Art in the city: Living it up...
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance, said Aristotle. And pursuing this journey is Sanjay Dhawan. An engineer by qualification, Dhawan had two false starts — choosing a job over art each time to make ends meet. Finally on the third attempt, he took the final plunge!
About 10 years on of this unconventional move, Dhawan has a score of exhibitions to his credit; some solo, others group. Currently, he is exhibiting Metamorphosis at Art Gallery, Alliance Francaise-36, Chandigarh. As many as 25 art pieces adorn the wall, two sculptures take the prime spot as Dhawan mingles with guests at the opening on Monday. Welcoming walk-ins was his wife, whom the artist credits for the dream he was living.
“I loved art from childhood and this is all I have ever wanted to do,” shared Dhawan. He candidly talked of his journey. “It’s my family that supported me through it all.” Having tried it twice, on his third chance he resolved not to get another job. “It’s not easy to live as an artist. But I have chosen this road, for good now.”
His pieces on display were made of cardboard. While some were regular cut and paste job, others were furbished with POP and chiselled. One of the series was called Reminiscence, which he claimed reshaped him as a person. “My journey to find answers and an understanding of human existence became the inspiration behind my creations.” His works carry his experiences of life, but he is open to interpretation by the viewers!
(On at Alliance Francaise-36, till November 30)
