The Deep Inside Two Man Show at Kalakriti Art Gallery

Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy

Born: 1984, Chennai Tamil Nadu. He has done his BFA from Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai. MFA from Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai. My works explore the idea of the self both at the physical and metaphorical level. While conceptualizing a way to express this preoccupation, it struck me that body is not very different from a bird’s nest. A nest is a place where a living creature stays similarly the human body contains the soul that gives sentience to the body. When I observed the form of the nest more closely I found further parallels with the human since both the nest and the human being are built up in layers; layers that are sometimes perceptible to the eyes and at other times not, since the nest/ human begin to exist as an idea even before the idea takes a physical form. This idea of physical absence/presence fascinates me and I translate this concept into my work using the notion of a trace.

The trace is both a presence and an absence and I bring this to my work by literally tracing my body impression on Iron. By cutting out this impression from the Iron plate, the presence becomes an ‘absence’. But I think this void is no less present since the being is beyond the physical and the dualities of presence and absence. It affirms that the being within that seems restricted by the body around it is composed of the same boundless and limitless space that surrounds it.

Saju Kunhan
Born: 1983. He has done his PG Diploma in Museology and Conservation, CSMVS, Mumbai University. Done his MFA in Painting from Sir J J School of Arts, Mumbai. BFA in Painting from Government College of Fine Arts, Thrissur, Kerala. Awards: 2009 ‘Camlin Award’, Annual Exhibition of Sir J J School of Art, Mumbai 2011. ‘Pidilite Award’ for Best Painting in Annual Exhibition of Sir J J School of Art, Mumbai

My works evolve around history as it had a great influence on my thinking process. I believe whatever happens now has a historic reason behind it; they maybe direct or indirect link the past. I am very much inclined to archeology and anthropology. To study and understand the life and living of people today, you have to go back and search how they were in history. I have a habit of visiting different places through 'Google Maps’, especially the areas which have more historical and archeological value. After my relocation to Mumbai, I was inspired by a senior artist who does wooden sculptures, and has mastered in them, so my thoughts were channelized on how to utilize the small discarded wood pieces in a unique manner. Originally specialized in paintings, my paintings are more of a play of myriad colours whereas wood works are more chromatic and monochromatic in nature. Also, while working with wood i enjoy the whole process.