Unveiling Sensory Canvases: Dhanashri's Journey Of Taste And Touch

In the realm of art, where colors dance on canvases and emotions take form as brush strokes, Dhanashri Sujit Deshmukh's latest exhibition at Dhoomimal Gallery transcends the boundaries of traditional expression. The artist's unique approach to artistry, deeply rooted in synesthesia and tactile exploration, invites viewers to engage with their senses beyond the visual realm. "Can You See the Taste?" is not just a question but a gateway into a multisensory experience that transcends the conventional boundaries of art.

Can you see a taste- Art by Dhanashree Sujit Deshmukh

Dhanashri's artistic journey began with a quest to translate the taste of raw tamarind into visual expressions that could evoke the same emotions as the culinary experience. This unconventional approach, reminiscent of the pioneering American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock, led her to abandon traditional brushes in favor of hands, feet, and unconventional tools. The result is a collection of sculpted paintings that defy traditional categorization, leaving viewers to explore the depths of their senses.

Art by Dhanashree Sujit Deshmukh at Dhoomimal Gallery’s exhibition “Can You See A Taste”

The direct interaction between Dhanashri and the canvas, akin to Pollock's 'action painting,' is a deliberate choice to infuse life into matter and pursue pure creativity. Her works feel more sculpted than painted, with layers, incisions, and slashes that go beyond mere texturizing techniques. The exhibition's curator, Rahul Kumar, aptly describes the pieces as 'sculpted paintings,' a term that captures the essence of the tactile and sensory experience awaiting the audience.

Dhanashri's decision to leave her work devoid of representational elements allows viewers to connect with the artistic process at a profound level. Each mark and movement serves as an invitation to witness the creative journey, making the act of application an integral part of the viewing experience. The layers in her works, both visual and metaphorical, reflect the complexity of her own personality.

While speaking about her work, Dhanashri elaborates that she draws inspiration from everyday experiences — whether it's the taste of tamarind or the aftermath of a bike accident — she uses paints to capture the intensity of personal experiences in layers that unfold gradually, much like life itself.

The question "Can You See the Taste?" is not just a visual exploration but an invitation to engage multiple senses simultaneously. Dhanashri envisions viewers visually examining her sculpted paintings, searching for elements that suggest taste or flavors. The vibrant colors, textures, and shapes serve as conduits for a richer and more immersive connection, bridging the gap between the visual and gustatory realms. The tactile sensuous quality adds a physical dimension to the artwork, allowing viewers to explore the surface intimately.

The artist has used hands and feet as tools for painting and she says that this decision was not impulsive but a deliberate and evolving choice. Her transition from conventional brushes to tactile engagement with the medium allowed her to achieve a deeper connection between her creative vision as well as with the canvas. And this in turn allows the viewers to feel the taste.

Art by Dhanashree Sujit Deshmukh at Dhoomimal Gallery

The collaboration between Dhanashri and Dhoomimal Gallery was initiated when Uday Jain, lead at Dhoomimal Gallery, encountered her work at an exhibition in Pune. The gallery's rich history of promoting Indian contemporary art aligns seamlessly with Dhanashri's innovative and unconventional approach. Established in 1936, Dhoomimal Gallery is not just a space for art; it's a cornerstone of India's art heritage. As the oldest contemporary art gallery in India, Dhoomimal Gallery has played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting Indian artists for over 80 years.

The collaboration aims not only to showcase Dhanashri's work but to nurture a lasting association between the artist and the gallery. Dhoomimal has always played a crucial role in promoting new talent and supporting artists like Dhanashri. Mr Uday Jain emphasizes the importance of nurturing and supporting new talent through initiatives like the Ravi Jain Foundation. However, displaying this artwork in a non-traditional gallery space isn’t without its challenges. Curator Rahul Kumar shares that careful consideration went into the use of space and lighting and the use of blurbs to provide points of reference highlight the curator's commitment to creating an immersive and introspective viewing experience.

Dhanashri Sujit Deshmukh's exhibition is not merely a visual spectacle but an invitation to embark on a sensory journey. The sculpted paintings, born from the artist's synesthetic exploration, challenge traditional norms and beckon viewers to see, feel, and taste the emotions embedded within each stroke. It's a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary art and the collaborative efforts of artists, galleries, and curators to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

About Dhoomimal Gallery-

Dhoomimal Gallery (DMG), established in 1936 by Shri Ram Babu Jain is the oldest contemporary art gallery in India. Having recently completed about more than 80 years of successfully promoting Indian contemporary art, Dhoomimal has always been more of an institution than a mere commercial gallery. Shri Jain an ardent art lover was primarily into the printing and publishing business.

Today the Dhoomimals have the best private collection of artworks from the stalwarts such as F.N. Souza, J.Swaminathan, H.A.Gade, Bimal Das Gupta, Jamini Roy, Sailoz Mookherjea, Anjolie Ela Menon, Krishen Khanna among many others. The gallery today under the leadership of Mr. Uday Jain and his mother Mrs. Uma Jain is a forbearer of the fast growth of the Indian art market not only in India but globally as well. Under the banner of "Ravi Jain Memorial Trust" the gallery continues to promote art and artists including offering scholarships to the young and upcoming artists. Many of these young artists such as Hem Raj, G.R.Iranna, Somnath Singh, M.S.C.Satya Sai are today big names in the contemporary art world.