A series of abstract artworks by A Viswam on display. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Today, visiting the Lalit Kala Academy gives one the experience of a journey into the artistic culture of the city. The dance of Radha/Krishna on one canvas as well as the folktales of her grandmother come alive within the same walls. Taking its essence from the rich flora of India among other things, A Mixed Bag of Pallava Artists Village, currently on display at the gallery, also features senior and emerging artists from the city.

Curated by National Award-winning artist A Viswam, the exhibition is a tribute to the artworks of late artists ‘Village’ Mukkaiah, Veera Santhanam, M Balasubramaniam and Natesh Muthuswamy. The display includes over 200 artworks and sculptures by over 80 artists from various walks of life. The gallery will showcase the work of many renowned artists and sculptors including G Raman, Asma Menon, Athiveerapandian, Manohar Natarajan and Elanchezhiyan.

‘Village’ an artwork by Mukkaiya. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A stroll to the right side of the gallery immerses one in a sea of ​​abstract artworks by curator Viswam. With moving brushstrokes in blue, green and red, he is inspired to reflect the specificity of movement in nature. “I was inspired by nature and its five elements,” he says. I especially wanted to show the floating aspect of nature.”

KR Karthikeyan, an artist from Pallava Artist Village, is a textile designer who has translated the interpretation of the ‘tree of life’ into his art. His artworks include anonymous flowers and leaves observed in the forest and imitations of their anonymous, vibrant descriptions. “My concept is that the trees are the forest. I wanted to show unity through my work,” he says.

Sculpture by Elanchezhiyan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

On the other hand, emerging artist Sujatha Narayanan connects with art through spirituality. She is inspired by Andal, the only female poet among the twelve poet-saints of Vaishnava texts. Sujata sees the saint as “a feminist icon because she has been given the right to prominence over men.” Young artist Rekha Senthoor is also moving forward in the world of art, capturing the scope of landscapes through acrylic. “The hero of my art is not the tree, but the acrylic paint. I want to go with the flow,” she says.

An artwork by Sujatha Narayanan. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The gallery will showcase artworks by students of Government College of Fine Arts, Egmore and Government College of Fine Arts, Kumbakonam as well as more experienced artists. To inspire artists of all disciplines, the exhibition will feature evening conversations with writers and filmmakers at the end of each day.

A Mixed Bag will take place from November 28 to December 3 from 11 am to 7 pm at the Lalit Kala Academy, Greams Road, Chennai. Price starts from ₹5,000.