PADAV-II (Fourth DAY)

BAF has organized a special art talk for PADAV-II with two famous artists, Jagdish Chander and Ingrid Pitzer, both working in Delhi. Jagdish Chander is known for his bold and large-scale faces in his artwork, while Ingrid Pitzer creates art using paper made from natural fibers.  

                                   

The profound insights shared by these artists have offered a fresh perspective on the current artistic endeavors of these emerging talents. Their deep understanding of art has opened up new avenues of thought, shaping the ongoing artistic practices of these promising individuals.

PADAV-II (Third Day)

 Delhi is a bustling hub of cultural richness, boasting a diverse array of artistic venues awaiting exploration, each serving as a canvas for boundless creative expression. Recognizing the potential for inspiration, the BANGANI ART FOUNDATION (BAF) orchestrated a pivotal initiative for all participants of PADAV-II, guiding them through a curated tour of esteemed art institutions across the city. The overarching aim was simple yet profound: to ignite and invigorate their artistic passions.

This journey led the budding artists to renowned destinations such as the National Gallery of Modern Art, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Triveni Kala Sangam, Lalit Kala Akademi, Bikaner House, Garhi Artist Studio's and Delhi College of Art. Of notable significance was the Delhi College of Art, hosting its annual exhibition, offering a valuable opportunity for interaction within the vibrant student art community.

Through immersion in these prestigious art institutions, participants undoubtedly expanded their horizons and cultivated their creative instincts. BAF holds firm in its belief that this hands-on experience will deeply shape their artistic journeys, fostering growth, innovation, and a profound understanding of their art. 

PADAV-II (Second Day)

Bangani Art Foundation is delighted to share the exciting news that participants of the PADAV-II Art Mentorship Program had the privilege of visiting the studio space of contemporary artist Abhijit Pathak. Abhijit's generosity in imparting his valuable insights has undeniably enriched the artistic journey of our participants.

Abhijit Pathak excels in creating large-scale mixed media abstract art, utilizing a diverse array of materials including colored pencil, charcoal, pigments, paper, cloth, canvas, wood, sand, and metal. Influenced by his surroundings – encompassing people, places, architecture, urban and rural scenes, as well as elements of mysticism – he draws inspiration from the environment, music, and sound in his creations.

The presentation of Abhijit's artistic ideas was indeed an enlightening opportunity for all the PADAV-II participants. The depth and uniqueness of his artistic practice were showcased in a manner that left a lasting impression on each of us. We are grateful for the chance to delve deeper into Abhijit's creative process and to witness his artworks up close. This journey has undoubtedly enriched our perspectives and significantly contributed to our growth as young emerging artists from Uttarakhand.

Bangani Art Foundation extends our heartfelt gratitude to Abhijit for graciously sharing his artistic journey with us, thus enriching our collective artistic exploration.

PADAV-II (First Day)

 Padav-II, an art mentoring program by the Bangani Art Foundation, began yesterday at Kala Dham in Greater Noida. As part of this program, there are scheduled studio visits with practicing artists in Delhi, where the fellows have the opportunity to interact directly with the artists, learn about their art practices, and receive insightful knowledge about art. Today, we visited the studio of the esteemed senior artist, Kalicharan Gupta, who generously shared his insights about art with all the participating fellows of Padav-II

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): Rupa Arya

 Fascinated by Uttarakhand's "Mask Dance," The journey of young artists Rupa Arya  began in 2022. Through paintings, she explore evolving human emotions and practicality, using masks and clocks. Inspired by Uttarakhand's lesser-known festivals, like Ramman Mahotsav and Hiljatra, she aims to raise awareness. Ramman, a UNESCO World Heritage, features prominently in Salud-Dungra village, honoring Bhumichetrapala. Originating from Jainism, Ramman now embodies characters from the Ramayana, including Banya, Mor, Mal, and Kurujogi. Four major mask dances captivate Chamoli villages, invoking divine power. Alongside acrylics, oils, and watercolors, her art celebrates the vibrant culture and spiritual essence of Uttarakhand's masked traditions.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): KAVERI CHAUHAN

 In the artistic odyssey of Kaveri Chauhan, her canvases stand as a homage to the very essence of womanhood, intricately woven into the fabric of liberation. Her artistic pursuit has remained a steadfast exploration of the feminine realm and its evolution. Centered around the portrayal of women and their journey of self-discovery, her creations encapsulate the grace and elation that accompany women in moments of leisure. The scope of her vision encompasses a rich tapestry of repose, empowerment, and self-expression across various leisurely pursuits. With a curious eye, she immersed herself in a world adorned with vivid hues, simultaneously unearthing the profound layers of feminism that lay beneath.

