This art trail leads to nature

AHMEDABAD: Walking on the narrow, winding, muddy pathway that cuts through the foliage at L M Pharmacy College grounds, you are met with a massive 'interruption' at the clearing; only it fits in perfectly with its surroundings. 'Flow', an installation by Sarika Mehta and Neha Lavingia, set up amid the wilderness allows viewers - whether in the soft morning light or at dusk - to forget about their daily routine life.If only for a few moments, the viewers become a part of the natural environment.
Elements like water, stones, leaves, birds, veils and algae have been created on an extensive sheet of cotton cloth supported by bamboo poles using a variety of media like fabric colours, charcoals, dry pastels and even pieces of cloth.
Strategic slits in the sheets allow sunlight to stream through, forming playful shadows in the mud, and letting viewers steal a glimpse of the greenery that lies beyond.
This is Mehta and Lavingia's first combined work. While Mehta's work is usually an exploration of ideas of movement, motion and space, Lavingia's works are precise, suggestive and brief. Mehta is used to working on large canvases, having been trained in printmaking. Lavingia, on the other hand, paints on smaller surfaces, with attention to minute details.
"People are always distracted by so many things: work, school, life, and they rarely get a chance to appreciate nature in all its beauty. This is why we've focused on various natural elements," said Mehta.
"Because the exhibition is outdoors and not in a gallery, viewers get a chance to be one with nature and get a sense of peace and contentment," said Lavingia. The installation is on display till Tuesday 8 pm.