Art exhibition in Mumbai: Of migration, motherhood and estrangement

An ongoing art exhibition in Mumbai, which showcases works by contemporary artists from across the country, explores several issues like migration, motherhood, estrangement and conflict.

While A Summer Mix, an ongoing art show in Mumbai, has no single theme that binds the artwork on display, it brings forth various ideas and inspirations, integral to the participating artists.

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The show explores several contemporary issues, the ordeals of migration, complexities of motherhood, and ideas of estrangement and conflict, among others.

It also features a handful of photographs by celebrated lensman Jitish Kallat. In one of his photographic installations, The Cry Of The Gland, he examines urban detailing. Kallat has approached random strangers on the streets to photograph the pockets of their shirts, documentingdaily objects — pens,cigarettes, keys, wallets and cellphones — as they bulge out in a way that makes them resemble a tumour.

Jitish Kallat, Cry of the gland. 108C- Prints Ed 2, installation size 11.81x26.90 ftOn the other hand, like most of her drawings, contemporary artist Aditi Singh’s recurrent imagery of the anatomy of flowers is evident in her work showcased at this exhibition too.

Aditi Singh, Untitled, 2015. Ink on washi paper. 12x54 inchesAbout her theme, Singh says, "At a certain moment, a form chooses you and won’t leave you in peace." Her works do not typically decorate or beautify. She showcases the instinct ofsurvival in extreme climates, and their ephemeral character.

Atul Dodiya, Bhau Daji Annex Mumbai Gallery Byculla (left). Watercolour on paper. 30x22 inches

Reena Saini Kallat, Ruled paper (red blue white). Wire on paper, 43x31 inches