Art has always been a medium to reflect the inner workings of the mind, and Lata Balakrishna’s solo exhibition, ‘Manifestations,’ curated by art consultant and columnist Nisha JamVwal, is a testament to this deep connection. Currently showcased at the FPH Gallery, this art exhibition is a symphonic collection that brings together abstraction, chiaroscuro, and the artist’s deeply personal exploration of life and nature.
Mysteries Unfold-I |
Nature as an eternal muse
For Lata, inspiration begins with travel and nature. “I love travelling and just sitting and painting where I go! I am drawn to water and nature, and when Nisha JamVwal said we will create a collection with the theme of ‘Manifestations’, I set about painting positive paintings with auspicious elements of nature that bring happiness, abundance and success,” she elaborated.
Stone Walls Speak |
Lata’s works have transcended mere aesthetics to evoke a journey of introspection and revelation. “The works in the show ‘Manifestations’ feature Lata’s preoccupation with the questions about the true meaning of the journey of life so that she cannot help depicting the tumult of the journey in its troughs and rapids. The depictions eventually converge into light and optimism, which is the message of this oeuvre,” Nisha shared.
Proximity |
Dreams, illusions, and emotions…
Lata’s art delves deep into the subconscious, dreams, illusions, and emotions in her canvases. Drawing inspiration from her travels across India, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, the artist’s art reflects the universality of human experience while remaining deeply personal. Her symbolic use of water serves as a major motif, representing both tranquillity and restlessness.
My Pulsating Heart |
What sets her apart
What sets Lata apart is her innovative technique. Instead of traditional brushes, she uses her fingers and hands to mix and apply colours, resulting in a tactile, organic interplay of energy. Through her medium of acrylics, she brings forth a vibrant palette of whites, indigos, teals, and tangerines, creating works that are as dynamic as they are introspective.
Some of the most mesmerising pieces in the exhibition include On The Path Of Time, Proximity, and My Pulsating Heart. Each artwork invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with their inner selves.
From left, Nisha JamVal and Lata Balakrishna |
Meet the artist behind the canvas
Lata Balakrishna, born Lata Agarwal, graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts in 1972 from H.M.V. College, Jalandhar, Punjab. Her artistic journey includes explorations in bonsai and painting, and she has participated in numerous exhibitions, including the All India Art Exhibition at Nehru Centre and the National Art Exhibition at Raja Ravi Verma Art Gallery, Pune.
Her works, which now grace corporate spaces and private collections across continents, stand as a testament to her ability with artistic excellence.
Visit now!
This exhibition at the FPH Gallery is not just a visual feast but an emotional and spiritual journey, leaving an indelible mark on those who experience it.
Venue: Gallery FPH, Free Press House, Nariman Point, Mumbai
Date: From January 16, 2025, to January 30, 2025
