Oct 30 2025 to Nov 02 2025 10 a.m.

Where

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

No.1, Art Complex, Kumarakrupa Rd, near The Lalit Hotel, Kumara Park East 560001

Event Description

The upcoming exhibition in Bangalore by a group of nine artists as part of ‘Masterstroke Figurative’ features diverse artistic voices, which are unified in their passion for art. Primarily self-taught, the artists from various parts of the country, and from varied educational and professional backgrounds - ranging from science, medicine, engineering, technology to management and design, have been practising art for several years now.  The show is on from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November 2025 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat.

Figuration, as is evident from the title of the exhibition, features noticeably in the paintings, with a focus on realism and stylised renderings to portray thematic premises and subjects related to the world around us. Traditional themes associated with each artist’s hometown, their childhood memories, socio cultural milieu, and animals and birds, find prominence in the narratives. Every artist attempts to locate beauty, myth and emotional resonance beyond the surface, and explore linkages with the past. Women centric themes, and perceptions and roles connected to socio cultural conditioning are also examined and queried by some of the artists.

Participating artists:

1. Akoijam Tom Tom Chanu

2. Dhanya Das

3. Dr. Jyoti Tiwari

4. Apurba Das

5. Ivy Rajkumar

6. Gautam Bansal

7. Dr Epsita Chatterjee

8. Sangeeta Krishnan

9. Synoj Sivan

Akoijam Tom Tom Chanu finds inspiration in mysticism, and in exploring the feminine energy, which she represents stylistically through spiritual and healing colours, archetypes and motifs. Referencing mythology, she translates the divine symbolism of Shakti in her paintings to reflect serenity and harmony. Reinterpreting narratives related to goddesses and their multiple manifestations, Chanu represents these to emphasize compassion, growth and rejuvenation, and other pertinent concepts related to life and living.

For Dhanya Das too, mythological characters and deities feature prominently in her paintings. She works primarily with oil paints, which help her achieve the realism she seeks in depicting mythological figures and deities. Blending Indian aesthetics and thematic mores with Western techniques creates a unique visual dialogue between tradition and realism. The portraits, drapes and jewellery are skilfully rendered in lifelike detail, while motifs and emblematic decorations in the background act as aids to the narrative.

Dr. Jyoti Tiwari, a former healthcare professional turned visual artist has been practising art for almost a decade. Her works too centre around spirituality and divinity. The Ghats of Varanasi, the yogis and sadhus, and profound meaning of life, and their connections with the holy place are rendered in fluid and rapid strokes. Her paintings explore themes of consciousness and mysticism through a vibrant, spiritually inspired colour palette, and capture the atmospheric ambience of the location, interspersed by diffused and embers of light.

Apurba Das explores simple everyday themes, yet presents them in unusual settings. Mundane activities in detail are juxtaposed against largely monochromatic backgrounds to heighten the sense of incongruity between the foreground and the backdrop. The exaggerated scale of the protagonist against disparate and disproportionate locales such as a chess board or an urban skyline, creates an interesting line of contrast in the composition and draws the viewer into the tableau.

Ivy Rajkumar’s series set against the city of Kolkata, locates the Goddess Durga in a rare moment of repose. The gesture is subtle, yet powerful in confronting societal norms around expectations, and achievements, especially for women. The representation of the Goddess in a human form, alludes to women and their encumbrances - the multiple stressors amidst keeping up with appearances. The messaging that rest and relaxation are vital to every human being’s renewal is of significance in the current era which is defined and driven by performance and outcomes.

Gautam Bansal’s preferred medium is charcoal, a potent tool, which is rich in tonality, and is stark and expressive. Exploring various subjects, Bansal focuses on capturing their essence and in bringing alive the vivacity of movement, the stillness of silence and the textures of the moment. Charcoal with its intense pigment and range of greys strips away colour and all extraneity to highlight the form, emotion and the movement. Bansal deftly recreates the dynamism and expressiveness of his subjects through extensive layering, tonal gradations and the interplay of light and shadows.

For Dr. Epshita Chatterjee, a former molecular biologist turned artist, her work is ecologically conscious and sensitive to environmental concerns. The current suite of paintings on birds is deeply inspired from her travels to bird sanctuaries and national parks across India and Southeast Asia. The Indian bird series showcases species with vivid plumage, and highlights their endangered status while documenting them in their natural habitats. It includes noting their behavioural patterns, and also portrays their expressive mating displays. Visually appealing, her works poignantly underscore the decline of natural habitats and the growing threat to several species of birds.

Sangeeta Krishnan finds deep meaning and intent in the world around her. As an observer, she finds purpose in capturing joyful and transient moments with intention. Transforming and portraying objects through meticulous arrangements, compositions and colour is a rewarding experience for Sangeeta. Painting still life works which depict the numerous possibilities of flower placements, vases and other objects in free flowing and broad brushstrokes form an act of mindfulness for her. For her, it is also a means to translate and convey the quiet beauty found in everyday life.

Synoj Sivan portrays Indian traditional themes from Hindu mythology, the Puranas and Vedas in a style reminiscent of Raja Ravi Varma and his distinctive portrayal of Gods and Goddesses. Having painted from an early age, Sivan has effectively combined Western classical techniques with tradition in a genre redolent of the past. With a deep focus on representing narratives linked to culture and heritage, Sivan has found his expression in realism, replete with accuracy in the ornate and elaborate detailing of the figures and their attire.

Each artist’s journey has been a leap of faith into the world of art, and their creative endeavours not only celebrate their art, but also encourages others to pursue their passion, irrespective of formal education in fine arts, initial roadmaps of life and any setbacks.

The foreword for the catalogue for the show is written by Art curator and consultant Nalini Malviya.

Venue: Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, Kumara Kripa Road, Bangalore

Inauguration is on the 30th of Oct at 5 PM

Date: 30 Oct – 2 Nov 2025

Time: 10 AM – 7.30 PM

For info contact: +91 98308 91289

Entry is open to all