Evoking Rasa in Luminous Visions

INDIAN ART FROM THE CHESTER AND DAVIDA HERWITZ COLLECTION

BY LEON NIGROSH

July 2005 – Nine is a mystical number in India, standing since at least the 4th Century for the known planets, the sun, and the moon. So it’s fitting that WAM curator Louise Virgin has chosen to showcase the work of nine contemporary Indian artists in her latest exhibit. To give these prints and paintings an historical setting, Virgin has also assembled a group of 15th-19th Century small bronze figures and a selection of 19th-20th Century Indian jewelry – chief among them a necklace and pendant set with the “Nine Auspicious Gems.”

While steeped in their own national history, it’s obvious that each artist is very familiar with current international art techniques, styles, and trends. The most traditional works are by printmaker Haren Das (1921-93), whose “Woman in Cow Shed” is simple and direct but dark and poignant, a depiction of a female figure in a darkened barn dreamily staring off into space. Another printmaker, Krishna Reddy, works in a totally abstract manner, creating swirling bas-reliefs through etching and engraving. K. Laxma Goud is the most prolific and varied of the artists on display. He draws heavily from mythical figures in Indian folklore with works such as his coy, sexy etching and aquatint of a woman meeting a Bird- Man or his depiction of another woman meeting a tree spirit. His mirrored box containing the gold-leafed and painted image of “Lovers with Parrot” is filled with sexual symbolism.

One work which embodies both Hindu mythology and contemporary style is Maqbool Fida Husain’s “Goddess with Elephant and Three-Headed Snake.” With Picasso-like élan, Husain portrays Shiva- Shakti, Parvati, Ganesha, and Lakshmi all in one animated, colorful, and stimulating composition.

DETAILS
Where: Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street

When: Through July 17

Contact: 508-799-4406 or www.worcesterart.org