Who paints leaves? Isn't it a very easy job to paint leaves? In my opinion, only a person with deep philosophy can paint a minimal object. I think the more the simpler object, the greater the philosophy. Considering it, I think Shri Mirza, the artist, would have undergone a lot of philosophical difficulties and must have 'unlearned' what he has learned to reach here. The layers of colours in the background create a foundation for the leaves to create an impression on the viewer's mind. Though the real hero is the leaf but the actual work to enhance the hero is that of the supporting actor which here is the 'layered and tonal background'. The repetition of leaves gives me a sense of Japa, meditating with the artwork.

For me, the concept of ‘rural India’ plays a very important role in an artwork. It carries forward the rich legacy of our forefather's traditions and culture. Apart from being a great thinker, Ratilal Kansodaria is a very brave artist. The USP of the work is its 'subject' which we generally do not see these days. This work is a poetry of his love for the concept of coexistence between nature and men. In such concept-based works, execution ie. precision casting is the key. Right from the elements used to the anatomy of the figure is so real that it helps you to 'connect' with the emotion of the subject. Ony an experienced artist can create such subjects in lost wax casting techniques.

In this work, the first striking element is the use of ‘yellow’. You don't see many works that have such tones of yellow used in this proportion. The style of this work is a mix of conceptual and surrealism. Another interesting element to note here is the originality of the artist style. Everyone paints trees. But, what is important to note for an emerging artist is how to create your own ‘tree’. The same goes for faces. The value of this work is mainly because it is the ‘signature style’ of the artist. This work shows there is no need to fill in the canvas to convey your thoughts. By using only two elements ie. The face and tree, Shri Vasudev has conveyed his concept of ‘theatre of life’.

What is Shanta Samant, the creator of this sculpture capable of? The anatomy of the figure is not real, the shapes are exaggerated and there is hardly any expression on the face you can see still you 'connect' with this sculpture. That is what a champion sculptor is for me. Her execution of the subject is amazing. Sculptures like this are more of a pet. The more they stay around you the more they become part of your life. I am in love with this lady as it represents style, confidence, and class. The ‘attitude’ in her style and pose can seduce many men out there.

BTC is a show where the viewers/readers get to know about the functioning of the art market that takes place Behind The Canvas! When a collector buys an artwork he is not only buying someone’s extraordinaire skills but also emotions, ideology and or philosophy of someone who is deeply engrossed in a subject since a long time (in the case of senior artists) and a passionate person with a vision (in the case of emerging one’s). Let’s start with several questions which mostly all first-time buyers face: How are they priced? How would you know what the actual MRP is? How does the pricing of an artwork work in a primary market? How does one decide its pricing? On what basis will you know if we are buying at the right price? What is the process of valuation? How does an artwork is priced before it is exhibited on walls? Art like other products is seen as a commodity when it comes to the ‘market’. However, this commodity gives you soul experience and a visual delight. A commodity that enhances your life and adds a better living experience be it home or office!

A very close friend of mine kept saying ‘Chaitya, 2020 is the year!’ It will not only bring him a girlfriend and luck but happiness, parties, and tonnes of money in the stock exchange. Waiting for 2020 to come, we all were excited and wished what he said to come 'true'. By the time 2020 came, the world saw the worst of Australia fire bush and then the major pandemic Corona Virus which definitely did not bring my friend a girlfriend, but brought the risk of death over happiness, social distancing over parties and stock market crash alike 2008.

The overpowering cubist structure, strong rustic colours, and seamless bold lines prove that the artist Sunil Yadav is in complete command over his figure. The use of various shapes like circles, semi-circles, triangles, and cubes gives a character to this tribal-like looking figure. However, what makes it even more fascinating is how he has expressed himself and his figure through these intense lines using different tones. The structured face and body with overlapped layers of colours and strokes make you, the viewer understand how the artist can also convey his/her expressions and emotions in a different way. It is not always necessary to convey via facial expressions. The way he has placed the text in the background contributes to the narrative of the work.

Colours, composition and facial expressions are some of the key elements of figurative painting. But, here the artist Dipendra Pal has defined the figurative or portrait work with the use of fine, strong, sharp, thick, thin, straight, curvy, blur, wavy lines which holds its own character and depth. The minimal use of colours goes well with the subject. I liked the fact that he has played with two colours. It lets the viewer focus on the lines, the character of the portrait rather then get lost in the colours. The tones of black, dark and light, thick and thin substance create magic for the viewer. With these works, you do not feel to go in detailed about colours, composition and other technical aspects. You are like to relax, just ‘let me see it’. What a satisfying experience to just observe this kind of works at the end of the day.

When I see this painting, my mind starts reading things fast. Probably, because of its speedy lines, the overpowering black and carefree strokes. However, having so many thoughts in a few seconds it does not affect my mind to go crazy. The calm and soothing expressions of this figure handle the chaos in a viewer’s mind. This is what I like the most in this work whereby the artist Gurmeet Marwah has control over his figure and subject. He creates the controlled chaos in the viewer's mind directly conveying his subject of ‘Hear no evil’, one of the famous Gandhi thought. The heart in red tells you to be calm, hear good things, and make love and peace.

What is the first word that comes to your mind while looking at this work? Delicacy? From the use of colours, subject, figure to expression everything is cute. Not many paintings look cute. This work proves that not every painting needs to be bold or have strong colours to attract the viewer. What is important is how you portray your subject in order to convey your message. The tones of blue in the background and tones of red makes perfect harmony with the balanced use of watercolour technique. The emotion of this little innocent girl makes you feel for her. I would collect this work simply by going in for her facial expression. The figure does not look like a cartoonish character or a caricature and that is the strong point of the artist Neema Vaghela that she is able to retain its value of contemporary artwork.