In a world of complexity, simple ideas are hard to grasp. So we tell you now itself to make considerable time for Ranjani Shettar's ongoing/recent exhibition at Talwar Gallery - New Delhi. Born and raised in the beautiful country side of Karnataka, Shettar is inspired by nature, and in 'Between Sky and Earth,' presents works that are simple yet complex as nature itself. She plays with material and its perception making something as rigid as rosewood appear fluid and malleable like clay. The highlight of the exhibition in the main viewing room of the gallery best exemplifies this. Suspended in mid-air like falling leaves on an autumn day, the 6 installed pieces of 'Between Sky and Earth' are devoid of the heaviness one associates teak wood. Or the floral motifs of 'Stone Blooms' akin to moss on walls, but made from a complex mix of pomegranate skin, muslin cloth, tamarind paste, and lacquer. 'Tendu' the walnut wood installation replicating the double helix of DNA hints at the importance of medium and form which often are overshadowed by theme and subject matter. How Shettar fashions a perfect curve into the tough material is a wonder. The exhibition continues downstairs with installations that from afar look like rocks in the middle of a calm sea. Take a closer look and the teak wood blocks are covered in orange lacquer like wild mushrooms growing from tree stumps. Many would write this off as complicating a simple procedure, but in this very point of criticism lies its beauty - of making something laborious appear simple to the beholder. It could easily slip your attention which is why a second look is necessary, a glance at the title card, a change in view, another look, maybe another.
-Stephanie Samuel