Exhibit Archives
THE GODDESS AND THE GODLESS: A Conceptual Exhibition
7 – 18 October 2011 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This exhibition is meant to provoke and challenge the selected seven participating artists into manipulating popular and/or personal contexts within the wide spectrum of World Mythology. The exhibition presents a highly-intriguing, thought-provoking and aesthetically-appealing collection of mainly paintings by Singapore-based artists from various cultural backgrounds, such as Tasneem Moochhala, Sarbani Bhattacharya, Joyotee Ray Chaudhury, Subhashini Balasubramanian, J. Kalidass, Sujata Jain and Dr Praema Raghavan-Gilbert. The Tree of Life, the Yali, the Buddha, the Divine Androgyne and the Yin-Yang concept are some of the mythological themes that the esteemed artists of this exhibition have addressed, with an amalgamation of perspectives in a personal visual language that reinforces the timeless relevance of what is commonly perceived as mythology.
POWER GANESHA ARTISTS
FORUM
9 Oct 2010 at Gnani Arts Space
In conjunction with the current blockbuster art exhibition, POWER GANESHA: Show 5 (which continues until 17 October 2010 at Gnani Arts Space), we are delighted to present you with an active and intiguing art forum, which is indeed the first-ever for contemporary Ganesha Art in Southeast Asia. Four of the participating artists of the exhibition will each take the pleasure of presenting the succinct conceptual dimensions, decisions and processes that their artworks encompass, together with the challenges he/she faced in thinking beyond conventional, stereotypical portrayals of Ganesha.
POWER GANESHA: Show 5 Art of the Elephant-Headed Icon
14 – 30 September 2010 at two venues – The Gallery of Gnani Arts & Gnani Arts Space
After four hit showcases depicting contemporary art of Ganesha (in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009 respectively), The Gallery of Gnani Arts takes pride in presenting POWER GANESHA: Show 5, a blockbuster exhibition of contemporary depictions of the celebrated icon. POWER GANESHA: Show 5 is the 5th in an exclusive series of art exhibitions, conceptualised and presented by The Gallery of Gnani Arts, showcasing contemporary depictions of Ganesha, a popular Hindu god; a narrative catalyst in Indian mythology; an inseparable aspect of contemporary Hindu/Indian life; and indisputably a global cultural icon. Each one of more than twenty participating masters and emerging artists (who hail from various national and cultural scenarios – Pakistani, French, Chinese, Singaporean and Indian) embark on the challenge of creating aesthetically-convincing visual representations of Ganesha, within or without the adherence to stereotypical depictions, while retaining his/her characteristic individual style. The Gallery of Gnani Arts takes great pride and joy in announcing the names of the esteemed Participating Artists of POWER GANESHA: Show 5:- Agatha Hutton, Alpana Ahuja, Alphonso Doss, B.R. Annapillai, Aparna Sundaresh, Augustine Annadurai, C. Dakshinamoorthy, S.A.V. Elaiya Barathy, S.A.V. Elaiya Raja, S. Elayaraja, P. Gnana, S. Govindarajan, J. Kalidass, Karuna N. Rajendran, N. Manoharan, K. Muralidharan, Naina Mehta, Odile Moulin, Pon Ragunathan, Rajamahes, S.K. Rajavelu, Richard Chen, V. Santhanam, Sarbani Bhattacharya, S. Sivabalan, Tasneem Moochhala. Vinoth Kumar and A. Viswam. Sponsors: The Pocket Arts Guide, Sakunthala’s Food Palace and Booze Wine Shop.
Soul of the Mothering Tree: Solo Exhibition of Paintings by Sarbani Bhattacharya
15 – 25 July 2010 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Sarbani Bhattacharya’s body of artworks in this exhibition, her first-ever solo, is indeed an aesthetic justification of the almost instinctive manner in which two mighty, timeless concepts of unquestionable universality – the Tree of Life and the Mother and Child – connect symbolically, beaming with seeming interchangeability. She armed with a Bachelor in Visual Arts from the Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata(formerly known as Calcutta).
Parody of Impermanence: A Duet Exhibition of Art by Richard Chen & M. Siva
4 – 18 June 2010 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This will be a duet exhibition of paintings by China-born Richard Chen and India-born M. Siva. The enthralling collection suggests issues such as impermanence, sin, heaven and hallucination.
