Gallery Silver Scpaes
Untitled
Untitled
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Artist: A.A. Almelkar
Medium: Gouache on Board
Size: 23 × 18 inches (58.42 × 45.72 cm)
Year: Circa 1970
Work captures the spirit of rhythm, devotion, and traditional Indian artistry through the depiction of a dynamic, centrally positioned figure, likely a musician, engaged in the act of playing a large percussion instrument, possibly a mridangam. The figure is adorned in traditional attire, exuding both grace and energy, and is rendered with meticulous attention to detail and ornamentation.
Positioned in a subtly angled stance that suggests motion and focus, the figure’s gaze is intense and purposeful, drawing the viewer into the narrative moment. The clothing is richly decorated, featuring a long, flowing garment painted in shades of green and yellow. The vibrant palette is further enhanced by intricate patterns and motifs that embellish the fabric, suggesting a ceremonial or divine significance. A finely painted turban crowns the figure’s head, and a beaded necklace and other ornamental jewelry add to the overall visual richness.
The figure holds a large drum at the center of the composition, its body detailed with linear accents that suggest texture and resonance. The positioning of the hands and the tension in the posture lend a kinetic energy to the image, evoking the beat and rhythm of live performance. The instrument is not merely a prop but an extension of the figure’s identity, suggesting a character deeply connected to music, ritual, or divine celebration. The background is a muted, earthy green, which provides a harmonious yet subdued contrast to the vivid colors of the subject. Scattered across the backdrop are small, red circular motifs, possibly representing stars, floral elements, or symbolic ornamentation, that add a rhythmic and decorative quality to the composition without detracting from the central figure.
Stylistically, the work draws upon traditional Indian folk and miniature painting techniques, evident in its flat planes of color, delicate linework, and stylized rendering of garments and forms. The overall composition, with its bold contrasts and flowing visual language, reflects a deep connection to regional aesthetic traditions while expressing timeless themes of music, devotion, and cultural heritage. This artwork not only portrays a moment of performance, but also celebrates the cultural vibrancy and spiritual symbolism embedded in Indian visual and musical traditions. Its bold use of color and symbolic detail invites viewers into a world of rhythm, reverence, and expressive storytelling.
Why Choose Us
Art has always, naturally, reflected the development and exploration of different thoughts and perceptions, and our current postmodern era is no different. It is interesting to see how art has evolved visually, yet the traditional methods of composing art remain a valid means of expression.
All it takes for an artist to rise above normalcy, is inspiration, which fuels his passion to paint beautiful creations throughout his life.
The valuable expression of art is always there with us, but now this expression is yet to take an interesting diversion with our art gallery, Gallery Silver Scapes, located in Hauz Khas Enclave. Art is no longer considered just decorative but has evolved and come forth as a major form of investment yielding high rates of returns for its buyers, making it an expression commonly used.
Mrs Mayor was walked into the art world by the legendary modernist Bimal Das Gupta, one of whose biggest collections remains with Gallery Silver Scapes. In the 1980s, as head and first curator of the Habiart Gallery founded by Mrs Rekha Modi — a childhood friend — Mrs Mayor worked closely with and curated shows for renowned artists such as A Ramachandran, GR Santosh, Rameshwar Broota, Sakti Burman, MK Bardhan, Dhiraj Chaudhury, M Sivanesan, and Arup Das among others.
Besides modern masters, she also worked with young contemporaries such as Sudip Roy, Paresh Maity, Subroto Kundu, Vinod Sharma, and many more. Artworks commissioned by her are now part of prestigious collections, such as those of the India Habitat Centre, Ranbaxy, Pepsi, Hotel Lalit, Bank of America, and many more private and public collections.