Fankaari Fossils: An art affair between Bengal and Rajasthan

A collection of brightly coloured canvasses and life size installations representing the Bengal and Rajasthan cultures are enticing both connoisseurs and commoners at 'Fankaari Fossils' exhibition here.

The exhibition running from June 9 to 14 binds the diverse and prolific cultures of Bengal and Rajasthan captured in colours.

Fankaar is a Hindustani term which implies 'artist'. The name "Fankaari Fossils" has been meticulously chosen to emphasise the timelessness of art. Besides, the art display, the exhibition also has poetry reading sessions and panel discussions about art revival.

Drawing inspiration from the art forms of Bengal, artist Rajesh Kumar Yadav has served his viewers an array of simple and minimalistic compositions.

"Both Rajasthan and West Bengal are incredibly rich in terms of their culture. I want to uphold their spirit through my work and the best way to do so is by assimilating the cultures of these two states and creating a fusion of their art forms," said Yadav.

"I want to inspire people through art. The idea behind this exhibition is to bring more people closer to art and make way for them to revel in it," added Yadav, who hails from Rajasthan.

Housed at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, the exhibition showcases how the simultaneous interplay of various media can culminate in an enthralling art piece. Ranging from wooden installations and mixed media on paper to junk materials and cloth on canvas, the 30 artworks befit the rich colours of Jodhpur and the simplicity of Shantiniketan.

A recipient of the Best Presentation Award from the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy, Yadav is now an art mentor in Udaipur.

"The Indian culture has been going through a dark age for the last 3-4 years. People in our country are losing interest in art. We need more artists to come forward with their work so that the interest isn't lost," said painter Wasim Kapoor, present at the exhibition for its inauguration.