Mundane Ecstasy: A showcase of paintings by P. Perumal
3 – 16 June 2010 at Gnani Arts Space
This exhibition will showcase a treasured collection of paintings by P. Perumal, a much-appreciated contemporary master of South India. Perumal, a winner of the Indian National Award, is well-known for his portrayals of rural wedding ceremonies, of classic village festivals (such as bull-fights) and of families engaging in agricultural labour.
Elucidation: Sculptures with a Narrative
5 – 20 May 2010 at Gnani Arts Space
Here’s an absolutely engaging showcase of solely sculptures by five artists – Vidyasankar Sthapathy, T.R.P. Mookiah, P. Gnana, B.R. Ravi and Velmurugan. Each sculpture in this collection flaunts an intriguing narrative; a story to ponder over, within creative scenarios that include themes such as mythology, motherhood and romance.
Gautama Buddha: Sculpture Within Paintings by J. Kalidass
16 – 27 April 2010 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This will be Singapore-born J. Kalidass’ first ever solo art exhibition. Here, conventional and historic sculptures of the Buddha are portrayed within paintings of a limited colour palette, together with a surreal touch that denotes the artist’s personal pursuit in the spiritual realm. The art in this enthralling showcase reflects the emerging artist’s highly-skillful rendition of three-dimensional attributes on flatness. Kalidass received his formal training in the art of painting at LASALLE College of the Arts (Singapore).
Damsel Liaison: Charisma of the Lady in Art
2 – 15 April 2010 at Gnani Arts Space
Via almost exotic and emotively engaging renderings, this showcase of paintings and sculptures by two masters and five emerging artists, extols the beauty that is inherent in the confidence, charm and sensuality of the conventional female element in human life. C. Dakshinamoorthy and A. Selvaraj are the two masters in the exhibition. The five promising, emerging artists in the exhibition – Ann Meek, Aparna Sundaresh, Sam Kumar, Seema Chopra and Yeo – are based in Singapore. Some of the artists have indeed had the privilege of experiencing creative interactions with P. Gnana, an accomplished artist in Singapore.
Folkish: Native South Indian Life in Art
5 – 16 March 2010
Via a fresh showcase of elucidating art by three carefully-selected emerging artists, Folkish promises to bring you on an experiential visual excursion to classic rural life that still evident in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu. The collection flaunts paintings by S. Elayaraja, S. Kumar and S. Sivabalan, who have created an effective combination of brilliant technique, down-to-earth scenarios, an endearing sense of naivety and warm hues of the earth – aspects that are so synonymous with daily life in an archetypal village of South India.
POP GANESHA! The 4th Show: The Icon in Contemporary Art
17 – 27 September 2009
This significant exhibition is the 4th in an exclusive series of art exhibitions, presented by The Gallery of Gnani Arts, that showcases contemporary depictions of the popular elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha. In POP GANESHA! The 4th Show, the artists are challenged to think beyond the conventional, stereotypical portrayals of Ganesha. (Ganesha is indeed a global mythological icon who is believed to remove the obstacles that one might face before embarking on a task.) This show will be an intriguing revelation of many individual, highly creative views (conveyed in the form of a painting or a drawing) of what Ganesha means to the participating artists of the exhibition, including a French artist, a Pakistani artist, and artists from India and Singapore.
Ladies’ Night: A Collection of Recent Paintings by P. Gnana
8 July – 8 August 2009
This month-long special exhibition features a recent collection of paintings by P. Gnana, an acclaimed Singapore-based artist. This fresh, fascinating collection portrays subtle emotions and intimate inspirations drawn from Gnana’s personal observations of women in various moods and moments. This showcase will be an intriguing walk through the artist’s poignant revelation on canvas, via an appealing combination of abstract and figurative modes of rendition.
Indian Aesthetics Talk at Expat Living Coffee Morning at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
18 June 2009 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
There must have been times when you had liked a particular painting while your partner did not like the same painting. This coffee morning at The Gallery of Gnani Arts will be an intriguing one, as Mrs Vidhya Gnana Gouresan (Curator of The Gallery of Gnani Arts) will discuss the subjectivity in appreciating art, in relation to an ancient theory in Indian aesthetics. Admission is Free. RSVP: email to events@expatlivingsingapore.com or call 6478 7153.
