Pradeep Mishra

Pradeep L Mishra was born in 1977 in Maharashtra. He did his B.F.A and M.F.A in painting from Sir J.J.School of art. His recent Shows include: ‘Fertile soil’ at palette art gallery New Delhi.2005.Group shows by Viart gallery (New Delhi), Palette art gallery (New Delhi) gallery Espace (New Delhi), Mattersofart (New Delhi), Concernsofart (New Delhi) & (Kochi), The guild (Mumbai), Hacienda (Mumbai), Art society of India & the Bombay Art Society  (Mumbai). Sir J.J.School of art. (Mumbai). ‘Reclaim your freedom week’ open circle (Mumbai) Residencies and camps: Khoj Peers 2004(New Delhi) Oberoi art camp, Gallery Beyond (Mumbai).

His latest show with The Guild was titled “FRAGRANCEOFEARTH”. This is what the artist has to say abot the show:

 “This exhibit is an extension of some of my earlier works and concerns. Fragrance of Earth may be seen as a three-dimensional exploration of ideas I have addressed in paintings made in the past. The planted rose saplings in this installation represent the unflagging streak of resilience life forms share to endure all living conditions whether entirely hospitable or not. Life forms have always displayed the remarkable ability to adapt to any genetic alterations to survive and endure sans ‘complaints’ against the human race for the damage we have systematically wrecked on the planet. The rose is particularly significant to me for its strong association in our collective experiences to the expression of human relationships. The Rose petals have a presence that goes beyond their life span as they emanate a delicate fragrance even as life ebbs away. The flowers in full bloom represent a life that has matured and needs care and sustenance.

The red is significant of any life fluid whether immediately visible or not. The immediate association being with Blood – as it circulates in our beings, spreading the warmth of life.

The white on the other hand is significant of the role of the ‘silent carrier” (the peaceful body) of life. White acts alternatively as a shield and backdrop that has an all-encompassing presence, one that is quiet and does not scream for attention.

And the Black, which recalls life-nurturing manure – represents the nourishment and warmth essential for growth. The black of charcoal is significant to me for representing the birth-death-decay-regeneration cycle. As life ends, with death comes decay, as the organism decomposes it return to the earth that in turn reproduces – to continue the cycle.

Fragranceofearth – recalls the ‘freshness’ of life and our collective, shared joy in living. The Gallery space acts as an alternative platform to share this ‘fragrance’, which in turn represents a life-presence, which is affirmative, energizing and inspiring – one that in sharing gives us strength.

 The artist lives and works in Mumbai.