ABOUT

“IGNITE-from within the confines-“is the brainchild of Deepa Gopal, a freelance visual artist, a creative writer and an art blogger at Hues n Shades (one of the Top Indian Art Blogs) and her poems have been published (/upcoming) in six anthologies. She has participated in several group shows.  IGNITE-from within the confines- was conceptualized and curated by Deepa Gopal herself whose inclination towards both painting and poetry inspired her to invite other artists and poets for a collaborative endeavour. There were 8 artists and 8 poets and she paired each artist with a poet. The exhibition brings together art and poetry from different parts of the world in the form of videos with introductions, art, poem recitals and texts through blog, Instagram, YouTube and personal social media handles. There are 40 artworks and 40 poems in this online exhibition.

Behind Ignite – Since the lockdown began, people have become more creative, they have come up with so many inventive situations to overcome their confines. We always have a way to turn the table and inspire one another. There are always ideas afloat and to use them creatively and effectively is our primary goal. So that’s exactly what we have done as well. This is not something new, artists and poets have come together since a long time in history but it doesn’t happen every day as well.

There’s such chaos around that thinking clearly seems to be a luxury. Yet we are constantly seeing that everyone is engaged in one thing or the other…there are other devastating and heart-wrenching scenarios beyond our control.

Creativity is lurking behind every corner. The current situation has sparked a range of emotions that is surging in this era of pandemic and the related isolation and confinement ignited by an invisible, miniscule of a virus. It ‘s not always happy, some are dark, some hopeful, some in limbo…We are just exploring the human side of it, to register, to contemplate, to introspect, to execute, to collaborate, to evaluate, to discuss, to be silent, to just be – as much as possible to leave an imprint of today’s times for tomorrow.

This exhibition focusses on the creativity borne out of this pandemic, our reactions and responses to the current state we are in – restricted, isolated and confined. It is but natural to feel desperate and listless. It’s a “conversation” of the creatives trying to overcome, find joy, forget, annihilate, reveal and/or excel at their current life and state of matters that they are surrounded by in their daily life. All the same, “Ignite” essentially instills hope. What better time to Ignite than this when we are surrounded by many woes being confined within because of a pandemic unlike anything we have ever seen.

The artists include Ahlam Abbas (Beirut, Lebanon), Anindita Chakraborty (Hyderabad, India), Deepa Gopal (currently in Dubai, from Kerala), Devan Madangarly (Kerala, India), German Fernandez (currently in Dubai, from Peru), Lauren Rudolph (New York, USA), Liz Ramos-Prado (currently in London, from Peru) and Yamini Mohan (currently in Dubai, from Kerala).

The poets include Ardra Manasi (currently in Manhattan, USA, from Kerala), Ellora Mishra (currently in Hague, from Bhubaneswar), Gitanjali Kolanad (Toronto, Canada), Joseph Schreiber (Calgary, Canada), Mini S Menon (Kerala, India), Namratha Varadharajan (Bangalore, India), Radha Gomaty (Kerala, India), Sonia Dogra (Delhi, India).

Each poet is paired with an artist and it’s amusing to see how it ignited new amalgamations, conversations and creative symphonies.

Video Editor - All the videos of Introductions, compilations and Art & Poem segment were done by her 17-year-old daughter, Anoushka Sunil (@v1ntagefilm )who is a Grade 12 student of The Indian High School, Dubai.

Graphic Designer - Vibhin P C (@vibhin_pc) from Dubai has done the invites, poster, thumbnails and the final artwork video. 

Do join us during this exhibition, support us, and help spread the word. Please do like, subscribe and share. Help us reach you all. Enjoy “IGNITE-from within the confines-”