‘Reverberations of the Past’: Ruchi Atreya’s Solo Art Exhibition Opens in Chennai

Chennai: The Lalit Kala Akademi, Regional Centre Chennai, on March 18, Tuesday, hosted the inauguration of a captivating solo art exhibition titled ‘Reverberations of the Past’,. The exhibition will remain open to the public until the evening of March 23, showcasing a unique collection of paintings inspired by India’s prehistoric rock art. The artist, Mrs Ruchi Atreya (also known as Ruchi Thakkar), is a PhD scholar in Art and Design, studying the aesthetics and design principles of rock art.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan NalliKuppuswamiChetti, the renowned industrialist and philanthropist. The event drew the presence of prominent artists, art historians, and enthusiasts from Tamil Nadu and beyond, adding grandeur to the occasion.In addition,several senior military officials were also present and more are expected to visit the exhibition during its six-day run, acknowledging the artist’s connection to a military family background, she being married to a serving army officer.

The exhibition presents an extraordinary blend of texture with mixed media, offering an immersive and realistic portrayal of ancient rock art. The paintings feature layered textures that resemble the raw, weathered surfaces seen in prehistoric Indian rock paintings. Artist and researcher Ms. Ruchi Atreya has meticulously crafted these pieces, drawing inspiration from her extensive field explorations conducted during her ongoing PhD research. Her research delves into the artistic expressions of early hunter-gatherer societies, exploring the symbolic and aesthetic significance of prehistoric rock art — a form of expression once overlooked as mere markings until the early 20th century.

A notable feature of the exhibition is the special ‘Nava Rasa’ series, which portrays the nine fundamental human emotions through traditional colour associations. This series creatively merges prehistoric artistic elements with contemporary interpretations, illustrating the timeless nature of emotional expression across cultures and eras.

Ms. Atreya’s deep connection to her art stems from her roots and upbringing in the scenic Satpura mountains, where she grew up surrounded by nature and ancient rock shelters. This environment deeply influenced her artistic journey and fuelled her passion for exploring prehistoric art forms. Her work invites viewers to embark on a visual journey through time, appreciating India’s earliest artistic expressions in a modern format.

The exhibition has drawn considerable interest from art lovers, historians, and cultural enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of history and contemporary artistic expression. Visitors are encouraged to explore this remarkable showcase, which provides insights into India’s rich artistic heritage through a contemporary lens.