A Palette of Memories

The Kala Sakshi Memorial Trust,a non-profit organisation,and the Ati Art Gallery are paying a tribute to artist Sakshi Nayar on her first death anniversary. Sakshi,who passed away at the age of 23,is remembered,aptly,through an exhibition. Titled “Ethereal”,it features 55 works by nine artists. Sakshi’s mother and renowned artist Kavita Nayar was on hand to welcome the guests at the Open Palm Court Gallery at the India Habitat Centre. “The Kala Sakshi Memorial Trust was set up in Sakshi’s honour in April and through that we have been reaching out to young artists,giving them scholarships,” said Kavita. Sakshi,a graduate of College of Art ,Delhi,also dabbled in theatre,assisting Amal Allana in the production of Erendira and Her Heartless Grandmother,and even anchored a show on DD called Bharati Meri Baat.

At the exhibition,Sandip Kuriakose abandons the lush countryside landscape for realism in an untitled work. The digital print on archival paper replicates the nightmarish description of a metro — the towers seem to be creaking under the strain of bold strokes. Meanwhile,Sandeep Jigdung creates his own animal kingdom on Raisina Hill.

And before you leave,gaze at Sakshi’s Woven Dreams (in the picture),an acrylic on canvas smothered in red haze that shows the face of a woman floating around as if in an unfocused reverie.

The show at IHC is on till December 7. Contact 98912 59087