Something kitschy!
Political satire and commentary is becoming rather rare in the art world with few artists like Ved Gupta taking up the cudgels against the political system, otherwise relegating the political to either news or cartoons. Younger artists prefer to take the abstract and experimental route where songs of discontent and anti-establishment agenda need to be excavated.
Rajendra Kapse is one young artist who uses elements of generic caricature in his art to comment on the political aspects in a show Funtalekchul presented by Art Konsult.
His critique of the system is overt, as is his disillusionment with the contemporary leadership and society. In one of the works, Kapse has repeated the image of Gandhiji — Gandhian monkey/ Common Man, holding an open book, in various postures accompanied by expressions of perplexity, non-comprehension, boredom, ridicule and disparagement.
The erosion of Gandhian values in particular, and the lack of ideological commitment in general is reiterated in his paintings. The suggestion could be to a more specific political event/movement such as the Lokpal Bill headed by Anna Hazare or more general lack of interest in society in general towards political issues. Talking Heads are a repetitive motif, perhaps pointing towards the various ‘experts’ and spokespersons who appear in the media to ‘enlighten’ and confuse the public.
Almost all of his works carry comment and content with satire, pun and questions, in context of human emotion, sentiments and feelings. It could be through an image of men with umbrellas trying to look up Marilyn Monroe’s flying skirt, with all the voyeurism, lechery and phallic symbolism built into it.
In works such as these the artist uses and questions kitsch art and its elements, thus the imagery of his works juxtaposes of high and kitsch/pop art.
The treatment and colouring are skillful and there is an attempt to evolve a unique style. The paintings suggest the superficial, where all depth is in the surface itself, perhaps because such is the thematic of the show.
— Dr Seema Bawa is an art historian, curator and critic
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