A two-day group exhibition brings together 60 artworks that are a creative response to the 13th century mystic poet’s verses
Artworks by Sonam Gupta
We've all sought refuge in Rumi’s words at least once, even if we’re not poetry-lovers. For instance, the verses of the 13th century Sufi mystic poet have confronted this writer in myriad ways that go beyond the book: on the back of Mumbai’s kaali-peelis, on coffee mugs in airport gift shops, and of course, in routine WhatsApp forwards — always making her pause, ponder and hope for the better. So, we’re intrigued when we hear that 20 artists are interpreting the philosopher’s words on the canvas at an upcoming exhibition titled Postcards from Rumi.
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The exhibition is curated by sisters Bindal and Payal Shah, who run Artezvous, a platform which brings artists together for theme-based art shows. The idea, Bindal shares, is to lend upcoming artists a platform, as they often don’t have the capacity to hold solo shows, and create an encouraging community.
Artworks by Uttara Joshi for the show
For the upcoming group exhibition at a Breach Candy gallery, the curators have sought Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī for inspiration. The artists were asked to imagine, what if Rumi could communicate with them and write them postcards? How would they respond? “We felt that Rumi’s philosophy is so universal, it applies to most people in their everyday lives even though he is a 13th century poet,” reasons Bindal.
Artworks by Rashmi Pote for the show
The artists were free to interpret the theme however they liked. What emerged was a curation of 60 artworks — some literal reinterpretations of the mystic poet’s verses, some abstract re-imaginations. Artist Uttara Joshi, for instance, has explored the line, “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go”, through the metaphor of motherhood. Her three-part series, titled A Full Heart, is a reflection of her personal struggle. “I’m at that juncture in life where my children have grown up and my nest is going to empty out soon. I’m grappling with a lot of feelings — from being a nurturer to becoming a mere spectator in their lives. Drawing inspiration from Rumi’s works, and translating that on paper was therapeutic for me,” reveals the artist.
Bindal and Payal Shah
Bindal shares that the two-day exhibition has been in the works since 2020, and they hope that artists and art-lovers can get back to exchanging ideas and energies once again. “It’s been a difficult time for artists. And we’re keeping our fingers crossed that this goes well for them,” she signs off.
On April 2 and 3, 11 am to 7 pm
At Cymroza Art Gallery, Breach Candy.
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