Harsha Vardhana, September 2006:
Exhibition at ArtsIndia West, Palo Alto, CA:
September 22nd – August 13th
Opening Reception with Artist in Attendance:
Friday, September 22nd 2006, 6-9 pm
Harsha Vardhana has been surrounded by art and artists all his life, being the son of the revered artist Jagdish Swaminathan he openly admits that his family home was like an art institute. After gaining a Masters in Bio-Science from the Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences and working for several years in senior management positions in the bio-medical industry Vardhana realized an important and inescapable truth – art is in his blood! Since 1993 he has devoted himself solely to art and as a self taught artist he has received worldwide critical acclaim.
Vardhana's works are characterized by a lyrical and delicate abstraction, including gestural surface marks that convey the organic effects of time. He works on both canvas and paper and the layers of applied color induce his works with a sense of trapped light and depth. His art incorporates Indian symbolism, traceable to the early tribal cave art of prehistoric times. The ascending triangle, a reoccurring motif in his work, originates in Indian yantra drawings, representing the male principle in tantric ritual art. Vardhana uses such elements for their graphic rather than symbolic value as they bring a definition and balance to his work. Works, which he says are never really finished, he thinks of each as simply a resting point along his journey of visual experience.
When speaking of his process Vardhana emphasizes the importance of immersing himself in this visual experience, by beginning to paint with a clear mind. Of painting, he says "(it) is not about making an image of what the artist thinks is reality but seeking the reality of the image". With this perspective and his unquestionable talent it's no wonder the art critics declare – 'The prodigal son returns – and he can paint!'
Vardhana, born in 1958, had his first solo show in 1997, numerous solo exhibitions throughout India and South East Asia have followed. He has exhibited in many international group shows including Post Modern Indian Art, USA, 2D/3D Hong Kong Visual Arts Center 2003 and the First Biennale of Contemporary Art, Romania 2005. His work is also currently on exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art. The artist lives and works in Delhi and will be in California for the opening of his solo exhibition at ArtsIndia West, Palo Alto on 22nd September, 2006.
For more information on these upcoming events, contact:
Nuala Mellett, Gallery Manager, at nuala@artsindia.com (650)321-4900