Traditions in Transition

TRADITIONS IN TRANSITION

Antoine Lavoisier, the famous French nobleman and chemist had said, "Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed." This holds true for art as much as for science. The artist is inspired as much by the situations he finds himself in presently, as by the traditions that are a part of his life from time immemorial. We may seek to wilfully ignore these ties and we may succeed superficially, but it may be better to use the wisdom of the old and transform it to suit the present.

India has a rich tradition of traditional and folk art. Typically the skill and knowledge of these traditions are passed down through generations from master to apprentice. These traditions have been a source of inspiration for many artists over the years. Some are trying to revive a tradition while others are taking cues from it and experimenting with a new style that is an amalgamation of the old and new.

This exhibition showcases artists whose works are examples of ‘traditions in transition’. As opposed to contemporary art which is more conceptual in nature, these works are more symbolic and soulful. Most of the artists exhibited have a deep connection to past traditions, in style, subject matter, or sensibility, yet their interpretation is modern. In the words of Winston Churchill,” Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd.” In trying to revive old traditions, sometimes, they transform into a creative new expression. There is no creation without tradition, whether it is a continuation of it or a conscious opposition of it. This transition results in the new, which is always a reflection on the preceding past. The exhibits, hence, embody our gallery’s belief that tradition is a beautiful thing, if viewed as a guiding force rather than as an oppressive bond.

Deepak Banerjee, Ganga Singh, Jangarh Singh Shyam, Japani Shyam,

Jayasri Burman, K.S.Kulkarni, Laxma Goud, Neelkant Choudhary,

Seema Sharma Shah, Umashankar Shah