A Cosmic Trance: The Nataraja in the Art by Alphonso Doss
8 May – 22 May 2009 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This is indeed a monumental exhibition of contemporary paintings by Dr Alphonso Doss, an acclaimed master of South Indian contemporary art. The art in this profound showcase uncovers the magnificence of the ideas, inspirations and creative findings by the master, within the timeless concept of the Nataraja – The Lord of Cosmic Dance in Indian mythology. Born in Bangalore (South India) in 1939, Dr Alphonso Doss holds a Cultural Doctorate in Art Education from World University, Arizona. He won the National Award in 1988. Dr Doss is also a former Principal of the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Chennai (1992 – 1997).
Penance: Soulful Art From Contemporary South India
9 April – 4 May 2009 at Royal Plaza on Scotts
Penance: Soulful Art from Contemporary South India stays true to its title, as a significant exhibition that features emotive paintings by four leading artists from contemporary South India, namely P. Perumal, P. Gnana, S.K. Rajavelu and A. Selvaraj. Each artwork in this remarkable showcase has the tendency to spontaneously reach out to the subtle sensitivities of the heart; an important entity that ruthlessly rules the decisions that we make in our daily life.
The Secret: Abstract Art by Jono Sugiartono & A. Viswam
15 – 26 April 2009 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
The Secret is an exhibition that celebrates the undying conceptual mystery in abstract art. The exhibition features insightful abstract paintings by Jono Sugiartono and A. Viswam, a Southeast Asian and a South Asian respectively. Jono is a contemporary Indonesian artist who was born in Ciamis (West Java) in 1968. He has been a participant in the auctions by Sidharta Auctioneers. Jono graduated from the Seni Rupa IKIP Bandung in 1994. In 2004 and 2006, he was the recipient of awards conferred by the French Embassy in Jakarta, for his dedication towards the arts. Jono’s paintings exude a sense of ritual magic, with the portrayal of faint sensations of neutral-natured human figures. Viswam, a winner of the Indian National Award, was born in 1950 in the Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu (South India). He is a prominent artist whose paintings are well-appreciated in Edinburgh (Scotland). Trained in the Government College of Arts & Crafts in Chennai and Kumbakonam, Viswam possesses a very energetic and outgoing persona, which is aptly reflected in his attention-seeking vivacious brush-strokes. The artist explains that his abstractions reflect his moments of truth. The enigma in Jono’s paintings and the vigour in Viswam’s paintings will combine forces in this significant showcase of abstract art – a genre of controversial brilliance. - Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Life is a Candy: Delightful Paintings by Stephane Delapree & Pon Ragunathan
20 Feb – 5 March 2009 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Life is a Candy is a duet exhibition of delightful paintings by French-born Canadian artist Stéphane Delaprée and South Indian artist Pon Ragunathan. Stéphane, a popular artist who resides and paints in Cambodia, has charmed many with his very own successful concept of ‘Happy Painting’; the representation of a colourful, idealistic world. Pon Ragunathan, an accomplished senior artist who resides in the Salem District of Tamil Nadu (South India), has enthralled many with his portrayals of the unassuming innocence of rural life. The obsessively-vibrant hues and humourous subjects in Stéphane’s paintings are a strong contrast to the warm earthen tones and robust figures in Pon Ragunathan’s paintings. However, an optimistic perspective towards the act of living, is indeed one undeniable common trait that is evident in the art by both Stéphane and Pon Ragunathan. And this, the artists exude with great individuality, despite their differing cultural scenario. – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
The Eternal Cow: Sculptures & Paintings by P. Gnana
23 Jan – 15 March 2009 at the Singapore Philatelic Museum
Presented by The Gallery of Gnani Arts at the Singapore Philatelic Museum, this will be P. Gnana’s much-awaited 8th solo art exhibition. Aptly commemorating the Chinese Year of the Ox, this important exhibition features the Singapore-based artist’s celebrated paintings that depict the cow under the series entitled Eternal Companion; a heart-wrenching concept of universal love that is metaphorically signified by the emotive co-existence between the cow and mankind. This exhibition is indeed a milestone in Gnana’s dynamic career, as it marks the first-ever public display of his charismatic sculptures. The ability, or rather, the tendency to provoke an insight into the psyche of the human being who dotes on his receptive animal, is inherent in these sculptures that are not merely the three-dimensional version of the paintings in the Eternal Companion concept. As a matter of fact, they welcome you into another realm of thought and taste, whereby one is able to feel a sense of awe due to the actual physical presence of the concept in another medium of three dimensions.
