Bengaluru, India — The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is thrilled to present its latest exhibition Painting with Fire: Jeram Patel & Tarik Currimbhoy, an exploration of wood as a medium and how fire can unveil the hidden stories within it. Through 15 select artworks, this exhibition delves into the distinct approaches of two visionary artists, Jeram Patel and Tarik Currimbhoy, who share a fascination for the transformative power of the blowtorch on wood technique.Unleashing the Fire Within: Jeram Patel’s Visceral Practice.
Modernist Jeram Patel (1930 — 2016) was inspired by the Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban. By using the blowtorch, he not only scorched the surface but also “destroyed” the material to create contrast through the colours of the original ply and torched black. Patel’s work is characterised by his deep affinity for the color black, which he believed served as a theatrical backdrop, amplifying the vibrancy of other colours.
Subtlety and Precision: Tarik Currimbhoy’s Dynamism and Movement
In contrast, Tarik Currimbhoy’s artistic journey with fire is one of subtlety and precision. Perhaps his background in architecture and design influences his work, where the blowtorch is used not to obliterate but to coax out the wood’s natural grains, enhancing them with layers of shellac to enhance the contrasts within. Currimbhoy’s pieces are a testament to the inherent sensuality of wood. Each artwork invites the viewer to engage with the space around it, experiencing the fluidity of movement and the depth of color through shifting perspectives.
A Dual Exploration of Wood and Flame
This exhibition is more than a showcase; it is an invitation to witness the dialogue between two masters who, through fire, bring forth the hidden potential of the material. The exhibition space itself transforms into an environment where viewers can engage with the artworks in a theatrical setting, exploring the dynamic interplay of form, colour, and texture.
“Painting with Fire is an invitation to explore how Jeram Patel used the blowtorch as a technique to transform wood and reveal the texture within. His work speaks to the power of simplicity and the profound impact of black in highlighting the strength and vibrancy of other colours.”- Arnika Ahldag, co-curator.
“With the controlled intensity of fire, Tarik Currimbhoy weaves the naturally occurring grains of the wood within the form of his sculptures to create patterns and movements. His pieces are tactile and reflective, allowing us to see beyond the surface and appreciate the deeper rhythms that connect us to the world around us.”- Kuzhali Jaganathan, co-curator
Exhibition Details:
Painting with Fire:Jeram Patel & Tarik Currimbhoy on view at MAP, Bengualuru — August — November 17, 2024
About the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) opened its doors to the public on February 18th, 2023. With a mission to harness the transformative potential of art, to enrich lives, ignite creativity, and connect people, MAP makes art accessible and engaging for everyone through innovative experiences, meaningful dialogue and building communities. Spread across 7 storeys, the museum includes art galleries, an auditorium, a library, a multimedia gallery, a technology centre, a sculpture courtyard, a learning centre, a specialised research and conservation facility, a gift store, a café, a member’s lounge and an alfresco rooftop restaurant.
MAP is custodian to a growing collection of over 60,000 artworks that take viewers on a comprehensive journey of Indian art and culture. Predominantly from South Asia and dating from the 10th century to the present, the collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs and more. Launched in 2020, MAP’s digital museum has worked on innovative ways of connecting with audiences across the world; it offers curated online exhibitions, along with programming like artist talks, panel discussions, workshops for children, masterclasses and more. There is also a focus on quality content, ranging from blogs to essays and interviews that appeal even to people who are unfamiliar with the arts. MAP’s core aim with the digital museum is to actively work at reaching and captivating new audiences, especially those who have had no previous exposure to the arts.
22, Kasturba Road
Shanthala Nagar
Ashok Nagar
Bangalore
Karnataka 56001
India
www.map-india.org
