On an afternoon in Batticola, we were driven down a dusty road leading to a well designed house surrounded by a lovely unassuming garden.
We stepped inside and were confronted by an open roofed atrium that flooded the room with natural light.
After some introductions, and tea of course, we were treated to a surprising aesthetic experience.
Sculptures and paintings were hung on the walls, that two talented brothers had created.
The work of both artists shared a common quality and their size were well suited to the interior walls.
We sat and then one of the brothers, the artist Vasan, ( the painter) presented a stack of heavy paper paintings.
We sat and lifted each painting one by one and became engaged in Vasan's vision.
The quiet dream like paintings were seductive. Each one could tell a story... open for interpretation for
the lucky viewer.We lifted each one slowly, soaked up the symbols and the washed out quality that created a veilof mystery and led to one's personal discovery.
As our eyes toured the surface, new layers were revealed, other hidden symbols.
The mix of sophisticated treatment of the materials; the paint, a very delicate chalk scrim coat, the drawn child-like symbolsreinterpreted in various ways were truly magical.
These paintings juggle the fine line of not overworking the medium, not relying on romantic interpretations.
They are archetypical and conjure up memories from childhood experiences.
We were so pleased to have experienced this private viewing.
Now when we think back, they are almost like impressionistic movie stills, that tell a wonderful narrative.
-Ellen Fisher and Bruce Gundersen
(Modern Dancer and Visual Artist from US)
