Harold Washington Library Center is hosting an art exhibit featuring the work of artist Sumathi Natarajan. Paintings and other art and artifacts from Natarajan’s collection will be on display through August 31 on the 3rd floor of Harold Washington Library Center.
Artist Statement
I have always been fascinated by the cultural traditions of the India, having spent most of my childhood out of the country. Through the medium of visual art, I seek to understand more about the cultural heritage of India.
I have worked on Madhubani and Warli art forms in the past, and I am presently focused on creating art based on the classical music and dance forms of India. This exhibit is only the tip of the iceberg, as Indian classical music and dance is an ocean. A lifetime can be spent in fully understanding the different styles of Indian classical music, with its intricate combination of melodies (ragas) and rhythm (talas) and Indian classical dance with its art of expression (abhinayas).
The roots of Indian classical music can be found in ancient Indian scriptures of the Vedic period. This form of music can be broadly categorized into two schools—the Carnatic music tradition and the Hindustani music tradition. Carnatic music is prevalent in the southern states of India, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Hindustani music is predominant in the northern states of India. I am particularly fascinated by the Carnatic music art form of South India and, through this exhibition, I would like to bring out some of the features of this style of classical music.
The origins of Indian classical dance can be traced to Natyashastra. There are many styles of Indian classical dance—Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kathakali & Mohiniattam from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andra Pradesh, Odissi from Orissa, Kathak from the northern states of India, Manipuri from Manipur and Satrriya from Assam. I am particularly interested in the Bharatanatyam style of Indian classical dance, which is popular in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Through this art exhibition, I would like to shed light on Indian classical music and dance to art enthusiasts around the world.