GOAT GALORE: The Curious Animal In Art (Solo Exhibition by N. Manoharan)
8 – 23 November 2008 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Art Demonstration by the Artist & Lunch-cum-Opening Preview on 8 November 2008 (Sat)
GOAT GALORE: The Curious Animal In Art is N. Manoharan’s first solo art exhibition in Singapore. Born in 1957, Manoharan is currently the Head of the Department of Painting at the historic Government College of Arts & Crafts in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). He is a recipient of the Indian State Award (presented by the Lalit Kala Akademi in Chennai). With spirited and mellifluous brush-strokes, Manoharan captures the essence of the goat on both canvas and paper in this inspiring showcase of art. The goat is an animal that is known for its sense of curiosity and intelligence. The artist’s romantic representation of the goat, immediately strikes an emotive yet cheerful chord with the viewer’s inner desire for a naïve, simple and uncomplicated life that the animal effortlessly represents.
A Treasure Hunt: Contemporary Masterpieces From The Indian South
May – June 2008 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
We live in a world that is heavily influenced by convenient generalisations. And Indian art has not escaped this superficial influence. The particularity of contemporary art from the south of India is indeed an entity that is fit to be celebrated upon, as a dynamic body of creative energy that has survived many decades of insufficient acknowledgement towards its artistic originality and commercial viability in the international art market. In Singapore, The Gallery of Gnani Arts has been the relentless proponent of South Indian contemporary art by acclaimed masters and international artists. This year (2008), The Gallery of Gnani Arts celebrates its 5th anniversary through this major exhibition of exceptional sculptures, paintings and drawings – A Treasure Hunt: Contemporary Masterpieces From The Indian South – a blockbuster of alluring art, showcased in the Gallery’s two wings (two galleries) – at The Regent Singapore (2nd wing) and at Fortune Centre (1st wing). Kindly refer to page 40 of this catalogue for details on directions. Coming back to the issue of superficial generalisations, a walk into The Gallery of Gnani Arts will be good enough for one to realise that it is not just ‘another Indian art gallery’, due to the dominance of a uniquely hybrid appeal that is so mellifluously projected by the diverse styles and moods from the Gallery’s distinctive fine art collection. In other words, the Gallery re-defines the ‘Indian-ness’ in contemporary art, almost entirely away from stereotypes. One has to experience in order to realise this claim. There are no short cuts. Partake in this thrilling hunt for contemporary treasure, before Ali Baba finds his way to the exhibition! – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan, 2008
Pet Pal: Love for Animals in Art
14 Nov – 5 Dec 2007 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Gone are the days when a domestic animal was deemed and treated as a mere pet; as a faithful watchman for a private residential property; as an enduring worker; as a symbol synonymous with world mythology, etc. Now, as a multiplier effect of the changing socio-economic and emotional scenario of urban life, a pet has indeed become a companion for the soul and an ever-faithful friend to many couples and individuals all over the world. So let us pay tribute to the concept of the pet as a pal, through this alluring showcase of art that depicts animals in various moods and activities, with or without their human master or companion.
Damsel Without Distress: Contemporary Sculptures and Paintings by 2 Masters
Aug – Sept 2007 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Damsel Without Distress promises to be an awe-inspiring showcase of stereo-typically exotic art by two contemporary masters – sculptor Vidyasankar Sthapathy and painter Pon. Ragunathan. The charismatic metal sculptures by Vidyasankar Sthapathy and thematically rural oil paintings by Pon. Ragunathan mirror the entrancing female human being in amiable moods. – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Circumambulation: Selected Masterpieces of Contemporary South Indian Art
June – July 2007 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This important exhibition exemplifies the current creative evolution in the dynamic South Indian contemporary art scene. A catalogue-publication entitled Circumambulation: Selected Masterpieces of Contemporary South Indian Art (ISBN 978-981-05-8277-7) was published in conjunction with thie exhibition, which featured works by acclaimed artists such as Vidyasankar Sthapathy, P. Gnana, A. Selvaraj, P. Manickam, Pon. Ragunathan, P. Perumal and C. Dakshinamoorthy.
Myth Never Dies: art by 2 masters
March 2007 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
The enchanting themes and vibrant hues of this fine collection of paintings and drawings by A. Selvaraj and G. Raman, two masters of South Indian contemporary art, will lure you into the ever-intriguing world of myth.
