At Journeys Within one can see artist Gurudas Shenoy’s fondest recollections unravel from the recesses of his soul — and there is the distinct feeling that the canvases aren’t enough to capture the overflow from his treasure house of memories.

The artist who recently turned 60 says, “The show is called Journeys Withinbecause the works are a reflection of my life, my spiritual journey, my thoughts, childhood’s precious belongings, vignettes from my travels — so much inspires me. The confidence, freedom and emotions within me flows like a story.”

Journeys Within has been parsed into two sections — Spiritual Odyssey and Timeless Narratives — where even the briefest of glances reveal canvases brimming with tales waiting to be heard.

Louvred windows open out on to the vistas of his mind and into his soul, framing glimpses of his beloved Hampi, dogeared books atop travel-worn suitcases and trunks, bowls of fruit, vases and lamps, a little bird perched on the bow of a boat, temple steps and caparisoned umbrellas, and so much more.

“I often share stories from my childhood or experiences from my travels in my previous series. Journeys Within is a bit about what goes on in my mind as well as what I’ve observed on the outside. Having worked for four decades as an artist, I can say Journeys Within is a reflection of my life.”

Immersive experience

Talking about the series, Gurudas says it wasn’t an intentional documentation of his lived experiences. “I am constantly creating and because I keep working with various media, one can note a difference in my continuity of thought,” says the artist, who adds that at any given time he is working on multiple canvasses, as oils need time to dry between layers.

“But, it is like a conversation you can pick up where you left off, and I have quite a few interesting conversations with my canvases,” says the artist for whom the act of creating goes beyond giving charcoal and colour a forum. As he describes the bounce of the canvas under his hand, the rhythmic moment or the rasp of charcoal, you realise for Gurudas, painting is an immersive, sensory encounter.

Also Read: All things Bright and Beautiful — A little about the artist

If one is familiar with Gurudas’ work one can see a leisurely shift from his usual style. While the glorious colours, stunning landscapes and fall of light are still there, there is also a sedate charm, sepia tones, and the allure of black and white, now.

“I always start work on my canvas with charcoal drawings that act as guidelines for the colour; before other things such as texture or play of light become a part of the picture. Sometimes, you have something in mind and yet, what comes into existence is something else, making the journey quite interesting.”

“The same is true of life. We have no control over how it unfolds and that’s the beauty of it. At times there are accidental or unintentional effects on my canvas and I don’t touch them as it adds an interesting angle to the story that is emerging. That is how I proceed with my work. It surprises me and I become excited about it,” he says, with a passion that is palpable.

Perhaps the most relatable piece at the show is Timeless Narratives (pentaptych), at the far end of the gallery, spanning its length. Windows open out to recollections tumbling over one another, and while it is a reflection of the artist’s inner gaze, most viewers will relate to it, juxtaposing their own remembrances on to what they see.

From the show Journeys Within
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“I find happiness in the small things in life. When the creative process starts and you are in the flow, these things find their way into your work and you let them,” says Gurudas, sharing that the piece was originally intended to be a triptych, but the outpouring of emotion couldn’t be staunched, resulting in canvas after canvas being added to it.

One can also find a sense of space with the works on display at Journeys Within. “I’ve always loved the large format because of the freedom it gives me for expression,” he says.

Talking about the mixed media and sepia-tinted pieces, Gurudas says, “I clip out an article whenever it catches my interest and I have used these pieces of paper as one of the layers in my work. The layers as well as the newspapers represent Time; both are a metaphor for my inner journey.”

“These clippings that I collect are not just articles, but memories, announcement and tidings — both good and bad — from the past. As for sepia, it creates such an amazing tone — it goes along wonderfully with my flow of thought. There is a warmth and nostalgia in that colour which brings back memories, and I am using that hue to tell my story.”

He adds how though he usually sketches with charcoal and fills in the colour later, he too was surprised by the sense of completion in these canvases. “Perhaps I am at that time of life where you are drawn to simplicity or the minimal. You start seeing more clearly, and its quite interesting to realise what you need and what you don’t.”

The entire process was organic and spaces too, began appearing in his work of their own volition, says the artist.

“I’ve always loved the charm of black and white as well as sepia tones; perhaps on a subconscious level that led me here and it could be the start of the next part of my journey.“

The artist who seems to be quite aware of his self evolution, says, “It doesn’t matter what medium you use as long as you use it to express yourself and it suits your narrative.“

Muse unparalleled

Even those with a passing acquaintance with Gurudas are aware of his oneness with Nature, born from his association with her from early childhood.

From the show Journeys Within
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“I’m blessed to have been born in a place which has Nature’s best — beautiful rivers, majestic mountain tops, the Arabian Sea and winsome beaches. Nature not only inspires me, but also gives me an immense peace whenever I am in her midst. The experience is spiritual,” says the artist, who hails from Udupi in Karnataka.

He adds, “Not only is there a wealth of colour in Nature there, but it is also a place of abundant festivity — Yakshagana and Mayilatta dance performances, bedecked temple chariots, paddy fields, rangolis and flowers — with no dearth of colour. It is in my blood and my being.”

A Little About the Artist

“I am a visual artist and when Nature is so much a part of your existence, it moves me in a spiritual fashion. Nature commands a different dimension; it is as if you’re crossing a threshold and transcending into an other world, but we need to have eyes to see it.”

“There is so much of abstraction all around — the play of light and how it falls on boulders or the lay of the land or in the expanse of sky. That is the power of Nature,” he says, recalling how he once was on a mountain top, “and I could see the whole of the Western Ghats and the forest stretching below, when the clouds opened up and rays of light streamed down. It was magical.”

“The colours of fall, the blue where sky and sea meet even as the sun shines on the horizon — that is abstraction in itself and there are no adequate names for these hues and tones. That is why I say the play of light in creation is the theatre of God.”

Journeys Within by Gurudas Shenoy will be on at Artisera, Indiranagar, till March 30. Entry free. Sundays closed.