The Dances of India and Elan: An exhibition of painted collages of Indian dance forms - Hindustan Times
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The Dances of India and Elan: An exhibition of painted collages of Indian dance forms

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Apr 28, 2017 06:21 PM IST

An exhibition in Delhi titled The Dance of India and Elan, by artist Sailesh Sanghvi, has on display canvas collages on Indian classical and folk dance forms.


One look at India’s dance forms, be it classical or folk, is enough to express how diversely rich India is. Artist Sailesh Sanghvi, whose exhibition, The Dances of India and Elan is on display in Delhi, says, “Some of these dance forms have been adapted into modern Bollywood-version and many from the new generation are unaware what Bhangra or Garba raas originally used to be.”

A canvas collage depicting a Kathakali dancer.
A canvas collage depicting a Kathakali dancer.

As a run up to World Dance Day, which is on April 29, the exhibition gives a glimpse at the rich dance culture of India. “The artist has integrated some classical dance forms with a few lesser-known folk dances, such as Kachchhi Ghodi, without ignoring the details,” says Robinson Robert, curator of the art show.

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Another art work on display at the exhibition.
Another art work on display at the exhibition.

The canvases, made in the form of acrylic collages look different from regular paintings. Sanghvi says that it takes about six to eight months to complete one work. He says, “I use canvas on canvas, while trying to retain the purity of colours. And, there’s no direct use of brush.”

The expressions of a Kathakali dancer and the elaborate costumes of the Kalbelia dancers draw viewers’ attention. Highlighting the vibrancy of the canvases, Robert says, “The artist uses bright colours for his paper works, such as the one which celebrates the life of Benaras.”

Artist Sailesh Sanghvi creating his artworks.
Artist Sailesh Sanghvi creating his artworks.

There’s another section of this exhibition, Elan, which shows how Indians are quite traditional even in the age of different lifestyles.

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What: The Dance of India and Elan

Where: Art Gallery, Bikaner House, Pandara Road

On till: April 30

Timings: 10.30am to 6.30pm

Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market on Violet Line

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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    Henna Rakheja writes on city, art and culture, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

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