It is a well known fact that sculptors draw differently, as they create volumes within the inner life of a drawing. This feeling is best seen in Jayanti Naik’s drawings of an acrobat with flowing lines; moving and creating strong semi-circular forms. While on another wall, his drawings have softer lyrical lines of human figures moving with a slow inner rhythm, almost reminiscent of the Bengal School of art.
In contrast, Naik’s drawings of cats are vigorous as they appear to bristle with anger, as they transform into Porcupines ready to shoot their thorny quills into the stark white format of the paper. These drawings based on innumerable subjects extend to his sketchbooks, which are also exhibited at Archer Art Gallery, which is the venue of his retrospective exhibition. His sketchbooks overflow with sensitive sketches, like the symbolic drawing of Mahatma Gandhi, portrayed with a stick and chappals.
In quite another context, his sculptures are rounded forms, languorously spread out on the floor. Yet, once in a while, he does use pedestals, when he feels it necessary; say for a portrait or a form which needs to be seen from a certain height.
Also, on view are his photographs, where he has documented traditional potters at the wheel, and also shows an eye for colour in his other works.
But, Jayanti Naik surprises the viewer with his brilliant ceramics, which have a certain feeling of the earth, as they have a touch of the artist’s hands…