Art Dubai 2022

FOLDS

The new series by Vipeksha Gupta speaks of the theme of flux and impermanence which the artist explored during pandemic. These works made under high pressure of multiple layers of charcoal and graphite etched with sharp lines of folds speak of exultation of victory. It is the subtle intervention on the monochromatic surface, like a crease compressed down and up on a tight sheet of time. Made of charcoal and graphite on paper, the new series FOLDS is a reflection of the meditative philosophy of the artist. Gupta speaks at length about "mysterious black phases", about the "darkness as an essential part of our being", which must be grasped and feed our soul as much as light. These nameless mysterious black folds have sense of foreboding. But by suppressing this darkness and imprisoning them, there is no outlet of freedom. The light of truth is buried in the shadow of these folds what ego won't let you see. There is no coming to consciousness without pain. The mind has to be circumvented. The parts of ourselves we shed and project onto the world is still very much part of ourselves. We ultimately forget that folds gives depth to drawings. Fold not the events but ego, hate, envy and lust. A wide range of pictorial references interact in the artist’s work: geometric Modernism, abstract expressionism, minimalism and supramatism. Gupta allows herself to construct a more visceral language. Concentrating on simplicity where craft, skill and concept are symbiotic, the sole purpose is to unify abstraction with representation. Solace is found in the use of limited colour, preferring instead to exploit the paper, texture and mediums. Paper is not merely a surface, rather it becomes an independent medium itself. It is affectionate, light and flexible. It’s like a filter which looks through the objects, surroundings and endures the quiet decay of it. The abstractions are subtle, formula-less and have qualities of a multi-level composition producing sense of space and rigour. Hence, the “darkness” is an essential part of our being. The parts of the world which we dislike and avoid facing hold some knowledge about ourselves. The realms of black are explored with truth. A soul searching process, deep and emotional, intimate and transformative.