Expressions of life
December 2009
Cosmic Expression; Author: Vimla Rungta;Organised At: Hirjee Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 0n October 13-26, 2009
Although the title ‘Cosmic Expression’ evoked an other worldly, mystical image, Vimla Rungta’s work is strongly figurative – with images of an ancient city and many with abstract blocks. Nevertheless on scrutiny, the paintings exuded simplicity and meaning, and I was able to see the cosmos in them.
Working with acrylic on canvas, her work ranges from black and white to monotone to an exuberant convergence of colours. Her goal here was to make colour the subject of her paintings, the same way the musical tone is the subject of symphonic compositions. She has portrayedthree themes in this collection. The first is of Varanasi, with its picturesque waterfront and boats. Capturing its essence in the moonlight and sunset, the paintings evoke the mystique of an ancient culture, from a bygone era.
Another theme of the sun, moon and the earth beautifully illustrates their varying character. The sun, being the life giver, energises and illuminates us. The paintings of the moon emanate calmness and bliss, a sense of all-pervasive knowing. Earth being the physical component of life, represents the nourishing and motherly aspect of our existence. the stability and solidity of our existence. Together, these three make us feel close to the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient.
The third theme, which I liked most, was on rhythm. Each painting seemed throbbingly alive. Open to interpretation, they engaged the imagination. The block-like patterns convey the idea of order and purpose, symbolising life as a harmony of well-intentioned happenings. The exhibit had a diverse collection, some conceptual, some well-defined, a mix of dull and vibrant, none less captivating than the other.
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