay calm,” she adds.
The festival features works by Canberra-based artist Gautam Jhanji. His collection of calligraphy art draws from the rich cultures of his hometown, as well as Maharashtrian and Punjabi influences from India, Oman, Germany, the UK and Australia. Bridget Paul Shibu, who has curated the show with Kalki, says the headlines are lesser-known actors and their experiments using myriad media. “Auroville’s Muttiah Kasi uses ethnic, non-toxic clay dyes. Mumbai-based Nandakumar Yashwant Kulai works with wood, metal, fiberglass and sandstone to create abstract constructions. This show has been an eye-opener.”
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