Emami Art, the contemporary art gallery at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) opened the season with ‘RASA’, the first ever solo exhibition of sculptures by one of India’s eminent artists, Mr. G Ravinder Reddy in Kolkata. The exhibition has been curated by art critic and curator, Anupa Mehta.
In this new body of works, G Ravinder Reddy draws attention to stylistic departures and shifts in his works which reference and question perceptions around the notion and ideals of beauty. The exhibition ‘RASA’ is going to showcase a range of works by Reddy spanning over a time period of 1989 to 2019. It will include his latest creations along with his important works from earlier period – to highlight shifts in his oeuvre as a sculptor of international repute.
Commenting on the exhibition, Richa Agarwal, CEO Emami Art and Executive Director of KCC said, “We are thrilled to be exhibiting Mr. Reddy’s impactful work at our gallery. I am especially honoured that this will be his first solo exhibition in Kolkata, having previously only exhibited as part of group exhibitions. It will be a seminal exhibition for Kolkata audiences to view.”
Anupa Mehta adds, “Ravinder Reddy marries tradition with the contemporary to create works that are at once iconic as they are rooted in the vernacular. This exhibition allows us to see departures and stylistic shifts in the artist’s work over a period of two decades.”
G Ravinder Reddy’s sculptures depict the human form in all its vulnerable complexities. Appropriating from traditional Indian religious statues, and drawing from various sources including Pop Art, his larger than life colourful installations celebrate and question ideals of Indian culture. Decorated with wide open eyes, elaborate hair styles and prominent makeup, the gilded fiberglass and bronze head sculptures have come to be recognised internationally.
The exhibition run from June 8 to August 8, 2019 at Emami Art, Kolkata Centre for Creativity.
About the artist G Ravinder Reddy
Born in 1956 in Suryapet, Andhra Pradesh, the artist graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (Sculpture) in 1980 and Master’s in Fine Arts (Creative Sculpture) in 1982 from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He studied Art and Design from Goldsmith College of Arts, University of London in 1983 and did a short course in ceramics from Royal College of Art, London in 1984.
Ravinder Reddy has exhibited extensively in India and Abroad. His solo shows include “Heads and Bodies, Icons and Idols” at RMZ Galleria, Bangalore in 2017, Grosvenor Vadehra, London in 2008, “Incredible India” Le Jardin D’acclimatation, Paris in 2007, exhibition of sculptures at Walsh Gallery, Chicago in 2003, “Devi” at Sackler Gallery, Washington DC in 2001, “Popular Cultures” at Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburg in 2001 among many others. His Group Exhibitions include “Sub-Plots: Laughing in the Vernacular”, curated by Meena Vari, at National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai & with Sakshi Gallery in 2017-18, “Mysteries of the Organism” and “Travelling in Two Boats at the same time” at Akara Art, Mumbai in 2016, “Excavation/ Eruption” curated by Yashodhara Dalmia at Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi and Grosvenor Vadehra, London in 2015, “Sculpted Images” at Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai in 2013, to name a few.
His art fair participations include India Art Fair, 2019 presented by Gallery Sumukha, Art Basel Hong Kong presented by Vadehra Gallery in 2015, 2016 and 2017, India Art Fair, presented by Sakshi Gallery & Vadehra Gallery in 2014, Art Basel Hong Kong presented by Vadehra Gallery in 2014, India Art Fair, presented by Sakshi Gallery & Vadehra Gallery in 2014, 2012, Hong Kong Art Fair presented by Vadehra Gallery in 2012, India Art Summit, presented by Sakshi Gallery in 2011 and Art Stage Singapore presented by Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore and 1 x 1 Gallery Dubai in 2011.
Ravinder Reddy’s works are in the collection of several museums such as Kirishima Open Air Museum, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Fukuoka, Japan, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, USA., Smart Museum, Chicago, USA., Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, USA., Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio, USA., Queensland Art Gallery, South Brisbane, Australia and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, India.
The artist lives and works in Vishakapatanam, Andhra Pradesh.