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Kala Shah |
Born in Kampala, 1956
Education:
G.D.A., B.F.A., J. J. School of Arts, Mumbai
Solo Exhibitions:
2006 – ‘Golden Reflections’, Karnavati Art Gallery, Ahmedabad
2005 –‘Windows Within’, Tea Center; Mumbai
2001 –‘Jain Art’, Standard Chartered Grindlays Bank, Mumbai
2001 –‘Jain Art’, Mandvi Co op Bank, Mumbai
2000 –‘Echoes of Dusky Dreams’, Pradarshak Art Gallery; Mumbai
1999 – Fading Illusions’,Nehru Centre, Mumbai
1999 – Impressions on Kargil’, Bajaj Art Gallery; Mumbai
Group Exhibitions:
2009 – Museum Art Gallery, Mumbai
2007 – D. D. Neroy art gallery, Mumbai
2007 – Prime Colours, Art De Soul, California
2007 – Art Expo, Jacob.K.Javitz Convention Center, New York
2006 – Pradarshak Art Gallery, Mumbai
2006 – Gujarat Visual Artists Association Group Annual Show – Jehangir Art Gallery
2006 – Art for Water, Water for Life, Cymorza Art Gallery, Mumbai
2005 – Ganesha, Mumbai Art Gallery
Awards:
2005 – Camlin™ Art Foundation, Western Region, Art Teachers Award, Mumbai
2001 – Maharashtra State Art Award
1998 – Art Society of India - First prize for the best painting entry of the year
Comments:
My Inborn passion for art led to an involvement of searching deeper within myself. In the process and finishing of a painting, emerging on unearthly creation; whereby deriving fulfillment and contentment.
The theme of my very first solo exhibition: “Fading Illusions” – consisted of semi- abstract works of oil on canvas and imprints on paper. Images appeared, retained momentarily guided by strong intuition, constructed into vibrant structural pathos of form, color and effects. Tones emerged were merged with the expression which reached zenith and suddenly diminished faded into illusions of oblivion leaving the imprint of time. Each painting was titled from the Sanskrit word with their English meaning e.g. Tamas = night, Tisha = head, Ariesha = star, Ira = earth, Dabbet = holy etc
Illusions gave roots to the effects of, “Impressions on Kargil”. Along with the oil paintings and charcoal drawing I had summed up about 12 poems and mounted them up. They added to my expression and impressions of the Kargil War.
Then came the, “Echoes of Dusky Dreams”; where the faces had a sensitive portraiture of moods. The point of reference was the woman’s face, where an element of mystery defines the expressions.
Most of the paintings depicted the face in a shroud. Colors remained subtle. The innate strength and beauty of the woman that finally came through reaching out and sustaining the viewers dialogue with the self.
Having explored the faces, the restlessness led me towards the religious journey of “Jain Art” in a miniature format. It imposed a meditative mood of ‘Peace’ globally related to mankind. The deep astounding Jain stories and pictures had been magnified by the simple forms and subtle colors which draw you to the present day belief and reality.
The key message being:-
“The meditative spirit dwells not only in human beings but in the sky, trees, animals and birds. Anywhere in space in whichever and whatever form we choose and care to see it.”
Each painting had an explanation of meaning attached.
Having traveled along the journey of all the various themes over the years gave me a new vibrant soul search to go deeper within myself.
Thus emerged, “Windows Within” where forms receded, colors sublimed and merged and a total oneness evolved on the canvas bearing a few dashes of contrast colors and textures. The small wooden window frame on the paintings highlighted a complete thought and feeling. It is indeed a true journey within of the soul. |
