The Sanskrit term ‘tattva’, integral to various Indian philosophical traditions, embodies the fundamental reality of human experience. Concepts such as “purusha-prakriti,” “shuddha-ashuddha,” and “panchatattva” all revolve around a unifying principle: our reality emerges from the interplay between our understanding of universal truth, individual experiences, and our relationship with elemental forces. At its core, these ideas encourage a deeper exploration of the connection between consciousness and matter. Inspired by this rich philosophical tapestry, Tattva: Elements in Conversation brings together the work of five women artists and creative individuals—B. Jaya Lakshmi, Gopa Roy, Neha Puri Dhir, Piyusha Patwardhan, and Richa Uppal, founder of the art collaborative Takshni. The exhibition serves as an inquiry into the nature of materials and how they respond to manipulation, through either elemental forces or deliberate touch of the artist’s hand. Each artist offers a unique perspective, guided by an intimate engagement with the chosen medium. The selection of materials is intentional, forming a critical part of the conceptual and aesthetic framework of her art. Every medium carries its own narrative and texture reflecting the dual nature of existence- the ethereal spirit and the tangible world.

Through their engagement with diverse elements, the artists invite viewers to witness the transformation of matter into art, challenging and redefining our relationship with the material universe. A common thread uniting their work is the profound reverence for craft and tradition. Jaya’s encaustic practice employs the ancient technique of applying pigmented beeswax to a surface, transforming it into a textured visual language through layering, scraping, and heat manipulation. Inspired by Japanese shibori, Neha’s work on stitch resist dyeing involves binding and stitching silk cloth to create resistance areas for dyeing – resulting in unique, handcrafted patterns and textures. Gopa creates handmade paper from the pulp of organic materials like bamboo and sugarcane, mixing and pouring it onto a mold to form a unique, textured sheet of paper. Piyusha crafts intricate textiles from paper yarn, using crochet techniques to twist and thread paper twine into complex patterns and shapes, creating a rich, tactile quality. Takshni, founded by Richa, is committed to empowering and uplifting the skilled craftsmen of our heartland. By seamlessly blending handcrafted metal with diverse materials such as ceramic and textile, Takshni creates contemporary artworks that elegantly merge timeless craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

The dialogue that emerges from this exploration transcends materiality through creation, transformation, and expression. By honoring the timeless wisdom of artisanal practices, these creative individuals invite us to reconsider the delicate relationship between maker, material, and the human experience. Tattva: Elements in Conversation is an invitation to witness the convergence of tradition and innovation, where the exploration of the material itself becomes the primary inspiration.

Curated by: Lubna Sen 

ARTISTS

B Jaya Lakshmi | Gopa Roy | Neha Puri Dhir | Piyusha Patwardhan