Topos of Imagination with Mrinmoy Debbarma, Purnna Behera and Swayamprabha Parida at Kalakriti Art Gallery

Talk & Video Presentation with Open house to meet and interact with Mrinmoy Debbarma, Puma Behera & Swayamprabha Parida, Kalakriti Residency Artists on Friday 3rd July 2015 at 6pm, with exhibition of their artworks titled “Topos of Imagination” on display till 26th July 2015 from 11am to 7pm.

“Topos”, a traditional theme or motif whereas the literal meaning of imagination is the ability to form new images and sensations in the mind that are not perceived through senses such as sight, hearing, or other senses. Therefore this title “Topos of Imagination” has been selected for these artists as their works are completely based on imagination, whether real or unreal.

Mrinmoy Debbarma belongs to Tripura one of the seven states popularly known as seven sisters and one among many states which has been ravaged by violence. His recent works are towards a political approach, the act of violence is the central theme of his work. In today’s urban society we are often threatened of instability and violence, through representing the world of comics, he wants to visualize the impulse of violence in a way proliferated and enjoyed by people across the world. Fantasy is not the aim of his paintings but it is through the language of fantasy he expresses his realization of violence in a new context. He uses Disney characters like “Tom & Jerry” as a metaphor to question the act of violence.

Whereas Purnna Behera’s work is on Migration, and how the society is migrating. He feels this change in place has made a big difference on him, by adjusting to the environment and people etc. and to the different culture. He therefore talks about this in his works as to how a common man not only rishawvalas and helpers leave their village side and come to the city to earn a living.

On the other hand, Swayamprabha Parida’s concepts revolve around Women Empowerment; her recent works are an ode to the same. The society we live in is a male dominated society, and women are always restricted to various activities. Her aim is to encourage female voice.

The flower motif, which is prominent in her works, proves happiness and positive energy to her.

Mrinmoy Debbarma, born in 1982, Obtained his BFA in Painting, from Kala Bhavana,Visva Bharat University, Santiniketan, India in 2006, followed with his MFA in Painting from Kala Bhavana.VisvaBharati University, Santiniketan, India in 2008.

He has done one year Erasmus course from Ecolesuperieure Das Beaux-Arts, France in 2008-2009. In 2009 he won the prestigious French embassy and the Krishnakriti residency fellowship award. In 2006 he won the 49th National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi India, and has participated in many group shows from 2006 to present.

Purnna Behera, born in 1982, obtained his BFA (Painting) from B. K. College of Art & Crafts, Bhubaneswar, Orissa followed by a MFA (Painting) from B.K. College of Art & Crafts, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. He has achieved awards from 2000-2004, participated in many group shows from 2001 to present across the country, and also showcased his solo works at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi in 2010.
Swayamprabha, born in 1987, obtained her BFA (Painting) from B.K College of Art & Crafts, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Her works have been featured in several exhibitions, and has participated in few national camps.