A Dekko at the Latest Art Exhibitions of Ahmedabad

Amit Ingle advocates for wildlife conservation through his photography. Sculptor Niharika Dave portrays a woman’s connection with her home, and a duo of self-taught artist-homemakers exhibits their art.

I witnessed the city of Ahmedabad brimming over with art, creativity and the energy of young creators last Friday when I visited three art exhibitions in different galleries. A wildlife photography showcase and a ceramic sculpture exhibition were situated at the Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan, while a painting exhibition by a duo took place at the Gallery of Amdavad Ni Gufa. Let’s have a detailed look at all three of these exhibitions.

When Capturing is Liberating – ‘Earthrover’ Amit Exhibits Glimpses of Wildlife

As a practising lawyer, Amit Ingle often sensed that he was a misfit in the commercial world. He chose to become a photographer instead. Enthusiastic about saving wild animals, Ingle runs an organisation called ‘Earthrover’ through which he generates awareness about conserving nature and wildlife, by taking people on camps, treks and tours. His 48 photographs at the solo exhibition Through the Woods, I Walked were all available for sale, the remuneration for which would all be donated towards animal rescue and conservation work.

Ingle has captured photographs of tigers, birds, deer and other mammals around many discrete vicinities of India, including Ranthambore National Park, Corbett National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Leh, Ladakh and various other scenic locations. Artistically displayed in frames as well as canvases, I felt that these master-shots have profound artistic value and were priced much lower than they deserve to be. What struck me in particular was a silver-foiled frame of a starry night that appeared to be illuminated when seen from a particular point. The exhibition was on display from March 28 to April 1, 2018.

Feminity in Ceramic Sculptures by Barodian Artist Niharika Dave

Niharika Dave, a teacher of fashion technology at MS University, Vadodara, arrived in the picturesque city of Ahmedabad to showcase her love for ceramic art. Her solo sculpture exhibition Cerascape-II hosted 24  ceramic artworks in the Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan. A Fine Arts graduate, Dave is a self-taught sculptress.

Making a ceramic structure requires a three-time burning procedure, in which the medium is frequently exposed to extremely high temperatures. Dave has focused on a theme of Lady and Her House. Each of her sculptures shows, in some way or the other, how intimately a lady is attached to her home and family. 2-feet-tall sculptures of women hold houses in their hands. Elsewhere, ceramic incense stick holders are shaped like multiple houses, with smoke bellowing through their chimneys. This thoughtful mix of elements is incredibly feminine and creative.

The exhibition was on display until March 31 at the gallery. Sadly, Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan is in dire need of a revamp, with broken tube lights that can fall off the ceiling anytime. Switchboards are ruptured, old cobwebs linger around the gallery and the toilets are extremely smelly. One can forget all about artistic inspiration in such an isolated and damp place where one doesn’t even feel safe enough to hang around the gallery for a long time.

Homemakers Make Awe-Inspiring Artworks

The white walls of the Herwitz Art Gallery were adorned by 44 multidimensional artworks created by two homemakers and Surat-based artists Rupal Doshi and Dimple Patwa. Seeing their works, one would find it hard to believe that the two of them have never pursued formal education in Fine Arts. Inaugurated on 27th March by Ramnik Jhapadia, founder of Gujarat Kala Pratishthan, the show was open till April 1.

Intricate paintings of Rajasthani architecture enraptured the onlooker’s attention as soon as he/she entered the gallery. The display continued along the theme of spirituality, with Lord Buddha manifested on canvas; and gradually treated the viewer to abstract landscapes. The oil, acrylic, as well as charcoal-based artworks had subtle colour combinations and optimistic themes that made them a perfect fit for one’s home interiors.