Gallery Sumukha, Bengaluru, presents Divine Phantoms, a solo show of woodcut prints by Champa Sharath.
The exhibition showcases a set of 20 woodcuts by Champa Sharath inspired from the Hanuman Chalisa, which is a piece of sacred literature composed by the great poet and philosopher Tulsidas (1511-1623), explains a curatorial note by Lina Vincent.
The Chalisa comprises 40 verses or dohas variedly extolling the mythological god’s heroism and goodness, and enumerating his role in the Ramayana, informs Lina.
Champa Sharath’s artistic engagement with the Hanuman Chalisa began more than a decade ago. The current series takes the artist’s exploration further, carrying nuances that touch upon both literal and symbolic representations. The Hanuman Chalisa is a piece of sacred literature composed by the great poet and philosopher Tulsidas (1511-1623).
It comprises 40 verses variedly extolling the mythological god’s heroism and goodness, and enumerating his role in the Ramayana. These succinct verses lend themselves meaningfully to visual interpretation; Champa has embraced an eclectic language in her realisation of the lyrical texts, says the note.
Champa questions the relevance of faith in the contemporary context, using artistic freedom to redefine stereotypical depictions and retelling mythology with a degree of playfulness. The graphic quality of the work reflects her strong repertoire of printmaking along with a long-term understanding of the woodcut medium.
Lina elaborates, "Champa portrays Hanuman through a multi-layered lens – looking at him physically, metaphorically, and at times through partial abstraction – building diverse moods and atmospheres through formal devices of colour, contour and scale. She challenges her personal perceptions and establishes narratives that identify with her past, where she recalls listening to the words of the Chalisa often, and her present, in which she is evaluating the spiritual subject as an artist."
As an entity owning heroic acts, an icon for strength and speed, and as the ever faithful aide, Hanuman is deeply ingrained in Indian popular culture and has mass following. Champa portrays Hanuman through a multi-layered lens – looking at him physically, metaphorically, and at times through partial abstraction – building diverse moods and atmospheres through formal devices of colour, contour and scale.
She challenges her personal perceptions and establishes narratives that identify with her past, where she recalls hearing the words of the Chalisa often, and her present, in which she is evaluating the spiritual subject as an artist.
At Gallery Sumukha, Bengaluru. Preview on May 26, 6 pm–8.30 pm. On view till June 23. Monday–Saturday, 10.30 am-6 pm.