Artist Sheetal Gattani Explores The Layers Of Time, Memory And Light
Walk into Harvesting Light at Chemould Prescott Road and the room is meditative. Nothing shouts. Then you face a painting, and it lures you in, and the deeper you dig, the more you find: a riot. Her paintings keep their bruises. The wounds and tears do not scream, but sit quietly in the surface, like a body that has witnessed the onslaught of time. Most painters start with white paper or a white…
Upon entering the exhibition "Harvesting Light" at Chemould Prescott Road, the atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation. Each painting beckons the viewer in, revealing layers of meaning and emotion that gradually unfold. Gattani's works are distinct in their treatment of color, form, and texture. She does not start with a white canvas; instead, black consumed her for many years.
Through the meticulous process of layering, stripping, and rebuilding, she created a visual representation of the passage of time. Gattani's paintings are not merely flat surfaces, but rather bodies with depth and substance. Over time, the colors thicken and become almost indistinguishable from materials like leather or slate. The exhibition showcases the evolution of her work, from her earliest pieces dating back to 1991 to her more recent, large-scale sculptures.
The colors shift and change, revealing new hues and textures as one approaches the painting. Light plays a crucial role in the overall effect, not merely reflecting off the surface, but emanating from within the layers of color and texture. One painting in particular, titled "Harvesting Light" and measuring 3 feet by 9 feet, seems to radiate light itself.
The viewer cannot help but be drawn in by the painting's complex nature, inviting them to explore and uncover its hidden depths. The exhibition defies easy interpretation, as Gattani's work refuses to be reduced to a single narrative or symbol. Instead, it encourages the viewer to engage with the paintings on a deeply personal level, allowing their own responses and experiences to shape their perception of the art.
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