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Art of Somu Desai - 'Signature of Time and Consumerism', Text By Tushar Waghela

 

Art of Somu Desai
'Signature of Time and Consumerism'
Text By Tushar Waghela

In the quaint town of Killa Pardi in Gujarat's Valsad district, nestled within the tranquillity of his luxurious farmhouse-turned-studio ( The NAC Studio), 54-year-old artist Somu Desai weaves magic on canvas. Surrounded by the salty breezes of the Arabian Sea on one side, mango orchards on the other, and the harsh realities of industrialization spewing toxic fumes in Valsad district, industrial sector. Desai draws deep inspiration from his environment. His experience, from this town to metropolitan cities, is vividly reflected in his artworks.



Desai's artworks are exceptional creations that intricately unravel stories of imperishability on the surfaces of iron. Portraying a timeless ambiance, his compositions capture the essence of destiny, intertwining with the effects of corrosion on iron due to salt-laden sea breeze or the corrosive impact of polluted air and rain on iron, much like a gleaming advertisement on an iron hoarding affected by the ravages of pollution and weather.

Each piece encapsulates imprints of time - objects that once glittered are now marked by corrosion - serving as a contemplative testament to the inevitable cycles of decay and aging. It becomes a testamentary will for the inevitable cycles of decay and aging that bind us all.

 

The allure of Somu's art lies not only in its ability to provoke questions but also in its profound exploration of the subtle nuances of consumerism. Beyond the expansive canvas, these artworks bear witness to the enduring effects of industrial campaigns, revealing the intricate maneuvering of consumerism on our perceptions.

 

Somu Desai's art goes beyond traditional brushstrokes; in Somu Desai words “ I don’t paint but I treat canvass and papers that  transfer’s surface visuals to some thing which is not”.  it is a remarkable journey within the ordinary. Stripping away the layers of daily routines, it reveals how consumerism shapes our realities, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. Viewers are invited to contemplate the hidden stories and emotions within each amorphous creation, serving as an invitation to reflect on the deep layers of meaning behind every stroke and colour.

 

Somu's canvases are embellished with symbols ranging from luxurious products logos to ads from roadside vendors, portraying the nuanced complexities of consumerism. Acting as a reflective surface, Desai's art reveals the societal consequences of persistent commercial campaigns. The temporal imprints on his canvases serve as a testament to evolving social dynamics, underscoring the significant impact of consumerism on our perceptions of reality.

 

As the tales unfold on canvas, spectators transform into active participants, delving into the concealed narratives within the layers. Art evolves into a shared experience, surpassing conventional boundaries between artists and viewers, fostering self-reflection, and presenting a fresh outlook on the impact of consumerism in our daily existence.

 

 

Somu Desai's artistic odyssey goes beyond being a mere chronicle of time and consumerism; it is a narrative infused with artistic elements. Employing acrylic colours, industrial pigments, dye, and specialized rollers, Desai introduces multiple dimensions into his artworks. Moreover, he strategically incorporates carefully chosen papers onto the canvas, creating specific textures that enrich the depth and intricacy of his creations.

His paintings not only embody the imprints of time and the subtle intricacies of consumerism but also showcase the artistic simplicity that defines Somu Desai's unique and profound expression. Through this artistic exploration, Desai captures evolving stories, giving birth to a unique dialogue resonating with each viewer, establishing a deep connection through his outstanding and multifaceted creations.

 

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