S G Vasudev's new paintings

A potted plant inside the door. An aquarium in the balcony. And fresh flowers on the desk, always. A little bit of the outside makes a world of difference inside.

Each of the 27 paintings in leading contemporary artist S G Vasudev’s new collection speaks in the same tongue as trees, plants, nature. Titled ‘She’, it gives her own space to the mystical woman who has been gracing Vasu’s works, albeit from the sidelines, for almost 15 years.

Inspired by Indian miniatures and the eternal woman of the Ajanta paintings, Vasu’s woman merges almost seamlessly with his other oft-used symbol, the Tree of Life. Her hair morphs into the branches and twigs of the tree; her myriad boughs reach out to the heavens like arms raised in prayer.

Each oil-on-canvas demands its dedicated gaze-time. The works possess a meditative quality that is at once joyous and tender. Discover your own resemblances — doesn’t the woman look like someone you know? — and your own meanings. The artist’s strokes are subtle, moody, thoughtful.

Just like She.

She, a collection of 27 oils on canvas by S G Vasudev. Till February 7 at The Hatworks Boulevard, 32 Cunningham Road, Bangalore. Tel: 65379223. Paintings start at Rs 1 lakh and go up to Rs 15 lakh.

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