Recurring Themes

Mahatma Gandhi and architecture once again dominate Ashok Modys latest exhibition of paintings.

ARCHITECT Ashok Mody had his first solo exhibition,titled Gandhiji: My First Inspiration,in 2007. He has since presented several group and solo exhibitions,showcasing his architectural designs and paintings that display minimalist graphical representation of his subjects.

Yet,the influence of the Mahatma on his thoughts has not waned. The 50 paintings that are part of his latest exhibition,Graphic Expressions,too,will explore Gandhis influence on him,apart from focussing on the common man as well as architecture. I was brought up with Gandhian values as my father was a believer in the Gandhian philosophy. It had a great influence on me while growing up,which you can see through my paintings, says Mody.

To be held at the Jehangir Art Gallery from May 29 to June 3,the exhibition will explore Modys graphical style of artwork with reductive shapes,streamlined contours and flattened planes of colour.

Mody has been a practising architect for 40 years. Only recently did he take up the hobby of painting. He uses themes that are both abstract and bold,and paints using geometric shapes and vivid strokes.

He hopes to engage the viewers by presenting a different dimension in his paintings,and thus challenging them as viewers to experiment through his work.

I use only one or two shades of a colour. My paintings are not realistic depictions but if you see carefully,I try to portray the third dimension, says Mody.

He uses a glazing technique in his paintings,where he applies thin coats of paint,one over the other,creating an effect of transparency and layering.

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