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Matter of the mind
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Sanjay Ashtaputre's paintings on show at Studio Palazzo highlight his strength in drawing, particularly the human form
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Imagery in bright hues: one of Sanjay Ashtaputre's paintings
SANJAY ASHTAPUTRE'S talent has revealed itself in various areas — painting in different media, sculpture, murals and in playing the sitar. The exhibition of his paintings at the Studio Palazzo Art Gallery brings to light his strength in drawing, particularly the human form. Sanjay's keen observation of the human body is revealed in the male forms striking poses.
All the works deal with the impermanent aspect of life. The man/woman is seen either lost in thought or trying to grasp something. "The mind is most of the time confused, there is something which it can't quite comprehend and that is why the head is left incomplete in my paintings," says this alumnus of the Government School of Art, Aurangabad.
Be it just the face or the full form, there is another major element occupying the space: two triangles — a big and a small one — connected at the angles. The three corners of the triangle, according to Sanjay, represent birth, life and death. He further explains, "When you twist a rectangle it would appear the way these two triangles do; but it is not obvious when you look at them; it is not immediately understood just as many things and situations in life are incomprehensible. What might happen next is uncertain. The shape also reminds me of the hourglass and the relentless passage of time."
In some paintings, the stark white ground contrasts with the charcoal drawing, and some portions touched with bright red strikingly portray the uneasiness of the mind. Even in the imageries, where he uses bright hues like red and green, this feeling persists. There are flowers strewn around which symbolise achievement/success. However, the life of a flower is but for a day, so too is success, which is not everlasting. There are elements like stitching that represent the compromises one needs to make in life and the free-floating lines conveying straying thoughts.
Kaleidoscopic effect
In the works with just the face, besides these elements, the uneasiness is accentuated by leaving one half of the face white, one or both eyes blank, lending a ghoulish feeling. The paintings, both acrylics and the mixed media, are made attractive by the juxtaposition of primary colours, achieving a kaleidoscopic effect. The exhibition is on till November 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Sundays.
LAKSHMI VENKATRAMAN
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