Symbols of Exuberance: An Exhibition of Indian Art
March 2007 at Sunjin Galleries
Jointly-presented by Sunjin Galleries and The Gallery of Gnani Arts, this fine showcase of South Indian contemporary art will be a feast to the seasoned Indian art collector and to first-time collectors of the genre. South Indian contemporary art is a genre that has experienced a very patient advancement in the international art scene. Masters and emerging artists believe in their very own individualistic concepts that merge the intellect with the emotion. The exhibition will flaunt a collection of sculptures and paintings by four award-winning and internationally-acclaimed artists – Alphonso Doss, C. Dakshinamoorthy, P. Gnana and P. Perumal. - Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
OM: A Sculptural Dance by Odile Moulin
Nov 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Odile Moulin, a Singapore-based French artist who received her formal art training in Paris, showcases her sculptures and sketches that were inspired by dance, yoga and Indian mythology. This will be her first solo art exhibition. A catalogue-publication entitled, OM: A Sculptural Dance by Odile Moulin (ISBN 981-05-6855-X), was published in conjunction with the exhibition (written and edited by Vidhya Gnana Gouresan).
ARTBANK Fortis
Oct – Dec 2006 at Fortis Bank (Singapore)
This is indeed a remarkable showcase of a fine selection of South Indian contemporary art by acclaimed artists such as P. Gnana, M. Suriyamoorthy and M. Siva, at Fortis Bank.
Princess & The Myth: Contemporary Folk-inspired Art from South India
Sept & Oct 2006 at The American Club (Singapore)
There is simply no place for realism in the folk arts of any culture. Stylised portrayals of victorious kings, hungry hunters, powerful princesses, wandering animals and daily human preoccupations, have been synonymous with the folk arts of South India. The Princess & The Myth: Contemporary Folk-Inspired Art From South India, is an exhibition that promises to charm the viewer through paintings by two acclaimed masters of South Indian contemporary art – V. Santhanam and G. Raman. Both the artists have mastered the art of line-drawing, a genre that has proven to be one of the most outstanding strengths of South Indian contemporary art. Unquestionable proportion and sincerity in composition are the highlights of the two masters’ creative approach and technique. Through countless layers of imaginative embellishment on canvas, V. Santhanam instills a contemporary mood of mythological magic with designs that resemble patterns of wooden block printing on textiles. With the skillful rendition of intricate lines and spirited colour, G. Raman rejoices in using white lines on dark hues to create portrayals of royalty and human relationship. With the prevalence of enchanting mythology and technical brilliance, there is enough reason to be awed by this aesthetic treat. - Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Suriyamoorthy: 34th Solo Art Exhibition by the Master
Sept 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
M. Suriyamoorthy, one of the masters of South Indian contemporary art, won the National Award in 1967. This will be his 34th solo exhibition of paintings that were created in the span of the last 20 years of his artistic career. The master will be in town for the exhibition.
The Ganesha Show 3: The Secular God in Art
Aug 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
The Ganesha Show is an exclusive series of art exhibitions, presented by The Gallery of Gnani Arts, that showcases contemporary depictions of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha. The first of The Ganesha Show series of exhibitions, was presented in October 2003. The Ganesha Show 2 was presented in September 2005. The Ganesha Show 3: The Secular God in Art, the 3rd in the exhibition series, brings together a delightful combination of art by masters and emerging artists of India and Singapore – P. Gnana, Alphonso Doss, C. Dakshinamoorthy, Alpana Ahuja, J. Kalidass, V. Santhanam, Manju Chandran, S. K. Rajavelu, Sarbani Bhattacharya and Sudakshina Ghosh. Although it is quite impossible to view the Ganesha concept without its religious connotations, in this exhibition, we are attempting to focus on the secular understanding of Ganesha in art. The various imaginative portrayals of Ganesha in this exhibition, will reflect the individual artist’s personal affiliation towards Ganesha, as opposed to the strict adherence to religo-mythological symbolism. The Ganesha Show 3: The Secular God in Art (ISBN 981-05-6241-1) is a 20-page catalogue-publication (containing 28 colour visuals) that was published for this exhibition. The Indian Women’s Association (Singapore), the Singapore Sindhi Association and the Singapore Telugu Samajam have generously contributed congratulatory messages for this publication. - Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
HUELESS: art in black & white
July 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
The magnetism of black and white as the timeless representation of opposites, is surveyed in this showcase of ink drawings, pen sketches, watercolour washes and oil paintings. With the absence of actual colour, take this option to engage in the distinct mood of the subject in every individual artwork.
A Stroll In The Village: Rural Bliss in Art
June 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Through lively and uninhibited contemporary paintings, this exhibition offers the viewer a down-to-earth experience of the rustic innocence and integrity of life in an Indian village. Participating artists include S. Kumar, Village Mookkaiya and Rajabharani.
WEAR INDIA! Fabric-Printing Workshop at the Museum
20 May 2006 at the Singapore Philatelic Museum
Don’t miss this chance to create your very own intricate and authentic Indian designs on fabric, using skillfully carved wooden blocks. This will be an hour-long workshop at the Singapore Philatelic Museum, conducted by The Gallery of Gnani Arts, in conjunction with the International Museum Day.
Collectors’ Ego: Art by South Indian masters
May 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Collectors’ Ego: art by South Indian Masters marks The Gallery of Gnani Arts’ 3rd anniversary and the recent expansion in the gallery’s exhibition space. This exhibition is indeed an important one, as it will be a milestone in the development of South Indian art appreciation in Southeast Asia. This monumental exhibition will feature a recent acquisition of aesthetically-remarkable works by masters of South Indian contemporary art, such as Alphonso Doss, Anthony Doss, T.R.P. Mookiah, P.Perumal, C. Dakshinamoorthy, M. Suriyamurthy, M. Senathipathy, P. Gopinath, G. Raman, V. Santhanam and S.K. Rajavelu.
Moments of Truth: Abstractions of Viswam
April 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Viswam, a National Award-winner, is a Chennai-based contemporary Indian artist who is well-known in Edinburgh. Trained in the Madras College of Arts, Viswam was also a student of the acclaimed and respected Tamil Nadu artist S. Dhanapal (1919 – 2000). He is also a recipient of the AIFACS Award (Art Ache Foundation) for the 50th year of India’s independence. Viswam possesses a very energetic and outgoing persona, which is aptly reflected in his attention-seeking vivacious brush-strokes. His moments of truth come into being through his oil-on-canvas abstract works, as he experiences an incomparable sense of absolute freedom during the time of creation. Simultaneously, he attempts to capture the various temperaments of nature in his works.
Holy Sins: solo art show by M. Siva
March 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This will be Chennai-based M. Siva’s first solo art exhibition in Southeast Asia. The paintings in this exhibition reveal the artist’s personal issues that relate to the idea of heaven, dream, illusion and hallucination, combined with notions of reality. The thin line between virtue and sin is constantly explored in his current works. Siva received his formal training in Painting (Master of Fine Arts) from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai. His works are being collected in Spain and Ghana. - Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Mind Echo: Grey Art by P. Gnana
Feb 2006 at Dynasties Antique & Art Gallery
In this colour-specific exhibition presented by the Federation of Art Societies (Singapore) and Dynasties Antique & Art Gallery, artist P. Gnana lures you with his Grey Art. Throughout 11 years of zestful perseverance, Gnana has been in the search for a personal mode of spiritual expression, from figures, aggressive textures, screaming colours, to the discreet energy that the silent grey evokes. A Singapore-based international artist, P. Gnana’s works are collected in Europe, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
An Indian Romance: Art for the Beloved
Feb 2006 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Passion in romantic love is a dangerous emotion, that can bring you to the peak of ecstasy or drive you to extreme possessiveness. Whatever the outcome may be, can life be complete without it? This Valentine’s Day special exhibition explores the concept of dream and romance, with a captivating collection of South Indian contemporary art. – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
THE INDIAN CHIC! Fabric Painting & Printing Workshop at the Museum
30 Jan 2006, Singapore Philatelic Museum
Grab this chance to create your very own intricate Indian designs on fabric, using skillfully carved wooden blocks. This hour-long workshop is in conjunction with The Gallery of Gnani Arts’ The Prized Collection: South Indian Contemporary Art Show at the Singapore Philatelic Museum.
The Prized Collection: South Indian Contemporary Art Show
Jan – Feb 2006 at the Singapore Philatelic Museum
Be struck by the charm of art by senior artists from the South Indian contemporary art genre. Presented by The Gallery of Gnani Arts in an alluring museum ambience, this celebrated collection includes works by Alphonso Doss, C. Dakshinamoorthy, P. Gopinath, Pakkeri, P. Perumal, S. K. Rajavelu, G. Raman, V. Santhanam, M. Senathipathi and A. Viswam.
Listen To The Speaking Heart: An Exhibition of Emotive Art
Nov 2005 at the Singapore General Hospital
Jointly presented by Singapore General Hospital’s ‘Arts for Health at SGH’ project and The Gallery of Gnani Arts, this display of art by artist P. Gnana reveals sensations and emotions that he deeply and spontaneously realises as he creates. Simply based on the fact of being human, the artworks in this exhibition centre around the everyday enjoyment of colours, lines, tones and textures. What one sees in an artwork, may not be seen by another. Therefore, let us forget about the ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’, and listen to the speaking heart of a painting. - Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
THE RISING ARTIST AWARDS EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2005
October 2005 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
THE RISING ARTIST AWARDS 2005: Children’s Visual Art Competition and Exhibition (Singapore-India Creative Exchange) is a significant project, targeted at school children between the ages of 5 and 12. The venue for the exhibition and prize-presentation component, THE RISING ARTIST AWARDS EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2005, is The Gallery of Gnani Arts.
The Ganesha Show 2: Ganesha in Contemporary Moods
Sept 2005, The Gallery of Gnani Arts
After the successful ’The Ganesha Show’ in October 2003, The Gallery of Gnani Arts is presenting a sequel exhibition with an even more alluring collection of original contemporary paintings that depict the Hindu god Ganesha, whose circular and secular image demands the attention of many – Indian, European, Southeast Asian, and the list continues…
THE GNANI ARTS AWARDS EXHIBITION INDIA 2005
June 2005 at Ambassador Pallava Hotel (Chennai, South India)
THE GNANI ARTS AWARDS 2005: Open Contemporary Visual Art Competition and Exhibition (Singapore-India Creative Exchange) is a significant exchange project between the contemporary visual arts of Singapore and India, whereby the Singapore artists get to be voted by the contemporary arts community in India, and vice versa. The venue for the exhibition-cum-voting component, THE GNANI ARTS AWARDS EXHIBITION INDIA 2005, is the Ambassador Pallava Hotel in Chennai, South India.
Zest in A Real Dream: Four Perceptions (an exhibition of works by 4 artists)
April 2005 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This is an exhibition of insightful art based on the thin line between reality and dream, hinting upon the manner in which reality is exoticised and the manner in which a vision could seem like reality. In either way, this escapism brings about an emotional sense of relief and amazement for the artist and the appreciator. The participating artists include Teo Shih Chin, Odile Moulin, Alpana Ahuja and S. Kumar.
The Collector’s Obsession: Indian contemporary art from The Gnani Arts Collection
March 2005 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This showcase provides a peek into some of the best artworks in the Gnani Arts Collection.
Love & Intoxication: Paintings by P. Gnana
Feb 2005 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This is a showcase of contemporary creations by P. Gnana, revealing moments of human love, affection, pleasure, enchantment and blissful intoxication through colours, textures and some figurative elements. Having been a contemporary artist for 11 years, this will be Gnana’s 5th solo exhibition (which is also his 3rd solo exhibition in Singapore). For Gnana, a painting is inanimate yet intimate; stagnant yet full of movement; controlled yet open to many meanings. The man of few words never fails to let his works speak for him. And one cannot resist it, when the language that the works speak, is that of love… – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Art Pursued!: Works by Students at Gnani Arts
Jan 2005 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
The exhibition showcases the best artworks that were created by students of Singapore-based artist P. Gnana.
ART ON ATTIRE! Fabric Printing Workshop
9 Jan 2005, The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Join artists, seated on straw mats, as they meticulously and skillfully create original pieces of art and imagination on fabric. Materials are provided. Participants can bring along pieces of cotton fabric. Admission is absolutely free!
Simmering Ice: Reds and Blues in Art
Dec 2004 – Jan 2005 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
This is a conceptual colour-specific exhibition, whereby artists take the challenge to create a paradoxical portrayal of the cool blue and the warm red, through ambiguous concepts.on canvas. Participating artists include Sarbani Bhattacharya and Charu Shah.
