PRESS RELEASE*
Yogesh Rawal
SOLO SHOW
Aicon Gallery, NY
July 12 - August 16, 2007
Opening reception, July 12, 6-9pm
Yogesh Rawal's creates untitled abstractions using paper collage, cellulose and synthetic resin. The final product has an almost photographic finish. One is reminded of the conceptual photography of Nasreen Mohamedi. Like Mohamedi, his imagery paradoxically describes a sublime indeterminate realm on the precincts of iconic representation. But, unlike Mohamedi, there is one fundamental on which Rawal dwells and that is the study of light. Rawal evokes a sophisticated understanding of light and shade. His blocks of color and phantasmagoric shapes bear witness to the myriad possibilities of creation with light. Everything from the clarity of Untitled 15, to the sharp contrast of Untitled 21 and to haziness of Untitled 20, his range is eloquently conveyed. Some works play out their own ambiance, it seems as though they have an imaginary spotlight installed. In this sense, his works emanate a peculiar completeness. And yet, as we turn to the process of some of his panels, this completeness is harmoniously accompanied by hollowness. Rawal's use of tissue for example dematerializes his robust wooden support. Much like how a clearstory connotes the spiritual lightness of the otherwise heavy and somber medieval church, the dynamism of his lines and gliding quality of his materials render his works – but not his efforts – weightless.
Rawal animates his 'indeterminate realms' by referring to them as inner conversations. Indeed, his art suggests the immaterial world of the mind. While minimalist in intention, Rawal's concerns are less cerebral and rigid. Rawal has been compared to artists like Agnes Martin who infuse their simple forms with attitudes stemming from certain Zen Buddhist philosophy. Unlike Martin however, Rawal is not reacting to the sudden popularity of the East (in the West) that first occurred in the 1950s. Instead, he is unveiling underlying ideals that have permeated the East since time immemorial – but have become lost in the layers of history. His Zen inner self is grounded in its local roots. Rawal often works in black and white but he does not hesitate to use deep reds, browns and oranges. It seems he has a rather intuitive relationship with color.
Yogesh Rawal has had a varied career. He has excelled in various media and modes of art practice: sculpture, print and mixed media. In the late 1970s, he studied at the prestigious Sir J.J school of Arts then at the renowned l'ecole nationale superieure des beaux-arts in Paris. He has won many awards and has exhibited all over India, in Europe and the United States. Rawal lives in between Bhopal and Mumbai.
For more information and visuals please contact:
Aicon Gallery, 206 5th Avenue, Fifth Floor, between 25th & 26th St.
T: (212) 725-6092; F: (212) 725-6096, newyork@aicongallery.com
www.aicongallery.com