NRI's exhibition opens to good response

A first solo exhibition of the works of a US-based NRI artist, whose creations include digital imagery, pigment and encaustic painting, is drawing enthusiastic response from art lovers in London.

The exhibition titled Melt Fuse Melt by Gurpran Rau, being held at the Shades and Wood Art Gallery, will last till July 27.

"I employ the alchemy of encaustic, literally fusing together my medium with my message," Rau, who originally hails from Bangalore, told newsmen on Monday night.

Encaustic painting dates back to ancient Greece. The word derives from Greek word enkostikos which means to burn in.

"I employ encaustic in a repetitive process which involves melting and fusing of wax with pigment, images and metal on maple panel. I attempt to manipulate colourless encaustic medium to form irregularities and imperfections conveying the impression of human skin and binding membranes," Rau said.

"Reflecting our shared genetic inheritance, my work symbolises the interconnectedness of all beings," she added.

The artist, who termed her work a blend of art and science said, "people are very fascinated by the medium I use and I have received very positive response."

"My work acknowledges that there is no gene for race. I emphasize the fact that all human DNA is 99.9 per cent identical. The belief systems we have built around race are based on myth, not science," she said.