In Memory…

Memories and moments were relived,as a gathering of artists and art lovers got together at the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi’s office to walk down memory lane and remember the life,time and work of painter Tyeb Mehta,who passed away recently. A man of few words,unassuming,progressive in thought and work,inspiring…was how those present here described the painter.

“India’s lost one of the most significant artists who made history not only by being the most expensive in terms of currency value,but also by being the true representative of the aspirations and expectations of Independent India and its people,with a judicious mix of mythology,modernity and modern techniques,’’ Diwan Manna,Chairman Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi,talked about Mehta’s distinct contribution to the contemporary Indian art scene. Diwan makes an interesting observation,when he says that Mehta was among the rare group of artists who had seen the pre-independence struggle for freedom,an expectant,enthusiastic,independent India with complete freedom of expression and pre and post liberalization periods and its effects on art and its value in an ordinary citizen’s life.

Viren Tanwar goes back to the year ‘84,when he was exhibiting his paintings works in Mumbai and recalls how he was surprised to see Mehta at his show and also receive appreciation for his work — a pat on the back. “He was in the league of artists,who were not only exceptional in terms of their work,but were good human beings,encouraging,keen to interact,’’ Tanwar talks how content was paramount for Mehta. Chandigarh,added Diwan,would always have a special bond with Tyeb as it has one of Mehta’s priceless art works at the Panjab University Fine Arts Museum.

Dr Rajinder Bhandari,vice-chairman of CLKA discussed the artistic,technical and thematic aspects of Mehta’s art and its significance in Indian and world art scene,“he was part of the progressive art group and among those responsible for building the foundation of modern Indian art and evolving a new idiom. He interpreted life around him and created work which is strong,working silently,without any gimmicks.’’