Canvases with poetry draw applause for young artist

NEW DELHI - Art with poetry on the canvas and installations that included sofas, chairs and even a ladder! Budding artist Trishla Jain certainly left many impressed with her solo exhibition in the capital.

Her first solo exhibition of acrylic and oil paintings, under the title “That Freshness”, was held at Stainless Art Gallery.

Altogether 50 large canvases were on display. In addition, there were over 15 installations, including sofas, chairs, paint brushes and even a ladder.

One of Trishla’s stated objectives is to make art accessible. “People think that ‘art will go over my head’,” said the self-taught young artist.

“That’s precisely why I have added some of my poetry with the canvases. People relate more easily with words. I thought the poetry will give an entry into the paintings. I would like art to be appreciated by one and all.”

And she did win much appreciation.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh found it “reflective” and “deeply inward looking”, junior petroleum minister Jitin Prasada was impressed by the “riot of colour” even though he was self-confessedly “ignorant about art”. Minister of State for IT Sachin Pilot was moved by the poetry.

None remained indifferent to Trishla’s works.

Hundreds of schoolchildren came to the five-day exhibition that ended Thursday. The combination of paintings and poetry excited many of them, often leading to animated discussion between the schoolchildren and the artist.

Trishla’s art is inspired by the impasto technique of painting, where paint is laid on the canvas in thick layers. She allows the brush strokes to define natural forms, rather than drawing them out.