A picture worth words

Suresh Chandra Jangid’s exhibition titled, “A picture is worth… word(s),” transports viewers to a world of tranquillity, reconnecting them with their origins.

Jangid hails from Varanasi and comes from Rajasthan by now is a familiar name in the world of visual art, an alumni of Rajasthan School of Art. Having Ph.D. from University of Rajasthan published more than a dozen research papers is now teaching in painting department at Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi since 2019.

He has been honoured by National Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi for his outstanding work in 2005, Akademi Award by Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi in 2018. He is an active artist having five successful solo exhibitions and participated in several group shows within the country and abroad include participation in 48th and 49th National Exhibition of Art by National Lalit Kala Akademi at Mumbai and Bhopal, 45th to 49th, 56th to 58th state Exhibitions by Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi. His works are in several public and private collections.

Unfettered by linguistic constraints, he paints vivid narratives inspired by life’s nuances and experiences. His approach towards art embraces diverse mediums, capturing the vibrant spectrum of human emotions in colourful hues. Jangid’s artistic pursuit in his words reads, “My art is a compendium of my observations; life viewed from my lens. There is no pretentiousness to it. No burden of conformity or aesthetic orthodoxy. No stylistic limitations. Just a plain and unbridled expression.”

In today’s modern world, people are fortunate to have access to knowledge and scientific analysis that contribute to a diverse and cosmopolitan culture. Despite this change, there’s still a connection to our roots, making it fascinating to explore the origin, evolution, and redundancy of life. According to renowned art historian Edith Tomory, great art is not just an expression but serves as a means of communication, and words are crucial in comprehending different aspects of life.

However, communication can also be visual, with words reciprocating some images and vice versa. Contemporary art is not limited to the picture’s surface; it has an aura that reverberates and encompasses multiple connotations. In ancient India, the sages were referred to as seers of Mantras, as they illuminated a particular meaning of the mantras, while others remained to be revealed. This may be a form of symbolism, which could be why a painting is called Alekhyem and described as written instead of painted.

At this juncture, there must be an intimate connection between words and images. The works created stem from this type of inquiry during the creative process. It involves communication through various forms, colors, symbols, or words. Sometimes, a specific form is recognized, but suddenly, an adage flashes in the mind, and the artist begins to question that form. In response, it suggests some words, which, in turn, suggest some other form.

When: 11am – 7pm, Until April 12

Where: Gallery no.7, Lalitkala Akdemi, Mandi House, New Delhi