A fervent belief in the communicative prowess of colors propels her artistic methodology. To convey emotions and narratives with striking resonance, she harnesses the vocabulary of colors. The canvas becomes a playground where empowerment takes the form of vivid pigments. Brimming with strength and audacity, her compositions reflect the unyielding presence and resilience of women. Through the harmonious interplay of color palettes, forms, and compositions, a symphony of sentiments arises - defiance intertwines with ardor, vulnerability dances with jubilation. The strokes of her brush embody the vivacious journey toward emancipation - at times bold and declarative, and in other instances, tender and introspective. The scenes she paints unfurl in open spaces, unfettered by judgmental gazes. Within those strokes, women bask in tranquility, sync with nature, and relish the unbounded expanse around them. Their demeanor exudes composure, a profound sense of self-contentment radiating through their being. In this dynamic portrayal, they embody an unwavering spirit, personifying resilience. Amidst her creations, Kaveri Chauhan envisions a realm detached from the shadows of negativity that society can cast. Her artworks foster a positive paradigm, one where women's emotions need not adhere to predefined molds. The essence she captures transcends restrictive conventions, allowing women to revel in their authenticity.

A higher aspiration resonates within her artistry - that of fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Within the galleries that house her creations, a narrative of equality takes shape, transcending conventional gender roles. With each stroke of her brush, Kaveri Chauhan not only adds hues to her canvas but also contributes to a spectrum of change in the broader artistic sphere, where women are depicted as they are, in all their strength and grace.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): SUGAM GAUR

Sugam Gaur is an aspiring artist who completed a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Kumaon University Almora (Nainital) in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts at the College of Arts, Delhi. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Sugam's family moved to Uttarakhand after his birth, and living amidst nature in Uttarakhand has deeply inspired him. Nature has been a significant influence on Sugam from an early age, and he believes that all answers can be found in its beauty. During his time in Almora, he extensively explored the raw form of mother nature through drawing landscapes, using various mediums. Whenever Sugam faced creative blocks, he sought solace in nature, which provided him with inspiration.

In 2021, Sugam crossed paths with the organization named Udhyam and co-founded a group of Uttarakhand artists called "PKR" (Pahad ke Rang). Working as an Art coordinator in the group for a year, they organized four exhibitions and five residential camps. These experiences provided valuable mentorship from established artists, opening up new perspectives about art. However, despite the success, Sugam felt confined and overwhelmed by commercial aspects of the art world, leading to a period of artistic stagnation where he couldn't bring himself to paint for months.

A turning point occurred when Sugam found himself sitting beneath a massive tree, observing a fascinating pattern. Intrigued, he rushed home, grabbed his sketchbook, and started doodling those patterns. The experience reignited his passion for art, and he discovered a profound enjoyment in the process. The pattern became a recurrent theme in Sugam's work, serving as a bridge between art and life. Sugam realized that patterns are ubiquitous, found in tree branches, fingertips, and even in scientific experiments. For him, lines serve as the backbone of any painting, and Indian art, in particular, revolves around the expressive power of lines.

Sugam's artistic philosophy revolves around the freedom of art from rules, motives, or logic. He believes that true art should be free to evolve in its purest form, unrestricted by external constraints. Through his work, Sugam seeks to express himself and connect with others on a deeper level, embracing the inherent beauty of nature and the profound simplicity of lines.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): Sakshi Rawat

Sakshi Rawat's art reflects the essence of 'Tantra' and spontaneous vibrations. Her paintings evoke a unique synergy of spiritual exploration and raw expression. Drawing inspiration from Tantra, her works delve into the mystical existence, intertwining symbolism with profound energy. With a blend of fluid strokes and vibrant hues, Sakshi's creations resonate with spontaneity, mirroring the ever-shifting frequencies of life. Each stroke captures random vibes, inviting viewers for introspection. Through her art, Sakshi invites contemplation, encouraging observers to explore the depths of consciousness and embrace the enigmatic beauty of the universe.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): AMIT SINGH

Envision a sculpture that defies the limitations of mere dimensions, emerging instead from the fertile grounds of imagination, fueled by the fire of passion, and propelled by the rhythmic heartbeat of artistic yearning. 

