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Art turns functional
Use gets an aesthetic touch... — Pic by S. R. Raghunathan
AT UTILITY, Portfolio's exhibition which seeks to take art beyond its conventional function and into utilitarian objects of everyday use, there is a wide and interesting range of art integrated functional products. The products have the stamp of the artist but the end product goes beyond art, into a one-of-its kind functional piece which is a personal creative statement as well.
Surreal, impressionistic, witty, compelling. The 20 odd Chennai artists have left their stamp, interpretation and subjective philosophy on every item they have fashioned. Among the bowls, plates, pitchers, placemats mirrors, trinket boxes, clocks, lampshades, tea pots and furniture items many intrigue and fascinate.
Subjective interpretation by the artist of the aesthetics and meaning of the function and functional object invest them with a new dimension. As artist Shailesh puts it, while describing the uneven edges of his interesting coconut shell lamp shade: "I wanted to show the use of the coconut, shell lamp shade: "I wanted to show the use of the coconut, how we break it. So my piece is uneven... " Chippa Sudhakar's love seat and screen depicting human figures is a compelling art piece. Tall, stylised figures of a couple, holding flowers in their hands, literally rise above the chairs, taking them from their mundane functional avataar to art forms, which can be turned around, admired, discussed! And sat upon comfortably! Kratu's ceramic bowls with uneven edges and lovely shapes depicting horses in motion and human forms present yet another striking integration of art and function.
Also seen at Utility are trinket and jewel boxes, each carrying the creative stamp of the artist and even their philosophy.
"You may put your worry
Inside this box... !"
Impressionistic flowers painted on a paper and laminated to make for art place mats, mugs and tea pots sporting surreal art and mirrors framed with multi pedia art are other objects which infuse craft with one-of-its-kind art appeal. Kirit Chandak's set of horse heads could double up as palettes for an artist or bring drama to interior walls.
Utility is definitely an event, says one of the participating artists. Normally designers make one piece and it is repeated with perfection ad infinitum. And this becomes a craft. Utility combines art and craft forms, with each individual form representing an artist's vision and sensibility, and a craftsperson's excellence... "
Utility is on till November 30 at Apparao Galleries, Chennai.
P.C.
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