How artist Jayesh Sachdev explores colours, ideas and technology at this new show in Mumbai

Limbic Resonance, 2022 embodies the multi-dimensional style

This writer remembers looking at a replica of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian's Composition in Red Blue and Yellow, wondering what it was about the simple and colourful blocks that were so arresting. A first look at Jayesh Sachdev's solo show, Utopian Dystopia hosted by Tao Art Gallery and Galerie Geek Art, has a similar resonance. An artist, entrepreneur and designer, Sachdev's interest in technology and AR (Alternate Reality) promises to transform this show from a visual to a more immersive experience.

"There are several artistic and cultural influences amalgamated in my thought processes," says the artist. Having studied at LaSalle College of the Arts, Singapore, and lived in Europe, he admits that these diverse influences show up in his work. "We travel geographically, but we tend to return to the same point. As an artist, I believe that everything is connected, and all possibilities exist in the cosmos," he explains. The exhibition captures these multiple elements to create an arresting ‘utopian dystopia' as he puts it. "It is the storytelling of this interconnectedness; how you witness a surreal world of contemporary imagery that coexists on a plane. That's how I see all of us - in parallel worlds; so different and yet so connected," he points out.

Tenderness of Frida Devi. Pics Courtesy/Tao Art Gallery

There are Mughal miniatures, elements and stories from Indian mythology, planets and scientific elements, Frida Kahlo in pop culture symbolism; all blended together in layered perspective and popping colours. "I will say that the colour was one of the hardest things in creating these works. How do you place contrasting colours to make sense of the work as a whole? I have come to understand it better over time. This is the series where I have come closest to marrying the entire rainbow into a single palette," he shares.

Sanjana Shah, curator and creative director of Tao Art Gallery, says, "It was super interesting with its vibrant colours and aesthetic appeals while also having dystopian elements within. There were elements that were challenging the traditional narrative with its modernised manner. It is a cultural reflection of the chaos in terms of the cultural exchanges today," adding that AI has to be another tool in the arsenal of the contemporary artist.

Jayesh Sachdev and Sanjana Shah

Since August, Shah and the tech team at Geek Galerie Art have also been working to put together the technology required to build QR codes and scanning mechanisms that allow visitors to experience the art in an immersive form. "The tech is not just between the AR and scanning; there are two animations to be projected happening on a Greco Roman sculpture. The projection mapping of the works and figurines from the painting will be projected on the sculpture," she points out.

Sachdev says, "AI, at this point, is an enabler of new ideas. As a society, we are often sceptical and wary of new ideas. I believe it is as much an art as any other medium. It is easier perhaps, but at the end of the day, art is not about the ease of it but rather the idea. Simplicity of creation does not imply the art is simplistic."

Till November 3; 11 am to 7 pm
At Tao Art Gallery, 165, The View, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
Free