The following report of the Divya Varna exhibition appeared in the Deccan Herald on 27 May 2011.
India is a country which is seen as an amalgamation of spirituality, culture and even modernity. For decades together Indian artistes have forayed into the world of art trying to bring out the mystical features of gods and goddesses on canvas.
They have produced a remarkable array of devotional art for education, meditation and worship. The main objective of the spiritual art is to provide intimate experience of divinity. The artistes from time immemorial have been trying not only to entice the eye, but also direct their creative impulses into works with strength that express a personal experience of divinity.
Though the art traditions have become commercial, making souvenirs for tourists and pilgrims there are still some dedicated artists who with integrity maintain the purity of their tradition. One such artiste is G L N Simha, who has not compromised his art for the sake of materialistic gains. The lyrical quality of his brush strokes and the use of colours transfers the viewers onto a different level of spirituality.
On display
His works on display at Divyavarna expo, organised by Ramsons Pratishtana at Pratima art gallery is one proof of this, where the visitor or art lover is welcomed by a harmonious spurt of colours.
The swirling clouds, waves of water surround each mythological figure in the painting.
The painting of dazzling Viratapurusha agni, which is among the panchabhoothas is depicted as the main source of the earth and its various uses to run the lifecycle. The pleasant Bharatha muni content with performing homas with a deer by his side, Samudramathane, where goddess Mahalakshmi in all her grandeur emerges from it.
A rare painting of Manasadevi surrounded by snakes and worshipped by Siddapurush — which is seen in worshipped at Bangladesh — Ekadanta Vigneshwara, Iradevi-mother of white elephant Iravat and siblings is a pleasing one and a great imagination of the artist.
Goddess Cauvery
Sri Matha Cauvery, painted wearing a saree clad in typical kodagu style and complemented with jewellery made of shells with water flowing underneath her feet is indeed mesmerising. Gajalakshmi, in a white saree dripping with water being performed by abhishekas by elephants on either side and Adiparameshwari which explains the importance of Kundalini and Vishwajanani, interpreting the birthcycle, is a rich addition to the collection.
Vishwaroopa
When you come across a huge portrait of Devi Vishwaroopa of the size 24” x 36” surrounded by the whole universe and the mankind, it literally gives you goosebumps with its richness and divinity.
One could have frequently come across the painting of Ardhanareeshwara, but a painting of Krishna Radha in a similar form is a visual treat. The artist’s imagination and talent is visible as one could not make out where the two forms blend.
The other paintings of Sri Balamukunda, Sri Mathangi, Sri Tripura, Sri Mahamaya based on Kalikapurana, painting of Stree Sookta and Purusha Sookta, the ferocious Gaja Samhara, Kundalini, Mooladaravasini, Amrutheshwara also add charm to the gallery.
The painting of Padmapriya, as the name denotes the goddes on hordes of pink lotus buds is mesmerising. The Mahishasuramardhini and Kalabhairva are the ferocious form, ready to protect the mankind by destroying the evil.
Lord Ganesha
A collection of paintings based on Ganesha Purana shows the different forms of Lord Ganesh right from his age of a toddler to the adult, eyes glinting with mischief, is a sure attraction at the gallery.
In all, the whole collection of Simha’s paintings have a master touch wherein he incorporates emotions bringing in the characters, which is hard to express in words. The viewers should not miss the enigmatic smile of goddess in Devi Vishwaroopa and enraged Lord Shiva in Gaja Samhara.
Divyavarna expo, which concludes on May 29 is sure to bring out the artistic expressions on the visitors and is a rare opportunity one should really experience.
The expo will be open between 10 am and 7 pm at the Prathima Gallery.
