We all exhibit our work or yearn to do so sometime. Exhibiting solo is a test . Of where we stand and what is society's perception towards us as painters. So one takes a lot of efforts in exhibiting... and in what he exhibits.
And most important thing in all the numerous whats, is coherent theme. Solo show by an artist should not and need not look to exhibit his virtuosity in all the genres or subjects. We many times see in solo exhibitions all conceivable landscapes one can think of. and here we need to discuss what means a coherent theme.
Any exhibition can have a synergy on two counts. One is thought or subject. Second is style or execution. Now we all know unless major shift occurs, an artist has his unique style of painting. It is nurtured over years of practice. Unless one tries to show off, via mindless variations in skill, one is bound to see a definite style in one artist's one suite. So unless quantum leap is seen stylization is not enough justification for being called a breakthrough factor.
Granted! So the real question, especially in representational art like landscape, is subject or theme.
Now most of the lot, misunderstand this. Painting landscapes on a theme is a bigger phenomenon than going to a place and paint pictures to record. We are not just tourists. Please don't misunderstand. It is really essential for a landscape painter to visit places for on locale paintings. But not like tourist taking snaps, we claim to paint WORKS OF ART. Many a times the clan of landscape painters get derided for this record keeping. ...picture postcard painters!
So whats the way out? It is not the question of just theme which is blatantly far fetched sometimes! And many times too flippant. Series of painting of houses in coastal India! It is too cliche even to call it a theme. Then what is it? Theme to be considered such, should need much more depth and rarity.
First, rarity. What you are considering as a theme for a show needs to be 'not so common'. It should have an element of rarity or even surprise. What is seen every now and then should be abstained.... even if you may be doing the greatest job of it. Even what you normally do maybe a taboo. Theme should show that you took effort not only in execution but also thinking, conceptualizing and even researching. When you do a series on a place it should be more than just a record album. It should show your individuality and way of seeing...your vision. Hundreds of painters may have visited a place like Jodhpur or Manali, you need to be different. And also different than the way you may paint your own city! The paintings should not be different because the buildings and location were different, but because you were different!
And then maybe second line..thought. Elevate landscape from mere pictorial and make a statement.... of intelligence or experience. Your perception which is accentuated by your thinking. Like writing essays or criticisms. Not just subjects but concepts. Not just people and houses but ideas.
Why you chose to visit this place? Because it suits your type of painting or you are searching for impetus to do something new? Why you chose a subject becuase you feel affinity or frustration to that throughout your life? Or you know you will just paint it well like every time?
And one word of caution. Dont go overboard. It is good to search new and experiment. But as my master says, painting exhibition is not a circus... dont be a daredevil. People need to appreciate but dont try to dazzle!
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