Painting plight and PRIDE

An art exhibition named Haunting Cargoes’ revolving around the theme of truck, takes the spectators through the overpowering issues of social disparities, labour, and exploitation

- Sovan Kumar, artist

IN paintings craftfully curated with a lot of thought, objects like a truck becomes a symbol of resilience, inequality, and hope. Each stroke narrates a story: the spirit of Andhra Pradesh citizens during Amaravati's contentious capital change, the enduring scars of Jallianwala Bagh's bullet-riddled walls, the weighty aspirations tied to the new Parliament and Ram Mandir, and the jubilant streets of Chennai after the Super Kings' IPL triumph in 2021. For ceramic artist and Lalit Kala Akademi regional secretary Sovan Kumar, the answer lies in preserving fleeting moments of change. "I record what's happening today and turn it into art with a social message," he explains, his works freezing history on canvas while challenging societal norms.

His solo art show, 'Haunting Cargoes', not only tries to appeal to the eye in describing reality but goes one step further and provokes thoughts in individuals irrespective of their understanding of art. The exhibition encourages viewers to interact with the living world in ways by showcasing bold themes and provocative images.

Roads leading to canvas