“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” ~ Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island. Today art has myriad interpretations and art really what lies in the eyes of the artist. Interestingly the merging of art and photography has also manifested in numerous ways. Art@L1 at the JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, completes one year and is celebrating this occasion by showcasing a curated art and photography exhibition called ‘Bon Voyage’. Over the last year the space has showcased art that has been unique and different ranging from a large Vietnamese collection, works from a Hungarian Artist and Bangalore based artists have been part of the space too. Asian Art House and JW Marriott Hotel are presenting the ‘Art Indulgence Weekend’ featuring artworks from Shaun Heffernan and Vijit Pillai complimented by a stunning photography exhibit from Reuben Kataria and Porus Khareghat. This specially curated show is a mélange of art and photography and the works showcased will take you through an interesting global journey showcasing people and places as captured by the artists and photgraphers. “This is the first time that we have integrated photography and art under the same roof – what you will see is a selection of stunning photography by both Reuben Kataria and Porus Khareghat; both are working professionals, who are exhibiting their works for the first time, however the quality of the photography showcased is on par with any professional photographers. Take a walk down memory lane as Shaun Heffernan showcases his rendition of people who have inspired him with Elvis Presley, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Pep Guardiola, John Lennon & Freddy Mercury on display. In addition to this, get transported to Europe with Vijit Pillai’s stunning rendition of Italy and a touch of Greece,” says Rajat Mittra, Art Curator, Art @L1.
Reuben Kataria’s ‘Cradle of Civilisation’ is all about the mighty Nile that been the source of life and livelihood in Egypt for more than 5000 years. “In “Cradle of Civilization, Nile” exhibit being showcased as part of the Bon Voyage series, I have focused on the great river and the spirited men who earn from it. I have tried to capture the beauty of the Nile and the struggles of the common man through my photography. The other exhibits capture the Sufi dance “Tanoura”. It is different to any other dance form as the dancer wearing a very heavy skirt turns more than a 1000 times in less than ten minutes,” says Kataria. Incidentally he has shot the photographs during his frequent visits to the Nile. “One of my favourite picture ‘serpentine wilderness – road to after life’ showcases the limestone mountains housing the Valley of Kings and Queens. This photograph was taken from a hot air balloon. The reason it is special is because I have a fear of heights. I remember not daring to look out for the first ten minutes of the flight. I mustered courage by looking through the lens. Some of the other shots have been taken from the Nile ship, while sailing on the beautiful river,” adds Kataria.
Vijit Pillai is exhibiting his work ‘European Journeys’, a series inspired by the art and places he visited when he was seventeen. The country that left a lasting impression on him was Italy with its art, architecture, cuisine history and its contribution to the Renaissance. “The art and sculpture that I came across during my first visit to Italy, the works of Michelangelo and some of the places I visited in Rome. I created this collection from my private collection of photographs which I took on this visit. The most striking piece of art I saw was Michelangelo’s Pieta, this collection has two impressions of this sculpture. There is one also one of my favourite Piazza in Rome – Piazza Navona where I dined regularly at a well-known restaurant called Tres Scalini,” says Pillai. So this weekend, get set for all things arty.
- What: Bon Voyage
- Where: Art @L1, JW Marriott Hotel, Vittal Mallya Rd, KG Halli, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru.
- When: 16th and 17th November, 2019 11:00 a.m. onwards.
This story first appeared in Deccan Chronicle Bengaluru dated Nov 15, 2019 here:
