A unique Christmas tree that showcases artwork of renowned artists. By Sharmila Chand
Decorating
Xmas tree is an age old tradition. Come December and the distinguished tree finds its special place. There is so much excitement about making it all bling with several knick knacks, shiny stars, pretty glowing balls, a whole lot of boxes, wrapped in colourful papers (even if they are empty!), and what not. How about a Xmas tree that is 'live' displaying stunning work of well known artists? When it is time to wrap up the tree for next year, art ornamentation carry on the celebration for eternity, adhering beautifully to the sustainable concept. This is the concept behind the initiative - "Away in a Manger," a unique exhibition at Dhoomimal Art Centre, celebrating the diverse cultural tapestry of the country through the lens of Christmas.
Curated by Georgina Maddox and conceptualized by Mohit Jain, owner Dhoomimal Art Center, the showcase features larger-than-life Christmas trees adorned with artistic ornaments crafted by around 50 leading artists from the modern and contemporary art world. The exhibition provides a contemporary twist to the centuries-old art of ornamentation, with master artists channeling their creativity into Christmas-themed expressions.
"I always like to introduce and launch new innovative concepts in the realm of Art. This time I thought why not challenge the artists to present their work in small sized, different shapes with Xmas tree as the canvas to display their work. So what you see is the Christmas spirit reflected through nearly fifty artists, each piece crafted with such finesse," said Jain.
He further added, "Among many theme shows I have had in the past, my main idea is to give artists a different surface to explore with new possibilities, and at the same time for the viewers to experience something rare. Through the "Away in a Manger", I invite collectors to discover specially curated Christmas ornaments by established artists, blending tradition with contemporary art. This exhibition is not only a memorable journey but also a chance to collect unique pieces that transcend generations."
Likewise remarked curator, Georgina Maddox, "I think it is wonderful to celebrate festivals together in an art space. Since Christmas is the season of giving, we decided to create an art show that provides access to masterful art for everyone at affordable prices and brings the joy of Christmas." So how did the participating artists take the challenge? Let's hear straight from some of them as they share their thoughts on the concept and their work:
Deepti Gupta
The exhibition "Away in a Manger" beautifully delves into the enduring bond between humanity and nature, specifically in the context of Christmas and the birth of Christ. Through thoughtfully chosen animals like reindeer, evoking the magic of Santa's sleigh, and sheep, symbolizing Christ as the Good Shepherd, the display intricately weaves together elements of winter and festive celebration, creating a captivating and meaningful experience for visitors. I have painted in bright colours and illusion, the animals associated with Christmas and yuletide."
Seema Kohli
"First of all, I was very intrigued by the idea of this I liked the material and the size, it brought back childhood memories of working on an ornament meant for Christmas. I enjoyed the process and chose a hexagon as I found it quite interesting, painted a winged angel against a star-studded blue sky."
Tanushree Chakraborty
"Initially, I felt very grateful to be a part of this inspiring show. Christmas means a lot to me; it's a significant connection with nature, human beings, and a myriad of emotional issues that are woven into this story, which I depict through all my paintings. This is not only about the birth of Jesus; it is a rebirth of the Virgin, who always protects her child with her positive aura, which I have depicted through various elements, painting the iconic Madonna and Child, infusing diverse forms and styles with a captivating blend of Indian motifs and vibrant colors."
Shampa Sircar Das
"The festive season as the year ends stands synonymous with the rhythm of life, joy , happiness and the cycle of birth, death, establishments, and annihilations. We realise that we are one with this cosmic energy as life blooms like the Padma( lotus) and takes a direction again. Through my work, I have shown the celebration of life encompassing the unfurling of the petals of a lotus which depicts the human soul expanding. Padma or lotus is part of every person's soul and drives people, like an instinct, to work towards spiritual enlightenment despite their struggles. My other work shows Matsaya or the fish which swims freely in the ocean of wisdom with a direction. It symbolises freedom but with a purpose. These Transformative forces within the mind and heart, can cleanse our mental and emotional bodies, put us in touch with the protective powers within us."
Vandana Rakesh
"Painting is meditation to me. I am at peace and happiness is what I get while working. I usually don't think of any subject before creating anything. It's all imaginative and intuitive. My journey is Inward. My work is a reflection of what all I have acquired from the society. Whatever I read, see, hear, make an impression on my mind and my sub-conscious mind reflects that as an imagery. I am inspired by the character of water. I am spontaneous like water and ever flowing. I try to make my work as simple as possible. In this show we are celebrating Christmas , and in my series 'Journey Within' I have used golden colour as base to give it a festive mood .The colours are also bright and used sequins as well in some of my works."
Sanjay Das
"Christmas is all about making new joyful memories but at the same time I believe as a photographer it's also an occasion to bring forward and preserve the timeless beauty of India's cultural heritage. Each click of the shutter is a moment frozen in time, a piece of our rich history saved from fading away. Artfully capturing the patterns in stone and rusted iron, preserving them, safeguarding not just artefacts but a cultural legacy from fading away."
Pradiptaa Chakraborty
"It's not just an ordinary art exhibition; it's a glamorous fusion of artists and the gallery. The subject matter radiates the joy of life, evident in every canvas through a unique brushstroke and color palette. I aim to bridge the gap between two contemplations: the Byzantine and the modern. On one side, there's a captivating portrayal of the birth of Christ, a beautiful temptation. On the other side, it captures the sensation of post-modern humanism. Together, we endeavor to reestablish global humanity through the fragrance of this show. I have painted the birth of Jesus through imagination and style, blending modern and traditional styles.
QuickFacts
WHEN: 12th December 2023-6th January 2024
WHERE: Dhoomimal Art Centre, Connaught Place, New Delhi WHAT: Away in a Manger
TIMINGS: 11am to 7pm , Monday to Saturday
