Mythoscape
PREVIEW ON 21st December – 21st March 2024
Artist Harshil Patel, a painter from Ahmedabad, works on this concept.
His paintings delve deeply into Indian mythology. Where ancient symbols and storylines are transformed into contemporary expressions of spirituality and personal identity.
Harshil core concept is not a simple reproduction of mythology and mythological stories, but a dynamic process of transformation. Ancient mythical symbols are reinterpreted and given new meanings to reflect the ongoing evolution of human consciousness.
The concept of “Mythoscape” refers to the cultural landscape shaped by mythological tales and legends in Indian art. Mythological stories and characters are deeply ingrained in Indian history, associated with various expressions. This rich tapestry of mythological art has played a significant role in shaping Indian culture and spirituality.
In this Mythoscape, spiritual and aesthetic values are deeply ingrained, to the extent that these metaphors can resonate even in contemporary art today.
These metaphors manifest as symbols of devotion, meditation, and self-realization in both visual representations and linguistic expressions. Mythological art offers insights within the social, historical, and religious context of various periods, reflecting the changing understanding and practices of Indian society.
The Mythoscape in Indian art continues to inspire contemporary artists who reinterpret mythological themes in innovative ways. The ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity ensures that India’s rich mythological heritage remains vibrant and relevant.
In the following centuries, an era of intellectual and social change began. During the Enlightenment, philosophers questioned traditional authorities, leading to the rise of reason and observation.
However, these observations continued to be paralleled by myth.
In visual arts and literature, these myths have maintained their existence. Through colours and shapes, myths have dominated human lifestyles. Even in modern life, these shapes and colours continue to maintain their influence and sanctity. As an illusion, the symbol of the ‘swastika’ or the colour saffron has remained central to Indian sensibilities. These myths have deeply embedded themselves into Indian culture, creating an enduring presence.
In Indian art, as miniature painting styles have merely survived, similarly, these fictional stories have been incorporated into art and human life as symbols, language. The language, colour, symbols and forms in these fictional stories have become the source and medium for creating the subject matter.
He uses sacred geometry and energy forms to create works that are visually impressive and spiritually resonant. These forms are seen as tools for divine energy and personal transformation.
Personal Journey and Collective Consciousness in Patel’s art is deeply personal. Reflecting his own spiritual journey. However, it also taps into collective consciousness, exploring universal themes of existence, identity, and the human condition.
The artist’s work bridges the gap between the past and the present, connecting ancient mythologies with contemporary experiences.Through this transcendentalism, these paintings offer a transcendental perspective on the human experience. The work plays a significant role in the artwork, serving as a metaphor for transformation and the interconnectedness of all things.
The painting is fundamentally spiritual. It explores themes of devotion, enlightenment, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The artist’s work is a journey of self-discovery. It explores the complexities of the human psyche and the process of finding meaning. It is deeply connected to the nature of painting and the process of transformation and evolution.
Explores how ancient narratives can continue to inspire and inform contemporary art by offering a unique and influential perspective on Indian mythology. Through his innovative use of symbol, form,and colour. Patel creates works that are visually beautiful and spiritually resonant.
His art encourages viewers on a journey of self-discovery, connecting them to timeless wisdom.
In this Mythoscape the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity ensures that India’s rich mythological heritage remains vibrant and relevant.
Artists
- Harshil Patel