Dhoomimal Art Centre in the Capital will host a solo exhibition of paintings by artist-educationist Goldy Malhotra at its Connaught Place premises beginning this Friday. Titled “A Journey Inward”, the exhibition is centred round the theme of the Buddha and will be on view up to May 10.
Goldy is a veteran of numerous solo and group shows. Her first exhibition was organised way back in 1966. According to her, the genesis of the upcoming exhibition goes back to a very personal phase of her life when she was introduced to absorbing stories about gods by her grandmother. The sight of a calm and serene Buddha amid a plethora of gods in animated stances set her imagination afire.
“I believe in the Buddha’s middle path, the impermanence of everything. Even little known aspects of the Lord’s life like the consequences of Sujata’s offering of food, Aamrapali’s transformation from materialistic leanings and sage Sakyamuni’s preaching have been depicted in the exhibition,” says the artist.
In other works of art, Goldy has successfully merged the Buddhist doctrine of enlightenment into nuggets of iconic depiction such as lotus feet and mantra calligraphy, making the show a holistic presentation of the faith through a sensitive brush.
In a subtle merger of the symbolic with the chronological, the artist examines the landmark events of the spiritual founder through the use of telling symbols and episodic details.
Goldy is not only an experienced and proficient artist but also an eminent educationist, discharging her duties as the Principal of Modern School Vasant Vihar.
Besides her works on the theme of the Buddha, the artist will also exhibit works on assorted themes. “The works also depict human emotions, salvation, communication gap and few monuments. Paintings are my first love and it is more than a hobby for me. It de-stresses me and I have been painting along with doing my job. This is my 12th solo show.” Through her extensive urban and rural studies the artist manages to capture the spontaneity of everyday life.
Madhur Tankha
