An Artist's Tribute To Lord Ganesha

Carpe Diem will be hosting 'The Ganesha Series', an exhibition of paintings based on Lord Ganesh by internationally acclaimed artist Hesham Malik. Café takes a closer look

Contemporary art is new in terms of representation, not age. It is defined as art that is current, offering a fresh perspective and point of view, and often employing new techniques and new media. Hesham Malik is a multi-award-winning artist whose work draws upon people's history in an attempt to create counter narratives that recognise identities, communities suppressed culture, love and God.

His latest show, titled 'The Ganesha Series', is being displayed at the Art Gallery at Carpe Diem, Majorda until March 20, 2018. The exhibit depicts the love of Lord Ganesha for his people.

Hesham, an artist of Indian origin, is well known for his energetic and distinctive painting style, and his lyrical depiction of traditional figures in particular. He is a major figure in the story of contemporary art and his unique and sensual pictorial language presents a very personal view of our world.

As an artist, he rejected Cubism and other European trends in abstraction, depicting instead myths and life stories shared by the people in his unique style. In his inimitable lyrical style, he depicted everyday people in different paths of life and Gods from ancient history and mythical stories shared by the common people.

"I believe people have a unique ability to observe life deeply and experience hope, love and beauty amidst the brokenness of our world," he says.

The aim of the present exhibition is to channel elucidating narratives, on personal social and mythological levels, within and through the artworks, using the binary nature of the Hindu God Ganesha as a global icon, who is both, secular and religious in nature.

He adds that Lord Ganesha is not only a God of beginnings and a remover of obstacles, but he also symbolises human sophistication as a champion of intellect wisdom, arts and sciences.

"My first painting of Lord Ganesha was depicted with both his hands upright, one with a modak and the other giving blessing. I guess because it is perhaps one of the most common postures and this image can be traced back to the 6th century," states Hesham. Hesham's Ganesha figures emit and interrupt the love of God, often blurring the boundaries between traditional and contemporary modes. His modern Ganesha paintings are based on his experience from different temples, time spent with religious teachers at the temples and the priests. His visits to temples throughout the world - Goa, Mumbai, Port Luis, Colombo, Mombasa, Dubai, London and Paris - gave birth to his love for Lord Ganesha. "The murtis of Lord Ganesha were dressed and decorated differently in every temple but the external and internal experience always remains the same for his followers," states Hesham.