Amit Singh, through his artistic exploration of the world around him, delves deep into the interplay between his surroundings and the profound impact they exert upon his own journey. His art becomes a reflection of his philosophical contemplation, intertwining time, human behavior's, emotions, habits, society, and the very fabric of the environment. Amit, in his recent sculpture, has masterfully captured the ethereal essence of time's passage, entwined with the myriad phases of life symbolized by the humble yet profound CHAI (Tea). The ebb and flow of existence, akin to the motion of tea being steeped, transpire in his creations. In this symphony of art, time harmoniously dances with nature, a timeless motif recurrent in his works. The genesis of his creations stems from the canvas of his daily experiences, each stroke an imprint of his perceptions and feelings. Previously, his sculptures mirrored the ever-shifting tides of fashion and lifestyle, documenting the cadence of human evolution. However, the past half-decade has witnessed an artistic metamorphosis. Traveling through the variegated landscapes of India and foreign shores, Amit's horizons expanded, fundamentally shifting his perception of life's essence. This evolution profoundly echoes in the tangible stories his sculptures now narrate.

 Every era etches its saga, as does every soul. In this span, Amit Singh has uncovered an intricate connection between Time, Nature, Daily life, Society, and the multifaceted emotions encapsulated within the simple ritual of sipping CHAI (Tea). The very essence of tea, a universal elixir second only to water, becomes the focal point of Amit's artistic narrative. This beverage metamorphoses into a conduit linking moments, human sentiments, idiosyncrasies, and the kaleidoscope of social dynamics. For Amit, CHAI is a vessel of nostalgia, encapsulating fragments of his early years when life was simpler, and black chai held solace in the absence of milk. He crafts each piece as an ode to life's journey, much like the black marble sculpture that stands as a testament to his philosophy. Geometric precision and rhythmic contours encapsulate the form, an homage to the modern yet timeless shape of a chai kettle—a narrative of contemporary tales.

 

Amit Singh aspires for his art to be a vessel through which viewers unearth their unique perception of time. As the observer gazes upon his creations, they embark on a personal journey, entwining their existence with the artist's introspection. In the symphony of Amit's artistry, the enigma of time finds its expression in the delicate swirls of steam rising from a cup of tea, the earthy aroma that evokes memories, and the fleeting moments that define our shared humanity.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): AKARSHAN BORA

As an artist, I find immense joy in exploring various mediums, and my go-to choices are acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal. Among them, watercolor holds a special place in my heart, especially when I paint outdoors. There's something magical about the fluidity and unpredictability of watercolors that perfectly captures the essence of nature and my surroundings.

Recently, I've been captivated by the world of textures, and it has become a focal point of my artistic journey. I yearn to create pieces that stand out from the rest, so I constantly experiment with textures to infuse my paintings with a fresh, new vibe. Each texture I apply becomes a signature of sorts, bestowing my creations with a distinct individuality that speaks volumes about my artistic soul. In my art, I aim to convey stories and emotions—specifically, the various conversations that unfold around me in the community I inhabit. The interactions between people, their emotions, and even my own profound experiences find their way into the strokes of my brush. Through my work, I want to delve into the human experience, capturing the beauty of forms and the complexities of life. Landscape forms, house structures, and intriguing geometric shapes have been recurring motifs in my art practice. These elements give my paintings a sense of place and structure, grounding them in reality while allowing me to explore different artistic expressions. When it comes to colors, I tend to gravitate towards monochromatic palettes. However, I don't limit myself to mere pigments on the canvas. Instead, I use texture to disperse and spread color, creating subtle variations and depth that add life to my compositions. The interplay of light and shadow, brought about by the textures, breathes an ethereal quality into my artwork. 

My art is an extension of myself, a reflection of my emotions, experiences, and observations. It's a medium through which I communicate with the world, expressing my thoughts and perspectives in a visual language. I believe that art should be meaningful and thought-provoking, and by infusing my soul into each stroke, I hope to spark a connection with those who view my creations.

As I continue on this artistic journey, I eagerly embrace every opportunity to push my creative boundaries, always seeking to evolve and grow as an artist. Through persistence and dedication, I aspire to bring my vision to life on the canvas and leave an indelible mark on the world of art. From my perspective, art is not just about the final product—it's a profound exploration of the human spirit, a testament to the beauty and complexity of life itself. 

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): AAKASH

The artistic journey of a contemporary artist is intricately woven with the fabric of his being, encompassing a profound connection between the self and his art practice. This artistic odyssey commences from within, emanating from the depths of one's soul and evolves continuously throughout the course of his existence.

Formally trained in the fine arts, the artist embarked on a transformative path at the Delhi Collage of Art. During this period, the seeds of curiosity sprouted, leading the artist to delve into diverse art media, including installations and performance art. This exploration marks a metamorphic phase where the artist began to forge a profound link between his personal experiences and creative expressions. Originating from a modest village called "Manila" in Uttarakhand, the artist's practice bears the imprints of his childhood memories, resonating with the essence of his formative years. His artwork serves as a vessel for reminiscence, as he endeavor to relive and retrieve fragments of his past. Utilizing acrylic colours and water colors, the artist rediscovers the landscapes of his native land, capturing its essence in new and profound ways.

