A vibrant tapestry of artistic expressions unfolded recently in New Delhi with the inauguration of ‘VAMA’, an art exhibition by the Sahitya Kala Parishad, the cultural wing of the Delhi Government. This remarkable showcase, dedicated to the late Gogi Saroj Pal, a distinguished artist whose recent passing cast a shadow over the art community, features the works of 37 contemporary women artists from Delhi.
Spanning six days as part of the Women’s Art Exhibition, VAMA is a kaleidoscope of creativity. Paintings, drawings, prints, and installations come together to tell diverse stories, explore profound themes, and celebrate the female experience.
Hosted at the AIFACS Gallery, 1 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, the exhibition is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until February 1, 2024.
Remembering Gogi Saroj Pal:
The opening day was marked by a sense of both celebration and loss. As the Delhi art community mourned the passing of Gogi Saroj Pal, a towering figure in the Indian art scene, her final works became a poignant testament to her artistic brilliance.
Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Minister of Art and Culture, Government of the NCT, Delhi, paid tribute to Pal, saying: “As we mourn the loss of a distinguished artist Gogi Saroj Pal, we dedicate Vama, the art festival, in her memory. Gogi Saroj Pal painted profound narratives of femininity on the canvas of life by blending creativity with reality to capture the intricate moments of the female soul. Even if her brushstrokes have left the canvas, her legacy continues to illuminate the path for generations to come.”
A Stellar Artist Lineup:
This year’s VAMA boasts an impressive list of artists, including veterans like Shobha Broota, Kanchan Chander, Meena Deora, Santosh Jain, and Indu Tripathy. Emerging talents like Aarti Kashayap, Arti Malik, Alpna Mahajan, and Anjali Singh also grace the exhibition with their thought-provoking pieces.
Glimpses into the Exhibit:
- Bula Bhattacharya’s digital prints, “Search-1” and “Search-2,” delve into the mysteries of consciousness and the human mind. These evocative works on archival paper invite viewers to contemplate the hidden realities of mental existence.
- Vandana Kumari’s impactful paintings, “Being a Girl Child” and “In Deep Fantasy,” address pressing societal issues like violence, gender disparity, and societal pressures faced by women. Her art is a powerful call for liberation and a celebration of the human spirit amidst social challenges.
- Annu Gupta’s ‘Changing Matrix’ and ‘The Passing’s By’ explore the themes of time, space, and their impact on individual experiences. Her works prompt reflection on urban life, societal changes, and the evolving human landscape.
- Anita Tanwar’s “2 Sakhiya Namak” paintings showcase a unique blend of colours and expressive forms to convey emotional depth. The use of green, red, and blue creates a mesmerizing harmony that draws viewers into the artist’s world.
- Preeti Singh’s ‘Habitat’ draws inspiration from her village in Himachal Pradesh to explore themes of ecosystem, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of life on land and water. Her art serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural heritage.
- Renu Jain’s ‘Intertwined with Nature’ captures the essence of human connection to the natural world. Her artwork invites viewers to appreciate the ephemeral beauty of nature amidst the concrete jungle of urban life.
In addition to these captivating works, sculptures by Timsi Gupta and Anju Kaushik’s installation titled “Symphony” add further depth and dimension to the exhibition.
VAMA is a must-visit for anyone seeking a vibrant encounter with the creative spirit of contemporary women artists. The exhibition not only celebrates artistic excellence but also sheds light on important social issues and the human experience through a female lens.
So, head to the AIFACS Gallery and immerse yourself in the world of VAMA. Let the colors, textures, and emotions wash over you as you discover the power of art to inspire, provoke, and celebrate the human spirit.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of VAMA!
