Artistic ‘Encounters’

Bangalore based artist Radhika Varma Hormusjee’s latest works — paintings, drawings and etchings — titled "Encounters,” concentrates on her preoccupation with birds, an interest fanned by a "casual visit to a bird sanctuary” which drew her into "the world of winged creatures” and her latest series titled "Women in confluence with nature.” On display at the Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery in Bombay from June 8 to 14, 2011 Encounters will continue to show at another venue, the Cymroza Art Gallery, from July 11 to 23.

Writing about her in the handsomely brought out brochure, senior artist Yusuf Arakal says: "Although Radhika’s works are very contemporary in execution, content and visual appeal, (they) reflect her traditional mooring. Coming from a family of artists and being the great-great-granddaughter of the renowned Raja Ravi Varma, it is commendable that she has found a path and direction that is uniquely her own.”

"I was surrounded by generations of art. Inspired by these images and especially watching my mother (well known artist Uma Varma) paint, I found myself sketching everything, including fellow classmates and family members. I realize now that I was fortunate and privileged to be part of a great tradition,” acknowledges Hormusjee. A graduate of the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Madras, she completed her BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) in painting and textiles in 1986. Five years of study culminated in a solo exhibition. "A new chapter began thereafter — marriage (to Tosher G. Hormusjee) and children... Soon a fire within started burning and I was once again seeking to explore my creative side.” She set up her own studio in 2000 "where I could indulge my own work as well as nurture young talent,” she mentions.

Turning once more to birds, she found herself yearning for more. Reaching out, she began to communicate her "feelings of belonging and attachment... especially in connection with the female form.” Turning to nature in all its glory and diversity resulted in the bonding which defines her series on women now on display. Art critic P. Sudha­karan explains: "In her interpretation of the female identity, she explores the myriad aspects of feminine existence as well. Here, a woman is not an object who pleases the eye of the beholder. Her works depict lonely women, women immersed in their dreams and fantasies. Although realistically executed, the overall mood is surreal. Like freeze-frames from a dream sequence, they are still yet lively and bright.”

Not restricting herself to oils, Hormusjee works in charcoal, pastel and chalk as well as creating etchings. Vivid colors characterize her women, often shown interacting with flowers, birds and butterflies. The ink drawings are a clear indicator of her innate artistry, the lines true, clean and evocative. Hormusjee has participated in a number of exhibitions in Madras, Bangalore, Bombay and London. Her works are currently with the Lalit Kala Akademi in Madras and The Nehru Centre, London as well as with private collectors in India, Germany, Sweden and the USA, the brochure reveals.