Memories on canvas

Thomas Merton, an American poet, once famously remarked, "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." These words ring a bell when one sees artist Ranadip Mukherjee's paintings, which will be on display at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery from November 19. The artist will showcase 40 of his works in his 28th solo exhibition.

The painting titled Shaktiswarupini represents valour and courage

"I believe art has a therapeutic role to play in our everyday lives," says Mukherjee, "My series will have memories that I have accumulated through the years. I have tried to replicate subjects on the canvas that I have seen at some point in my life."

Mukherjee has painted with water colours and acrylics on English hand paper and canvas. The one that stands out the most is a painting titled Shaktiswarupini.

"I had seen a very beautiful idol of Goddess Durga in Jharkhand. Goddess Durga represents valour. In the current scenario, women are subjected to a lot of violence. Through this painting, I have tried to send out a strong message to women to become courageous like Durga and stand up for themselves," explains the artist.

Another painting that draws attention is Garden which depicts a woman immersed in the joy of watching the natural beauty of flowers in a garden. "I love to paint using water colours as they represent true India. The Buddha painting in the caves of Ajanta is one such example. I have drawn my inspiration from that cave painting for this series," concludes the artist.

When: November 19-25, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Nehru Centre Art Gallery, AC Gallery, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli
Call: 24964676u00a0