Art that breathes life into ‘Still Life’

To the uninitiated, still life paintings might come across as simple, perhaps even mundane. But when an entire exhibition brings together the interpretations of 14 different artists, it becomes clear that there's far more to these artworks than just the inanimate objects resting on the canvas.

For Goutam Chakraborty, the founder of Galleri Kaya, curating the exhibition titled 'Still Life' wasn't just about showcasing a single genre; it was about adding variety to the gallery's lineup, which regularly features a diverse range of thematic exhibitions throughout the year.

"Still life paintings are often the starting point for young artists during their early days in art school," Goutam reflected. "It's fascinating to see how experienced artists, after years of honing their craft, now interpret and express themselves through the same subject matter."

A still life is an artistic depiction of mostly inanimate objects, ranging from natural elements like food, flowers, and shells to human-made items such as books, vases, and coins. With roots in the Middle Ages and Ancient Greco-Roman art, still life became a distinct genre in Western painting by the late 16th century and has remained influential ever since. 

In modern times, the concept has evolved beyond traditional paintings to include video art, sculpture, and immersive installations. Contemporary still-life works often incorporate photography, sound, and found objects, transforming entire gallery spaces into dynamic artistic experiences.

"One advantage of the still-life art form is that it allows an artist much freedom to experiment with the arrangement of elements within a composition of a painting. It's a representation of an artist's mental journey," said Goutam.

The paintings on display offer a diverse take on the still life genre, each reflecting distinct artistic styles and thematic perspectives. Sheikh Afzal's work presents a traditional still life composition featuring bananas, apples, and grapes arranged alongside a jar and a plant. 

The artist masterfully plays with colours and textures, creating contrast between the rough background and the smooth, vibrant colours of the fruit. Light and shadow enhance the depth of the piece, while the draped cloth introduces a sense of movement to the otherwise static arrangement. His bold strokes and textured elements evoke a rustic charm reminiscent of classical still life traditions.

In contrast, Kamruzzaman Sagar adopts a more intricate and detailed approach in one of his paintings. His circular composition, filled with seafood, chopsticks, and wine bottles, conveys a rich cultural and gastronomic narrative. The fine line work and stippling technique give the piece a precise, illustrative quality, while Chinese characters and a red seal introduce elements of Eastern influence.

In the cosy corner room of Galleri Kaya, Shahanoor Mamun's floral still life paintings grace the walls, capturing the delicate beauty of flowers arranged in vases. The series blends vibrant colours with expressive brushwork, presenting unique compositions where lush bouquets of roses and other blossoms stand against dark, moody backdrops that enhance their depth and contrast. With bold strokes and intricate details, the artist breathes life into the flowers, making them appear fresh and lively within the still life format.

"It's fascinating to see how multiple artists have approached the same subject differently. Some paintings feature flowers without vases, while others depict them emerging from within—each telling its own story," Goutam noted.

The exhibition is open for all and will come to a close on 7 February.