Relish Difference: Celebrating the Individual in Art
Oct 2004 at The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Each painting in this exhibition was created with an awareness towards the concept of ’difference’ on the artist’s part. Emotions, thoughts, inspirations and aspirations, however generic or universal they may seem, actually build themselves up in ways that are unique to every artist. No two artists experience the same inspirations at the same time during art-making. This exhibition of contemporary art, that includes paintings by art students of P. Gnana, celebrates and embraces the inevitable sense of difference, which makes each creation and creator, special. – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Presence of the Past: Statements by S. Kumar (an exhibition of portraits)
April 2004 at Brindavan Cafe & Restaurant
S. Kumar is an emerging artist from Tamil Nadu (South India). This will be his first solo art exhibition overseas. Vivid portrayals of South Indian villagers will be the highlight of this exhibition. Participating artists include Deepthi Anoop, Alan Louis and Barath, P.
Vibrations: An Exhibition of Contemporary Paintings by Indian Artists
Jan – Feb 2004 at Utterly Art Exhibition Space
This is an exhibition of contemporary paintings by senior and dedicated Indian artists such as Alphonso Doss, V. Santhanam, Viswam, P. Gnana, S. Kumar, Rama Suresh, Sarbani Bhattacharya, Anu Jain, J. Kalidass, P. Perumal, Mini Mohan and Jayanthi Venketraman. The exhibition showcases the creative individuality of each participating artist, thus bringing about a collective sense of unity in diversity through themes that are both universal and Indian in nature.
Gnana In Evolution: P. Gnana’s 4th Solo Exhibition of Paintings
Jan 2004 at Utterly Art Exhibition Space
This showcase is a significant one, as P. Gnana reveals his constant evolution in art-making through his important experiments in large-scaled abstract paintings This will be the Singapore-based artist’s 4th solo art exhibition.
Aesthetic Awakening: An Exhibition of 2D Visual Art by Accomplished Indian Artists
Oct 2003 – Jan 2004 at The Gangezs
This exhibition of art on paper and canvas, proved to be a successful ARTS-GO-ROUND Project that was held at The Gangezs (a fine dining restaurant).
The Ganesha Show: An Exhibition of Contemporary Paintings of Ganesha
October 2003 at Utterly Art Exhibition Space
The Ganesha Show is presented by The Gallery of Gnani Arts with the aim of paying homage to the artistic depiction of Ganesha, the extremely popular Hindu god. This will be done through a showcase of exceptional original paintings and drawings by artists from mainly Tamil Nadu (South India). The elephant-headed Ganesha is unarguably the most adored god in the Hindu pantheon. His image brings luck, wisdom and auspiciousness, as he is revered as the remover of obstacles, the imparter of wisdom, and the embodiment of OM (the primeval vibration of the universe). The worship of Ganesha, in his many forms and incarnations, has made its way to many parts of the world apart from India, such as Tibet, Japan, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia (Bali & Java), Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, Mexico and Central America. Indeed, the form and shape of Ganesha has become the most utilized concept in the contemporary visual arts of India, be it painting, drawing, sculpture, carving or printmaking. The very form of Ganesha, with its intertwining curves and circular proportions, has become an ever-intriguing platform for creative experimentation. The Ganesha Show will display the various depictions of Ganesha by the participating artists, through individual styles and mediums. The artists include senior and upcoming ones such as Alphonso Doss, Rajavelu, G. Raman, Mohan Kalyani, P. Sridhar, S. Kumar, Rama Suresh, Ramesh, J. Kalidass, Anu Jain, Sarbani Bhattacharya and P. Gnana. – Vidhya Gnana Gouresan
Beyond The Horizon: An Exhibition of Contemporary Paintings by Senior Artists of Tamil Nadu (South India)
July 2003 at Utterly Art Exhibition Space
In June 2003, the Directors of The Gallery of Gnani Arts conducted the Gallery’s first major field documentation in Tamil Nadu (South India), sourcing for the city’s foremost senior artists who create contemporary artworks. The expedition was commemorated in July 2003 through Beyond The Horizon: An Exhibition of Contemporary Paintings by Senior Artists of Tamil Nadu, the Gallery’s’ 2nd art exhibition. This exhibition was indeed a blockbuster that achieved excellent publicity, visitorship, commercial success and a very significant introduction and appreciation in Singapore (and Southeast Asia as well) towards contemporary paintings of Tamil Nadu.
Emotion In Motion: An Exhibition of Recent Paintings by P. Gnana
June 2003 at Ambassador Pallava Hotel (Chennai, South India)
This will be Singapore-based P. Gnana’s 3rd solo art exhibition. The exhibition showcases Gnana’s recent paintings under the theme of fluctuating emotions that relate to love and togetherness.