DOT School of Design had the honor of hosting the iconic personality, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Telangana, Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry, for the 50-day Art Show, ‘Irai Ivar Idam’ at DOT Art Gallery. The exhibit showcases the exquisite works of octogenarian legend, Mr. Manivelu. ‘Irai Ivar Idam’ is the juxtaposition of spiritual transcendence and arduous artistry. With every embellishment and minute detail of the gods & goddesses impeccably captured in the paintings, they offer the spectators the experience of visiting each of these holy places in person. The show was initially launched at the Manimandappam in Orikkai, Kanchipuram, during the period of Chaturmasya to be witnessed and blessed by his Holiness Shri Shri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamiji.
The magnificence of the four-decade-old temple paintings kept the observers revisiting the exhibit and earnestly suggesting the prolongation of the art show at Orikkai. Following which, the show that was planned for just three days at DOT was extended to a period of one month and later to fifty days owing to the success of the event and the many walk-ins it garnered.
Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan mentions how the minuscule details and the artist’s craftsmanship allowed her to behold the splendor of all these deities and receive their blessings all under one roof. Hailing from Kanyakumari, Dr. Tamilisai grew up with the influence of the rich heritage of Tamil Culture and Divinity. Her works have reflected her passion to proliferate Tamil archaeological theologies.
She shared her experience about visiting DOT School of Design and ‘Irai Ivar Idam’. She began by explaining how she had wanted to visit the Gallery immediately after reading about it in a Dinamalar Newspaper Article. Along with her adoration for the Legendary artist’s works, she also conveyed immense respect for the great visionary whose artisanal ability in capturing the Deities’ Divinity in the sanctum sanctorum. Her curiosity and admiration for the ornamentation of the deities at temples were instigated during the time she was a medical student at Thanjavur, the temple town of Tamil Nadu. She stressed how the 4 decade old paintings would serve as an initiation for a generation of students into the art of observing creative works with an eye for detail and the sensibility to appreciate it.
She wished good health and blessings to Shri Manivelu and thanked Dinamalar for introducing the Gallery to her. She congratulated the Chairperson of DOT School of Design Mr. AR R Raammnath for organizing the show and for making the works of the artist accessible to the people of Chennai.
The presence of the strong leader was a source of inspiration for the students of DOT School of Design. Her beguiling countenance and her powerful speech sparked concern on the preservation and conservation of the Tamil Heritage and Art.
With various renowned guests from all fields visiting DOT Art Gallery to observe the veteran’s works, the exhibit has now been extended till January 3rd 2022.
The surreal experience encapsulated by art mandates a space that can accommodate its effervescence. Hence, DOT Art Gallery, an initiative by DOT School of Design, was installed to provide a fluid space for the proliferation of art and art forms. DOT provides an opportunity for all independent artists, performance groups, art communities and creative event managers to use this space as DOT Art Gallery is now open and available to rent for your shows/events. Along with an open canvas to the time-honored visual exhibitions, the availability of an amphitheater, fully-equipped DOLBY atmos Audio Visual room, and a multipurpose hall offers the flexibility required to explore all forms of visual and performative art forms. To know more, email [email protected] or visit their website, https://www.dotsod.in/dot-art-gallery.
