Traditional Kitsch

Damini Purkayastha tradition kitsch

He punctuates his speech with profanities and revels in haggling with shopkeepers because itsî contact through numbersî. Meet 26 year old Andrew Mez, a globe trotting artist whose canvas is fabric. Mez has been in India since December and everything he has learnt since is now on works of art. But before we tell you what to expect from his latest exhibition Mister Manic, here’s a little background

Born in the U.S. Mez learnt Fine Art from Glasgow School of Art in Scotland after which he decided to travel the world and experience new art. In 2006 the Art Council of Mongolia offered him a chance to travel with Mongolian nomads- an experience Mez recounts with glee. Last year he found himself in Ghana painting an elementary school with glow paint, ì I thought to myself, what is the weirdest , coolest thing I can do in a country that has almost no electricity and I thought, why not a building that glows in the dark.î And how did the people react? ìAT first I had to convince them that it was art and not ‘juju’ witchcraft or black magic,î he says.

His travels in India were courtesy a fellowship from global Arts to study traditional natural dyes. This led him to different parts of the country, where he learnt about dying techniques like leharias, indigo dying and block printing. ìI could go on and on about what I learnt. I felt like a kindergarten kid learning from 7th generation masters.î Mez found a deep affinity for Mughal art, says, ì I’ve grabbed from Mughal miniature art, architecture, but also from newspapers and stories of war and soldiers on the battlefield.î

His works are priced in Rs 1 lakh in India but he changes his prices depending on the venue. ìI cant sell anything for a lakh in Mongolia now can I? If I like someone I want them to be able to have my art, I rather it went to a good home.î

His exhibition Mister Manic is on 294/2 Dhanimill Road, Chattarpur Road tll May 15