99.9 % of Human DNA is Identical: Gurpran Rau Delivers a Powerful Message Through Her Art Using an Unusual and Complex Medium

June 23, 2008 - Press Dispensary - Preview at Shades and Wood Gallery, W8, on July 9 2008 at 6 pm, showing until July 30, 2008.

Kensington’s Shades and Wood Gallery (http://shadesandwood.co.uk ) announces its next show, ‘Melt-Fuse-Melt’, featuring the works of Gurpran Rau, an Indian-born, America-based artist, who has made her reputation by the powerful concept and message in her works. In a world where we tend to focus on our differences, Rau emphasises that there is no gene for race and, in fact, all human DNA is 99.9% identical; the belief systems we have built around race are based on myth, not science.

Rau explores the genetic blueprint of humanity, reflecting in her works the shared genetic inheritance, symbolising the interconnectedness of all beings. Rau employs the alchemy of encaustic (to burn in) in a repetitive process, which involves the melting and fusing of wax with pigment, images and metal on maple panel. Her imagery grows from hidden codes and archetypal forms manipulating colorless encaustic medium to form irregularities and imperfections conveying the impression of human skin and binding membranes.

‘Melt- Fuse- Melt’ serves as the perfect physical and metaphorical intersection of both the process and the concept embedded within Rau’s works, literally fusing together her medium with her message.

Rau is also fascinated by the structures, patterns and repetition found in nature – they mirror the mapping and coding of invisible information stored within our bodies. Her art embodies the complex structures and histories that lie beneath the surface.

Gurpran Rau will be inaugurating the preview and this will be a rare opportunity to meet the artist.

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About Shades and Wood Gallery
Shades and Wood Gallery specialises in Indian contemporary art. From masters like M F Hussein to emerging artists, the gallery can locate whatever art is desired. Collectors are invited to contact the consultancy arm for help in starting, building or diversifying a collection

About Gurpran:
Gurpran Rau was born in India and graduated from the New Delhi Polytechnic. Later she moved to France where she studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts and the Sorbonne in Paris. She received an M.A. in Fine Arts from Purdue University in 2004. Widely collected around the world, Gurpran’s work has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the US and Europe. In 2007 she was invited to participate in the Florence Biennale. The Florence Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition held in the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy. In collaboration with the United Nations, the Biennale is an official participant in the “Dialogue Among Civilizations” program and consists of a renowned International jury.'

To interview the curator and artist or for further information, please contact:
Khozema Patanwala, curator, Shades and Wood Art Gallery
Tel: 02079381852 / 07863382118
Email:
Site: www.shadesandwood.co.uk