 

Beyond exploring personal narratives, the artist's artistic intervention embraces a wider spectrum, reaching into the realm of domestic politics. By employing performance art as a medium of expression, the artist not only enriches his creative endeavors but also develops and molds his identity holistically. In this act of artistic spontaneity, he finds an intrinsic force propelling his creative endeavors forward. Further, despite his connection to conventional artistic forms, the artist maintains an ever-watchful eye on emerging media, demonstrating a willingness to embrace novelty and evolution. Moreover, he harbor a yearning to return to his roots, cultivating a dialogue that transcends cultural, ethnic, and geographical disparities. In this pursuit, he strive to bridge the chasm between urban and rural, fostering an exchange of ideas and experiences, and amalgamating diverse perspectives.

The artist's journey can be perceived as a philosophical testament to the interconnectedness of art and the self. It encapsulates the perpetual evolution of creative expression, anchored in personal experiences and memories, while also extending its reach to encompass societal dynamics and harmonize disparate elements. The artist becomes both a vessel and a creator, his artwork a manifestation of his essence, perpetually evolving throughout the tapestry of life.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): Aparna Paneru

 Aparna Paneru hails from the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Growing up in this environment, she observed from an early age that people frequented temples for meditation and to worship deities, which left a profound impression on her. During her school years, she frequently engaged in painting, often seeking elements of Shiva and triangles in her artistic endeavors. In her undergraduate studies, she explored various mediums and ventured into experimentation with new techniques. She actively participated in numerous mural projects, including "AIPAN" home decor artworks and paintings.

Upon entering her Master's program, she embarked on the Shiva and Triangle series, which continues to evolve. Additionally, she integrated elements of Kumaoni culture and folk art using Aipan techniques in her paintings. Her aspiration is to delve deeper into art, collaborate with diverse artists, and gain a comprehensive understanding of its true essence and ambitions.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): Amit Singh

 Amit Singh's artwork transcends ordinary boundaries, springing forth from an inexhaustible well of imagination and ignited by fervent passion. It pulsates with the rhythmic heartbeat of artistic longing, weaving narratives that traverse Time, Nature, Daily Life, and Society, all encapsulated within the evocative essence of sipping CHAI (Tea). Within Amit Singh's creations lies a profound resonance, where tea emerges as a focal point intertwining moments, emotions, and societal threads.

For Amit, CHAI holds within its warm embrace memories of bygone days, a nostalgic tether to the simplicity of youth where a cup of black tea offered solace and familiarity. His sculptures stand as monuments to life's odyssey, their forms echoing both modernity and timelessness, akin to the graceful silhouette of a chai kettle. Through precise craftsmanship and rhythmic contours, they recount the tales of today with eloquence and insight, inviting viewers to delve into the interconnectedness of human experience.

Selected Participant (PADAV-II): Amit Bhardwaj

 Amit Bhardwaj embarks on an artistic journey exploring identity and cultural fusion, drawing from his Indian heritage and global encounters. His paintings reflect a vibrant blend of colors, charcoal, and intricate patterns, capturing the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Each brushstroke narrates a unique tale, inviting viewers on a visual expedition into their own depths. 

Amit aims to capture fleeting moments' impact on our inner world, fostering personal connections with his art. Through boundary-crossing creativity, he sparks change and celebrates our shared human legacy.

PADAV-II Participants Selected

 The Bangani Art Foundation is delighted to unveil the roster of selected participants for its esteemed PADAV-II Art Mentoring Program. Scheduled to take place at Kala Dham: the artist village, Greater Noida, from February 22nd to 27th, 2023, this initiative has garnered widespread interest, attracting 27 applications from across Uttarakhand.

Following meticulous deliberation, we are pleased to announce the selection of 10 exceptional young talents. Heartfelt congratulations to the chosen applicants. This program promises to be a transformative journey, fostering artistic growth. As we embark on this enriching endeavor, we extend our best wishes to all participants, and we eagerly anticipate the creative contributions that will ensue. Here's to a fulfilling and inspiring experience ahead.

Selected Participants:

Amit Bhardwaj

Amit Singh

Aparna Paneru

Bhawana Bhandari

Bhupendra Kumar

Jyoti Shri

Kanchan Tiwari

Rupa Arya

Sakshi Rawat

Sandhya Badhani