In 2004, when a motley group of seven artists came together under the banner of Multiple Encounters with the purpose of introducing the nuances of printmaking to the larger audience, they were well aware of the onerous task ahead. “In Europe and America, prints are getting their due, but in India it is still to gain acceptance. People think that these are in multiples and therefore not original works of art, but we want them to realise that these are original prints that involve a lot of work,” says artist Kavita Nayar, one of the founding members of the collective that also includes Ananda Moy Banerji, Dattatreya Apte, Moti Zharotia and Sushanta Guha.
Apte adds, “People need to appreciate the fact that prints are a medium that allow for an artwork to reach many homes… They should spend time observing the work and understanding the visual.”
The founding members of the collective includes Kavita Nayar, Ananda Moy Banerji, Dattatreya Apte, Moti Zharotia and Sushanta Guha. (Express Photo)
Having organised several exhibitions across different cities over the years, Multiple Encounters is now paying homage to the medium through a show at India Habitat Centre’s Visual Arts Gallery. Featuring works of the group members alongside teachers from their respective alma mater, the exhibition titled “Rupantar” also makes an effort to include some of the diverse techniques in printmaking through the several exhibits. “Printmaking is often pushed to the sidelines, but it holds immense artistic value… Through Rupantar, we seek to sensitise people to the depth and creativity inherent to this medium,” says curator and art historian Alka Pande. Banerji adds, “Rupantar symbolises the continuity of artistic inspiration across time and space.”
So the display takes the audience to different art centers across India through the narrative. If Banerji and Moti Zharotia’s works are juxtaposed with that of Anupam Sud and Jai Zharotia, who taught the medium at College of Art, Delhi, representing the Faculty of Fine Arts at MS University, Baroda, are works of artist-pedagogues Jyoti Bhatt and PD Dhumal with Apte. Apart from mediums such as intaglios and wood engravings, there are also works in paper pulp by Apte. “The material reflects whatever is being used for creating the impression,” notes Apte. His subjects range from landscapes to a scene from Garhi studios in Delhi, where he has been working on prints for years, to more introspective works with autobiographical elements.
Kavita Nayar’s and Sushant Guha’s art works at the exhibition. (Express Photo)
Intaglios of Santiniketan stalwarts Sanat Kar and Somnath Hore are on view alongside works by Nayar and Guha, who find inspiration in their surroundings. “I find printmaking meditative and adventurous. During the process, you are searching within and beyond,” says Nayar. Inspired by nature, her floral depictions are also metaphors for the lifecycle of birth and rebirth. She says, “The way our soul transcends into the other world, flowers too transcend to be born again.”
Anandamoy Banerji and Moti Zharotia’s works are juxtaposed with that of Anupam Sud and Jai Zharotia, who taught the medium at College of Art, Delhi. (Express Photo)
With contemplative depictions on his silkscreens, Moti Zharotia also hopes to encourage younger artists to work in the medium. He says, “Never cease to explore. Your journey may lead you to great heights, just as it has for us.”
With inputs from Diya Joseph
