In tune with its commitment to promoting local artists and providing them with a platform for their works, Alliance Française de Chandigarh recently hosted an exhibition of paintings by Prakash Kishore. Entitled Fragmented Emotions, this exhibition was inaugurated on Jan 11, 2019 at the Art Gallery of AF Chandigarh. It will remain open for public viewing till Jan 25 and will be completely free and open to all. Fragmented Emotions has already created quite a buzz amongst art lovers in the city due to the sensual nature of the works on display.

The artist Praksh Kishore (left) with Sylvain Choin (Director, AF Chandigarh) at the opening of ‘Fragmented Emotions’

Prakash admits that he is primarily concerned with depicting sensuality and emotions through his works. The spatial perspective is created by juxtaposing blurred images with clear forms. The tension created by the simultaneous existence of what appears to be a mechanically captured real space and the painted surface creates a sense of ambiguity. The resulting effect is heightened by the soft treatment of colors and the playful use of images. The final painting becomes, in effect, a means for the artist to explore the concept of sfumato in its myriad permutations.

The human body is a recurring motif in Prakash’s works – it dominates his canvases and creates a dialogue within the composition and with the viewer. Often executed in black and white, it stands out in stark contrast to his more subtly-toned backdrops. Flowers or other sensuous forms frequently accompany these bodies in romantic harmony. This surreal depiction of a non-existent space decontextualises the human body in an attempt to reject its real identity and function. Prakash also treats his canvases very differently as surfaces have their own intrinsic value for his compositions.

Attendees looking at some of the artworks

Siddharth Bhatt

Rédaction, AF Magazine Inde-Népal