RONNI AHMMED�s �GODS AND BEASTS�

“Gods and Beast”, a solo exhibition of paintings, installations and video by Ronni Ahmmed began at the Bengal Art Lounge on September 12.

Renowned for his colourful depiction of imaginary worlds and fantastic creatures, Ronni Ahmmed has long been preoccupied with the mythical texts that serve as foundations to human civilizations.
“This time, my work is different. It is a new style for me… More devotional and very personal,” Ronni said at the inaugural of his show.

The works on show are the result of six months of creation, stemming from intense spiritual practice over the past two years, the artist explained.  
In a gallery space completely remodeled for the occasion, “Gods and Beasts” takes Ahmmed’s inquiry a step further. The exhibition addresses many of the great religious and spiritual beliefs that have crossed Bengal at one point or the other, in particular Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Sufism, while touching on Hellenistic heritage.

“All religions have the same root, Ronni shows that,” Italian Ambassador Mario Palma said, echoing the artist, while opening the show along with architect Shamsul Wares.
And the omnipresent snake is a leitmotif in many of the paintings, which use bold colours reminiscent of traditional Bengali art.

Devine beings live above, humans live on the surface, while beasts or demons live below ground, but sometimes, at some level, they all come together, the paintings seem to say.
 
The viewer is plunged into frenzied depictions of religious scenes _ Ganesha writing the Mahabharata, Lord Buddha attaining Nirvana, Christ hosting his last supper _ abstractly rendered in a mélange of colours and myths. Far from being an obstacle to accessing the superior meaning of these celebrated scenes, Ahmmed’s “cosmic comic” aesthetics lays it bare.

In a poignant video-work, the artist blends the mundane with images of war, famines and other of the worst man-made horrors. Taking on tragedy through the prism of the absurd, the video blurs any attempt of rational comprehension. It forces the viewer to delve into feelings, or intuitions, in a pursuit not dissimilar to the religious endeavor. “Gods and Beasts” browses through centuries of spiritual tradition with a fresh, new look. It takes the public into Ronni Ahmmed’s visions, which he has developed with an authentic devotional approach.

The exhibition will run Oct 17, and remain open from 12-8pm daily.

RONNI AHMMED�s �GODS AND BEASTS�

Gods and Beast, a solo exhibition of paintings, installations and video by Ronni Ahmmed began at the Bengal Art Lounge on September 12. Renowned for his colourful depiction of imaginary worlds and fantastic creatures, Ronni Ahmmed has long been preoccupied with the mythical texts that serve as foundations to human civilizations. This time, my work is different. It is a new style for me More devotional and very personal, Ronni said at the inaugural of his show. The works on show are the result of six months of creation, stemming from intense spiritual practice over the past two years, the artist explained. In a gallery space completely remodeled for the occasion, Gods and Beasts takes Ahmmeds inquiry a step further. The exhibition addresses many of the great religious and spiritual beliefs that have crossed Bengal at one point or the other, in particular Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Sufism, while touching on Hellenistic heritage. All religions have the same root, Ronni shows that, Italian Ambassador Mario Palma said, echoing the artist, while opening the show along with architect Shamsul Wares. And the omnipresent snake is a leitmotif in many of the paintings, which use bold colours reminiscent of traditional Bengali art. Devine beings live above, humans live on the surface, while beasts or demons live below ground, but sometimes, at some level, they all come together, the paintings seem to say. The viewer is plunged into frenzied depictions of religious scenes _ Ganesha writing the Mahabharata, Lord Buddha attaining Nirvana, Christ hosting his last supper _ abstractly rendered in a mlange of colours and myths. Far from being an obstacle to accessing the superior meaning of these celebrated scenes, Ahmmeds cosmic comic aesthetics lays it bare. In a poignant video-work, the artist blends the mundane with images of war, famines and other of the worst man-made horrors. Taking on tragedy through the prism of the absurd, the video blurs any attempt of rational comprehension. It forces the viewer to delve into feelings, or intuitions, in a pursuit not dissimilar to the religious endeavor. Gods and Beasts browses through centuries of spiritual tradition with a fresh, new look. It takes the public into Ronni Ahmmeds visions, which he has developed with an authentic devotional approach. The exhibition will run Oct 17, and remain open from 12-8pm daily.