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CitySaheli got the inside scoop during a private viewing of In Search of Vernacular, the latest collection on display at Aicon Gallery, featuring post-independence South-Asian Masters. Priyanka Matthew, Director of Aicon Gallery, debriefed us on the genesis of this installation: “The idea behind it was to do a large survey showcasing the contrast between Western Modernism and Indian art.”
In Search of Vernacular is the journey toward a visual language that gives voice to the post-modernist landscape of South-Asia. In the aftermath of occupation, the sub-continent made strides to establish not just government and rebuild an authentic way of life; it also began the long process of realizing its unique artistic vision.
Priyanka Matthew schooled us on Indian artists, when she revealed, “This is a rare chance to see Abanindranath Tagore and Nadalal Bose paintings outside of India.” Like many “Primitivist” artists, Abanindranath Tagore rejected Western influence in an effort to create a unique pan-Asian art. His style references Mughal paintings in a deliberate attempt to cultivate indigenous work in contrast to occidental art.
Another featured artist, Jamini Roy’s early career was heavily influenced by post-impressionists like Seurat and Van Gogh but as he developed his craft he turned away from Western Modernism and drew inspiration from within Kalighat temples. This gradual shift from outward to inward is symbolic of a frequently expressed result of post-colonial life: the internalization of Western means which must eventually be shelved to expose the truth of Eastern origins.
These are just a few of the Masters whose paintings are installed at the gallery for the next month. Check out the opening reception on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 6-8pm at Aicon Gallery located at 35 Great Jones Way in New York City.
In Search of the Vernacular
Featuring M. F. Husain, Jamini Roy, Anjolie Ela Menon, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Abindranath Tagore, Nadalal Bose, Sadequain, F. N. Souza, Jagdish Swaminathan, S. H. Raza & Laxma Goud.
Opening Reception: November 12, 2009 6-8pm
Closing Date: December 12, 2009
Aicon Gallery
35 Great Jones Way
New York, NY 10012
www.aicongallery.com
212-725-6092
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