Sujata Dere’s Earth Song explores the spiritual essence of nature, highlighting the strong connection between humanity and the natural world, says SAKSHI PRIYA
"In the quiet of nature,
there is a song that speaks to the soul,
A melody that moves gently,
yet powerfully, through all living things."
Sujata Dere’s Earth Song, recently showcased at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, beautifully embodies this concept. Through her paintings, Dere captured the serene yet powerful rhythms of nature, transforming horses, lotuses, and forests into symbols of spiritual connection. This exhibition invited viewers into a space where nature’s essence was not only visible but deeply felt, echoing the sacred landscapes that inspired it.
Earth Song offered a captivating journey into the spiritual heart of nature. Dere presented her works through a meditative lens, where horses, lotuses, and forests each held significant symbolic meaning. The exhibition was a celebration of Dere’s artistic growth and her bond with the natural world.
The Equus series stood out as one of the most striking elements of the exhibition. In these pieces, Dere portrayed horses with dynamic brushstrokes that conveyed their powerful energy and their historical role in connecting cultures. The digital maps printed under the horses’ forms added depth to the work, linking the creatures to a broader, more global story. Through earthy tones and glazes, Dere illuminated the horses with a glowing aura, giving them a sense of vitality and spirit that captivated viewers.
Dere’s lotus studies were equally captivating. The lotus, often a symbol of purity and spiritual growth, was rendered in compositions that evoked tranquility and reflection. The delicate interplay of acrylic paints and aquarelle pencils created an atmosphere of light and shadow, adding texture and depth to each piece. The lotus, a symbol of perfection, was given new life through Dere’s innovative techniques, blending tradition with a contemporary touch.
The forest series, rooted in Dere’s deep love for nature, focused on the subtle beauty of the natural world. These smaller works, rich in texture and tone, captured the mystique of the forest with an organic quality. Dere’s spontaneous approach, allowing the paint to drip and blend, mirrored the fluid, ever-changing nature of the forests themselves.
Earth Song was a celebration of nature’s mysticism, and Dere’s mastery in capturing its essence was both enchanting and inspiring. The exhibition offered not just a visual experience, but an emotional and spiritual journey. Dere’s work encouraged viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the quiet rhythms of the earth.