Francesca Galloway Will Present

Indian Art Oct. 23–Nov. 23

 

FOR 10/12

FRANCESCA GALLOWAY WILL PRESENT INDIAN ART OCT. 23–NOV. 23

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LONDON — To coincide with Islamic Week in October and the 10th Asian Art in London November 1–10 Francesca Galloway will present “Shringar,” an exhibition of Indian paintings, painted textiles and objects, at her gallery October 23–November 23.

The term Shringar not only describes the sentiment of erotic love in ancient Indian aesthetics, but is also used to describe the daily appearance of the god Srinathji at his shrine at Nathdwara in Rajasthan.

Indian miniature paintings from Rajasthan are most commonly associated with the aesthetic classification of erotic love and this exhibition presents a number of paintings and ivories showing either passionate couples engaged in the throes of love or in preparation for it. In addition to several Imperial Mughal works on paper and ivory and a Deccani processional scene, on view will be a small but fine group of Company School paintings.

Paradoxically the same term shringa is also used to describe the outfit and ornaments worn by the image of Srinathji during his daily appearances at normal ritual and for special festivals at the great shrine at Nathdwara in Rajasthan. Several paintings and painted textiles will be exhibited that will illustrate this theme.

The Vallabhachari sect celebrates a large number of festivals in the course of the year for many of which the image has to be dressed accordingly with the correct hangings. Examples in the exhibition will include a cloth hanging or picchavai of Srinathji dressed for the festival of Sharada Purnima, the autumn full moon, as well as paintings of Srinathji dressed for other festivals.

Pigment paintings on cloth are also central to other religious centers in India. The traditional painters of Puri paint all sorts of pilgrimage mementoes on stiffened cloth for pilgrims to take away, including fine Skankhalavi Patas or maps showing the sacred geography of Puri. Also in the exhibition will be a rare early example of this type of pata.

The exhibition will also include paintings associated with another of the rasas or aesthetic sentiments, vira rasa, the sentiment of heroism, displayed by warriors engaged in battle or in hunting.

Francesca Galloway is at 31 Dover Street. For information, +44 (0)20 7499 6844 or www.francescagalloway.com.