Artists Valsan Koorma Kolleri and Puneet Kaushik talk to Neeti Nigam about working with materials like wood, beehives, thread and coral beads
She seems like a recluse as she sits alone, immersed in her own thoughts and disinterested in the world around her. While her expressions reveal her desire to stay aloof, her eyes speak volumes about her dreams. The woman doesn’t have a name or title and you are free to give her one. This portrait is part of a series created by Malabar-based artist Valsan Koorma Kolleri. The series will be on display at the forthcoming exhibition, The Shape Things Will Take at Gallery Espace.
Kolleri, who is better known for his sculptures, says, “My work describe how we perceive people and ourselves. I have created portraits of some artists from Kerala, the ones I meet regularly. They somehow became an inspiration for my works. These young artistes are down to earth and are full of ideas and energy. They got a good platform through Kochi-Muziris Biennale (an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi). The art scene is improving in Kerala as the artists are getting more opportunities. Dreams, that you see in my paintings, are a reflection of artists’ hopes and desires.”
Kolleri often works with natural and recycled materials such as wood, hair and bee hives. He has used dry pastels, crayons and water colour for most of his works that will be showcased in an exhibition.
The other participating artists in the exhibition is Puneet Kaushik. He has used steel wires and woven them with basic things like thread, coral beads and handmade paper from Puducherry. He has picked traditional Tibetan weaving style for his sculptors.
Kaushik has conducted a variety of art workshops in India, Paris, California, Singapore, Dubai, Japan and most recently at Stuttgart, Germany. like Kolleri, he too has not titled his work as it will “limit the viewer’s thinking”. His art is “personal and real” and has depth to it. “Depth comes from layering, be it social or economical,” he says adding, “I have made what I experience and my reaction to what I see. We go through various emotions and I have drawn heart in various forms in these sculptures,” he sums up.
Curated by Prima Kurien, the exhibition will begin from August 22 and will continue till September 30.