Art Centrix Space recently hosted the captivating solo exhibition “The River Flowing Through Me” by the talented artist KP Pradeepkumar, curated by Monica Jain, Director of Art Centrix Space. The exhibition, running from October 6th to November 30th, 2023, showcased a remarkable collection of artworks that delved into the profound connections between humanity and the natural world.
A Poetic Journey into Nature and Humanity
KP Pradeepkumar, a renowned independent visual artist, is celebrated for his thought-provoking and visually captivating creations deeply rooted in his profound connection with nature. He views nature as a living entity, blurring the boundaries between humanity and the natural world. Through mediums such as drawings, paintings, sketches, and moving images, he weaves a narrative inviting viewers to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between humans and their environment.
“The River Flowing Through Me”: An Autobiographical Landscape
This series explores psychological, environmental, metaphysical, and historical dimensions of our connection with nature. Visual metaphors like rivers, mountains, and time reveal the profound idea that all living organisms coexist with the forces of nature, creating a narrative that transcends time.
Set against the backdrop of his hometown, Kochi, the artworks focus on the visceral relationships between Nature and the Self, examining how our existence spans different times and geographies. The exhibition’s title aptly captures the essence of his art—a fluid exploration of the self in harmony with nature.
A Conversation with the Artist and Curator
I sat down with KP Pradeepkumar and curator Monica Jain, Director of Art Centrix Space, to gain deeper insights into the artist’s creative process and the curatorial vision behind the exhibition.
Q: KP Pradeepkumar, can you tell us about the inspiration behind “The River Flowing Through Me” and the role of nature in your work?
KP Pradeepkumar: “The River Flowing Through Me” reflects my profound connection with nature. Nature, as a living entity, has shaped my artistic journey. It flows through us, just as a river flows through the land. The exhibition is an autobiographical exploration that encompasses the psychological, environmental, metaphysical, and historical aspects of our connection with nature.
Q: Monica Jain, what drew you to Pradeepkumar’s work as a curator, and what message do you hope viewers take away from this exhibition?
Monica Jain: Pradeepkumar’s work is a compelling fusion of technical mastery and profound philosophical exploration. His thought is deeply influenced by the Malayalam literature of O V Vijayan, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Thakazhi, SK Pottakkat, Vailoppally, P Kunjiraman Nair and A Ayyappan. It’s an invitation to explore the profound interplay between us and the natural world that surrounds us. In a world fraught with manmade disasters, it is imperative to appreciate the sublimity of nature.
Q: Pradeepkumar, how does your background in sculpture influence your two-dimensional art, and what challenges and rewards have you encountered in transitioning between these mediums?
KP Pradeepkumar: My background shapes my approach to two-dimensional art, allowing me to think in three dimensions and infuse sculptural qualities into my paintings. This perspective adds depth and texture to my artworks. The transition between mediums presents challenges like adapting techniques and materials but offers rewards in terms of creative expression and expanding my artistic horizons. The completion time for a large work ranges from one to several months.
Q: Monica, can you share insights into the curation process and how you aimed to convey the artist’s vision to the audience?
Monica Jain: I have been working with Pradeepkumar for several years and I collaborated with him to understand the nuances of his artistic journey and the themes he wished to explore. We aimed to create a narrative within the exhibition space, allowing viewers to journey through the terrains of India. It has already been very rewarding; curators, viewers and artists who have come to see in the show in just 2 days have commented on the realism and the deep honesty of the works. The mountain views carry the flow of the river from its source until it sort of reaches the terrains on Kerala. For instance, Arunkumar HG, a very senior artist said it seems that one could observe the geographical beauty of nature from space in his works. We wanted to convey the idea that nature is not an external entity but an integral part of our being, and I believe the exhibition successfully accomplishes that. The artist has been deeply impacted by the adiwasi struggle for land over decades in Kerala and some of the key works, especially the one on the invite and the catalog are very political as the human figures stand precariously on the local plant, the salvinia auriculata as if in a sort of nowhere land.
Q: Pradeepkumar, what role do literary influences play in your work, and how do they inform your artistic expression?
KP Pradeepkumar: Literary influences are crucial in my creative process, providing a rich tapestry of ideas, philosophies, and narratives. Writers like Kafka, Borges, and Emerson, along with Malayalam literature, infuse my art with intellectual depth. These influences help me translate complex ideas into visually stunning artworks, adding layers of meaning and resonance.
Q: Monica, what sets KP Pradeepkumar’s art apart in the contemporary art scene, and what can viewers expect to experience at this exhibition?
Monica Jain: KP Pradeepkumar’s art stands out due to its blend of technical mastery and profound depth. His ability to capture our interconnectedness with nature is exceptional. Visitors can expect an immersive journey, with each artwork inviting introspection and fostering a profound connection with the natural world.
A Profound Exploration of Nature and Self
“THE RIVER FLOWING THROUGH ME” at Art Centrix Space is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation to a transformative journey. KP Pradeepkumar’s talent and vision bridge the gap between humanity and nature through his art. In a world marred by man-made disasters, it’s essential to appreciate the sublimity of nature. Visit this exhibition to embark on a profound exploration of your connection with the natural world.