Gobardhan Ash emerges as a remarkable artist whose distinctiveness is both contextualised and recognized amidst a dynamic interplay of artistic styles. This nuanced assessment, offered by perceptive art critic Ranjit Hoskote, casts a discerning gaze upon the intricacies of Ash's creative endeavours. Situating Ash within a temporal framework, Hoskote elucidates the artistic landscape of the late 1940s to early 1950s, a period rife with diverse options for artists in Calcutta. Amidst the socio-political backdrop of famine and the potent graphic expressions of politically inclined artists, Gobardhan Ash's gouaches invite intriguing parallels with the contemporaneous endeavors of Ramkinkar Baij.
However, what captivates one's attention is Ash's intriguing divergence from prevailing currents. From 1948 to 1951, his artistic journey takes an arresting turn as he delves into the rich tapestry of Patta Chitra idioms. In a departure from mere nostalgia, Ash masterfully weaves these influences into his artistic fabric, establishing a robust connection while maintaining a conscious engagement with the emergent realms of cinema and animation. This ingenious fusion imbues his figuration with a fresh contemporary vitality, all the while remaining deeply attuned to political undercurrents. Notably, works like "Comrade" depict the Santhal community, defying conventional idealisations prevalent in Santiniketan.
Ash's exploration isn't confined to the present; it reverberates through time. Notably, his portrayal of the "Chinese Pilgrim" displays Ash's awareness of Calcutta's changing political landscape - a city no longer a capital yet intrinsically tied to an Eastern India that was part of a cosmopolitan, pan-Asian way of existence. This intriguing tableau of artworks becomes a locus where disparate historical threads intertwine. As Hoskote insightfully observes, Gobardhan Ash's oeuvre (especially the Avatars) functions as a composition, where the fervent socio-political energies, cinematic influences, and deep-rooted historical echoes converge, breathing life into a period replete with diverse narratives and experiences. Watch the video for more insights.
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10 авг 2023
