Traditionally Yours

The traditional style of paying respect to the gods merges with a contemporary vision in artist Heerina Misra’s exhibition of Mysore paintings,titled “Faith”. Her collection of 10 paintings includes colourful depictions of Vishnu,Durga,Shiva,Parvati and Ganesh,as well as of Arjuna,which has been inspired by a stone relief at Mahabalipuram. These were exhibited at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence at Shantipath on Friday,and will be on public view at the Murray Harris Room till October 23.

The idea for the exhibition came to the 37-year-old artist when she wanted to paint a deity for her own house. “I wanted a large-sized painting,and I like bright colours. That’s when I decided to exhibit,to add the extra contemporary touch,” says Misra. The paintings are heavy in primary colours — an intentional move on Misra’s part — and are inked with Hindu chants at the bottom. Misra recreates the deities by referring to a legend and/or scripture but adds contemporary touches such as graphics.

The artist spent many of her formative years learning and practising the art,and this is her second solo. It took her a year to create

the works on exhibit. “The kind of emotion these paintings evoke in people is priceless. They buy it for their homes,and put a diya is front of their favorite deities. The respect is so rewarding,” says Misra,

about her inclination to the Mysore art form.

The exhibition will be held at the Murray Harris Room,Australian High Commission,Gate Number 1,till October 23. A photo ID will be required for access. Contact: 41399912

Swetha Ramakrishnan