22 February,2010 08:17 PM IST | | L Romal M Singh
While most art enthusiasts turn up their noses at the very mention of a serigraph, some artists are quite content with this new method that helps their works reach 'the world'
Ever wondered what the perfect mu00e9lange of two styles of art might look like? Especially when the two forms contradict each other quite vehemently? If you have, then Sakti Barman might already be a favourite, but if you haven't, then discover this world renowned artist who personifies 'East meets West' in his works. The difference? This time round, you can actually pick up a piece.
An artist quite popular in Europe and in India too, he claims origins to India's art hub -- Erstwhile Bengal. The artist moved to France eventually and set up home, but could never get away from the influences his roots had on his work. His art thus defines the perfect blend of the two worlds -- with divinities representing two consciousnesses transcending cultures and continental boundaries. His works speak for themselves and each of them carries a tale of cross-cultural references that are intriguing and convincingly speak of one singular theme. "I used to be referred to as an Oriental painter when I first moved here, and I realise that my culture has always influenced me unconsciously, so that could be the reason for this 'cross-cultural style' as you call it," says Sakti Barman. "Some people see Mother Mary and Baby Jesus in one of my paintings called Ganesh Janani, that actually portrays the Mother Goddess and Ganesh. I never noticed the similarity, but the fact that it's noticed, shows that I might have been influenced. Incidentally, I have been asked to paint the Mother Mary, but am waiting for the right time," the artist adds.
A master in his own right, the artist will present a collection of 24 serigraphs that feature some favourites from the last 20 years of his artistic journey. Divided into 2 sizes, 22 inches by 30 inches priced at Rs 30,000 and 30 inches by 40 inches priced at Rs 45,000, the serigraphs are also quite rightly called Multiple Originals and are aimed at catering to a larger and more diverse audience. The entire collection is priced at Rs 9,00,000.
"I have no problems with The Serigraph Studio's initiative, as I am aware of the fact that my originals are often hard to find and heavier on the pocket. My oil paintings might not even make it past an art collector, but the Serigraph project has allowed my art to reach the corners of the globe. I recently bumped into a Bengali woman in Delhi who owned an old serigraph and I was overjoyed to know that she could afford a piece of art that she really liked," Sakti Barman tells us.
At: Gallery Sumukha, Wilson Garden
From: February 22 - March 10
Call: 2229 2230
| What's a serigraph? |
| The word 'Serigraph' literally means to draw through silk, In Latin 'seri' means silk and in Greek 'graphos' means to draw. A serigraph is a Fine Art Print, which has been produced using the screen-printing method thus more precisely making it a Fine Art Screen Print. Unlike the more commonly available Offset prints which are mere Art Posters, Serigraphs are regarded as Fine Art Prints and deemed to be Multiple Original works of art. In this particular case, The Serigraph Studio, run by Lavesh Jagasia, ensures that the serigraphs are approved and hand-signed, titled and numbered by the artist and released in a limited edition. |
