Kensington’s Shades & Wood Art Gallery Announces Forthcoming Exhibition in the 2007 series, 'Real is the Shadow'

Artist Tirthankar Biswas launches his UK Debut Exhibition on 28 September

September 13, 2007 - Press Dispensary - The forthcoming exhibition from the Shades & Wood Art Gallery of Kensington, London, will showcase the work of upcoming Indian artist, Tirthankar Biswas. As part of the gallery's 'Real is the Shadow' series, the UK debut exhibition by Mr Tirthankar reveals works in which he deviates from the realism of the subject and concentrates on the shadow instead. The exhibition opens on 28 September, 2007, and coincides with the 'India Now' celebrations.

Khozema Patanwala of the Shades & Wood Art Gallery says: "Motion is at the heart of every painting by Tirthankar Biswas. He finds joy in the kinetic life. As he sat one day watching a shadow on the wall, it unhinged in his mind, opening a Pandora’s box of possibilities, spiritual as much as aesthetic, as he meditated over the reality of that unreal form. All of a sudden, he seized a tube of paint and got swinging with the nozzle held to a paper. When he took a break to look at the dots and lines, the artist found they'd acquired a life of their own."

Mr Patanwala adds: "Tirthankar’s signature style is of representing everyday real subjects as moving unreal shadows - be they a warrier with a blur that shields his armour and sword, a couple on a seashore - the epitome of calm - or a palm leaf bugle."

Tirthankar Biswas says: “I'm prompted by the white paper, not a desire to comment or critique. However, being social creatures, our deepest thoughts, dreams and fears are related to ourselves, our neighbours, friends and enemies. So, when they've shaped up, my images are shadows of a rustic from the hinterland of India migrating to the nearest city. Or Yashoda Maiya caressing Balgopal, the eternal image of motherhood reflected in the popularity of every madonna."

The 'Real is the Shadow' exhibition will be held at the Shades and Wood Art Gallery at 77 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BG. The private viewing will be on Friday 28 September from 6.00pm to 9.00pm and the exhibition will continue to 16 October; Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 6.30pm.

- Ends -

The recently opened Shades and Wood Art Gallery helps emerging artists launch an international career. The curator, Mr Khozema Patanwala, spends a considerable amount of time in India searching for artists with the right works and ambitions.

* Interviews with Tirthankar Biswas are available by arrangement.

For further information, please contact:
Khozema Patanwala, curator, Shades and Wood Art Gallery
Tel: 02079381852 Email:
Site: www.shadesandwood.co.uk