Past Present

Meet the mummy,decorated and embellished to reflect Modernity in what could be best described as kitsch meets Egyptian art. The Pharaohs may not be thrilled —but artist Shweta Talwar means well.

In her words “Fashion follows a cyclical path and what was considered passé five years ago makes a comeback. I wanted to reflect that in my art. I’m inspired by things of the past like the Rolls Royce,the gramophone record player and,in this instance,I have also used motifs from Egypt ,” says the 25-year-old Talwar,who is being promoted by Dhoomimal Gallery. Her painting—acrylic on canvas— are more successful than her sculptures,given that the bust of Tutankhamen is a fashion disaster gold and glass embellished bindis on the forehead,gem-studded earrings instead of eyes is not entirely flattering.

One may wonder,what led her to make them her muse? “I visited Egypt when I was 10,but,as an artist,one is constantly on the look out for material to work with. One day I found photographs of my trip to Egypt in an old box and got inspired,” says Talwar,who has studied art at Central St Martians London after a diploma in art at the British School,Chanakyapuri.

Her paintings swirl with rich colours,presenting a dreamlike mélange of old statuettes and blooming flowers with the stately Rolls taking centre-stage,its unmistakable logo of the dancing girl on the bonnet gleaming in the twinkle of city lights.

The show is on from Jan 6-12.

Call 23323634