INDIAN MODERN ART LAUNCHES WITH DEBUT ONLINE EXHIBITION ‘EDGE 2 EDGE’

1st December 2009 - 28th February 2010

"EDGE 2 EDGE" is the first ONLINE group show curated by Radha Binod Sharma and marks a milestone in the intent to bring innovative cutting edge new talent from the Indian sub-continent onto the global platform. This exhibition follows on from the inaugural 2009 exhibition by the IMA organization founded by the curator. The intent remains the same to bring artists who have been identified for their talent and originality of expression onto the international stage. The 15 chosen artists, as a collective, employ a diverse range of mediums, ranging from sculpture, printmaking, mixed-media, watercolour and oil on canvas. All are seen to attempt to experiment with a range of materials and in their use of colour. They are also seen to draw from multiple sources their own cultural heritage, as well as their social observations and emotional narrative. Interestingly, all the participating artists in this exhibition are strongly inclined to nativity, albeit "Post-Modernism" which is much celebrated for the emergence of New Media Art. Through the use of affluent personal visual languages the artists make genuine efforts to devise and translate their creative impulses and at the same time draw from various sources both indigenous and international.

The curator Radha Binod Sharma continues with his promise to open a new chapter in the representation of Indian art abroad. A chapter which begins to give recognition to emerging talent not just established artists. The exposure and appreciation is critically required to give new impetus to emerging artists trying to navigate unchartered international waters.

The artists participating in the ' Edge 2 Edge ' show are as follows:

ABHIJIT PAUL - Abhijit's work creates the impression of a romantic atmosphere but at the same time he also creates a sense of claustrophobia, where empty or abandoned spaces , large walls or architectural fragments create a sense of loss and lifelessness in the environment.

ASHIM KARMAKAR - Ashim's works explores different levels of reality, the world which is material and socially constructed with the transcendental world. He imbues multitude forms and natural objects with mystical tones.

BILASENDU SHIL - In his work he seeks to escape from the reality of the metropolis, suspending human forms high above sky - scrapers in a state of suspense and pondering mundane reality. He uses images of flight and release to signify the longing for peace and unsullied environments.

BUDDHADEV MUKHERJEE – Buddhadev focuses on society, the public performances and the darker side of human nature. He deploys humor and different expressions and forms to introduce a playful element on the canvas.

DILIP MITRA - He uses intense textured surfaces to portray images from his own past. These range from intimate observations to more traumatic moments or celebrations. These are all represented like a master craftsman breaking, re-arranging and organizing each and every detail to form the desired piece.

DIPANNITA BISWAS - Dipannita deals with the complex issues of 'self' and redefining 'femininity' in an era in which the pace of change is shifting social norms. She articulates her imagination in an autobiographical form.

MAHJABIN I MAJUMDAR - Her work is auto-biographical in content and she digs into her own bank of memories and the unconscious realms to explore the depth and dimensions which exist there. She uses motifs which belong to the world of flora and fauna often using colors in curious combinations and contrasts.

NARENDRA PATEL - In his work he tends towards a poetic vision which is soothing and captures the moments in time. The canvas surface spontaneously guides the viewer to observe that which is easily overlooked and lost.

PREETI AGRAWAL - Her colored woodcuts are of a strong graphic quality where strong outlines and graphic contours shape figures and their surroundings. Her etchings show innumerable subtleties with intense detail.

RUPA RANI JHA - Rupa Rani juxtaposes traditional and folk elements with more popularized and modern design forms. She highlights the cultural lineage evident in contemporary life.

SHIV VARMA - He creates in his sculptures a picture of conflicting worlds, of diverse value systems and power dynamics. In doing so he draws upon his training in the traditional techniques of beaten metal practiced in communitarian life.

SEKHAR BARAN KARMAKAR - His chosen medium is watercolor and the fluid brushstrokes are used to depict the exuberance, despair and aspirations of youth. A world of dreams and nightmares is represented in surreal forms

TASLIMA AKTER - Her paintings capture the female psyche and energy often entrapped in private spaces. Her architectural motifs are inspired from historical references and she plays with light in an experimental yet exquisite manner.

TRINATH MOHANTY - In his work he comments on the mutual connectivity between man and nature. His canvas uses hybrid forms of nature as an artistic statement on how to solve the problems of overpopulation and the potential of science.

UDAY MONDAL - Uday's work documents the life in his immediate surroundings. The images are worked and reworked in multiple layers, sometimes erased and sometimes retained. The numerous layers draws out the depth and essential reality.