G Ravinder Reddy: RASA

RASA, opening June 8, 2019, is the first solo exhibition in Kolkata (India) for internationally celebrated artist G Ravinder Reddy. Opening at Emami Art, the recently launched gallery located within Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), the exhibition has been curated by Mumbai based art critic and curator, Anupa Mehta.

Offering fresh perspectives on G Ravinder Reddy’s iconic sculptures, the exhibition will survey work spanning across over two decades, from 1989-2019. Drawing attention to stylistic departures and shifts within the artist’s oeuvre, the exhibition questions perceptions and notions around ideas of beauty and offers contrast between the artist’s new works and those from earlier periods.

G Ravinder Reddy’s sculptures depict the human form in all its vulnerable complexities. Drawing from various sources including traditional Indian sculpture and Pop Art, his larger than life works possess a ceremonial quality. Decorated with wide open eyes, elaborate hair styles and prominent makeup, the gilded fiberglass and bronze heads have come to be recognised around the world.  Marrying tradition with contemporary ideas Reddy creates works which are universal appeal. 

About G Ravinder Reddy 
Born in 1956 in Suryapet, Andhra Pradesh, Reddy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (Sculpture) in 1980 and Master’s in Fine Arts (Creative Sculpture) in 1982 from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He studied Art and Design from Goldsmith College of Arts, University of London in 1983 and did a short course in ceramics from Royal College of Art, London in 1984.

Ravinder Reddy has exhibited extensively in India and abroad. His solo shows include Heads and Bodies, Icons and Idols at RMZ Galleria, Bangalore in 2017, Grosvenor Vadehra, London in 2008, Incredible India Le Jardin D’acclimatation, Paris in 2007, exhibition of sculptures at Walsh Gallery, Chicago in 2003, Devi at Sackler Gallery, Washington DC in 2001, Popular Cultures at Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburg in 2001 among many others. His Group Exhibitions include Sub-Plots: Laughing in the Vernacular, curated by Meena Vari, at National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai & with Sakshi Gallery in 2017-18, Mysteries of the Organism and Travelling in Two Boats at the same time at Akara Art, Mumbai in 2016, Excavation/ Eruption curated by Yashodhara Dalmia at Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi and Grosvenor Vadehra, London in 2015, Sculpted Images at Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai in 2013, to name a few.

His art fair participations include India Art Fair, 2019 presented by Gallery Sumukha, Art Basel Hong Kong presented by Vadehra Gallery in 2015, 2016 and 2017; Anupa Mehta Arts & Advisory, 2018; India Art Fair, presented by Sakshi Gallery & Vadehra Gallery in 2014, Art Basel Hong Kong presented by Vadehra Gallery in 2014, India Art Fair, presented by Sakshi Gallery & Vadehra Gallery in 2014, 2012, Hong Kong Art Fair presented by Vadehra Gallery in 2012, India Art Summit, presented by Sakshi Gallery in 2011 and Art Stage Singapore presented by Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore and 1 x 1 Gallery Dubai in 2011. Ravinder Reddy’s works are in the collection of several museums such as Kirishima Open Air Museum, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Fukuoka, Japan, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, USA., Smart Museum, Chicago, USA., Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, USA., Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio, USA., Queensland Art Gallery, South Brisbane, Australia and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, India.

The artist lives and works in Vishakapatanam, Andhra Pradesh.

About Emami Art
A destination for Modern & cutting- edge Contemporary Art, Emami Art is a one-of-a- kind art space built in keeping with international standards. Positioned as a key destination for artists, visitors and art collectors, the gallery aligns with the Emami Group’s mission to support artists & artisans and contribute to society’s wellbeing. A regular programme of curated exhibitions, includes the works of new talents and eminent masters of regional, national and international repute, that aligns with the promoters’ ideology that while the popular contributes to the academic, the academic uplifts the popular. Spearheaded by Richa Agarwal, Emami Art’s new 10,000 sq.ft. art space is located in the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary not-for-profit, off Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Kolkata, India. www.emamiart.com