Siddharth Shingade’s trees whisper of a rustic life

Ephemeral Homelands, a solo show by Mumbai-based artist Siddharth Shingade is currently underway in the city

While most artists have a signature style, they also evolve and grow in their manner of expression. Well, it is expected of them, to say the least. Patrons of artist Siddharth Shingade will be glad to see his prowess unfold in his latest exhibition, Ephemeral Homelands, currently on display in the city.

In the two years since his last solo show in Bengaluru, Siddharth still enamoured by the rustic beauty of village life, has attempted to capture its details in a series of brilliantly-hued miniatures. Known for his big, bold canvases crafted around earth tones, the miniatures come as more than a pleasant surprise.

“I drew these from memory, following a visit to the village, where I’ve always found life to be rich in detail,” says Siddharth, adding how he discovered joy in simple things. And this fascination reveals itself in the traditional nose ring, detailing on door panels and water pots, bullock carts and mortars — a nod to a way of life most of us are familiar with in a fictional manner of speaking — now present in his canvases.

“The lady is a figure of prime importance in my work and are featured either through their figures, faces or form. I have observed that in pastoral and agrarian communities, they do not enjoy a sense of liberty or individuality. In some of my works, I have purposely not given them lips — to show suppression, lack of freedom and of self expression. I hope my art highlights their culture and lifestyle,” says Siddharth.

Ephemeral Homelands is sectioned into Village Life Miniatures and the Door Series, in which everyday scenes are framed against an entrance. At the gallery, the riches of rural life detailing in the miniatures versus the big, bold canvases of the landscape accentuate the artist’s oeuvre.

Siddharth has a distinctive style with which he captures trees; silent sentinels to the goings on below — whether of sorrow or celebration. “In this series, I have tried to imbue trees with human emotions and gestures such as joy, growth and serenity. Trees are an integral part of my childhood memories, rural life and have an important part in Hindu mythology,” says the artist, reminding me about the Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Another highlight of the show, or perhaps the most significant one, is the presence of a colourful turtle sporting vivid scenes on its shell. Crafted out of fibreglass and acrylic, the piece titled Worship, is undoubtedly an eyecatcher.