Strokes of nature

A solo exhibition titled ‘Bark’ by Kerala-based artist AM Joy is on display at Icon Art Gallery.

The landscape paintings in the art show are about the beauty of trees Sharing about his work the artist says, “I've been painting pretty intensely since 24 years now. My theme for my paintings is barks of trees. Bark enhances the beauty of the tree when it becomes old.”

Explaining about his style he says “I used acrylic on canvas and also used a knife to shade the colours. I used oil and watercolours. I did not use brushes to paint.”

“Most of my paintings present different aspects. I have invented a new technique in texture and no one has used this kind of technique till now. I’m exhibiting my works first time in Hyderabad.

I have done many solo shows across India. My next exhibition is in Mumbai and later in New Delhi. I will introduce my new texture techniques in these cities also,” he added.

Joy states that he used to think about barks since childhood and used to admire the beauty of various barks. “A bark can be used to make a wooden toy, see-saw or anything.

In Kerala, many children play with the toys made with barks. When a tree’s root becomes old and starts falling, people think that it has become useless. But even after that also beauty lies in it.

Culture could teach us many things. One lesson we should learn is to live in our environment without destroying it. And as an artist I try to communicate this message through my paintings," he said.

What: BARK art exhibition
Where: Icon Art Gallery, Road No 12, Banjara Hills
When: Until January 31 between 11.30 am and 7 pm