Tones of the Valley

The snow-capped mountains and pines of the Valley appear as abstract formations on AK Raina’s canvases. He left home more than 20 years ago because of insurgency,but the landscape of Kashmir continues to haunt his work. “My friends had told me to take a month to tour the land and return. But,that month has not ended,” says the artist. He shares his memories in the exhibition “Exile-23 Years” at Dhoomimal Gallery. Comprising more than 20 works painted is a span of six years (2006-2012),it has Raina primarily using warm colours to depict the cold climes. “My mind and soul are there. Whenever I start working on a canvas,the imagery automatically wanders to Kashmir,” says Raina. The depiction gives a sense of remorse despite the bright hues. If a human corpse seems to be floating in one frame,in another,abstract figures occupy a canvas,engaged in a discussion,brooding over what might have perhaps gone wrong. A flag flutters atop of a temple on an orange-red canvas that might represent bloodshed in the Valley. On another canvas,figures in the dark are engaged in a conversation. “When people are forced to leave their home,they have to find privacy in darkness,” says the 75-year-old artist who is now based in Indore. “No one can understand the misery and frustration of being homeless,” he says.

The exhibition at Dhoomimal Gallery is on till May 10. Contact: 23324492