memories of benares at jehangir art gallery

Upendra Nayak returns to the Jehangir Art Gallery after three and a half decades with his oil on canvas series titled, “Memories of Benares”.

Son of the celebrated impressionist painter, the late S U Nayak, Upendra and his trusted Rolliflex accompanied the senior Mr. Nayak in the 60s and 70s capturing the spirit of the ghats from dusk to dawn. A lot has changed since then but the memories of Benares that were etched in Upendra´s mind have now emerged in a riot of colours on canvas. His series is a mix of impressionist views of the ghats to edgier and deconstructed scenes that border somewhere between expressionist and abstract. Placid. Mysterious. Poignant are perhaps a few of the many words that could flit by in the minds of viewers. The colours reflect warmth that defines the ancient city. The vivid strokes of the knife that create myriad depths on canvas soothe the eyes and minds of both the pilgrim and the adventurer.