Gīta Hudson: An Abstractionist with a Red-Hot Palette ——- M.D. Muthukumaraswamy

 Gīta Hudson: An Abstractionist with a Red-Hot Palette

——-

M.D. Muthukumaraswamy

——

At the inauguration of Gīta Hudson's exhibition today January 25, 2025 , I had the pleasure of speaking about her work and highlighting the unique aspects of her artistic vision. This write-up is the written version of my spontaneous speech.

Gīta stands as a prominent abstract colourist, sharing the legacy with acclaimed artists like Achutan Kudalur and Athiveerapandian. Her bold use of colour, particularly her fascination with red, sets her apart. Much like Robert Burns's poem "My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose" transformed the perception of red from violence to passion, Gīta reclaims this vibrant hue, infusing it with energy and vibrancy while retaining its significance in the pointed direction of war, lust, blood, and violence. 

Gīta's artistic promiscuity is evident in her seamless blend of abstract and figurative elements. She fearlessly juxtaposes seemingly disparate forms, much like the unexpected turns of phrase in modernist poetry. Ancient temple towers and adorned feminine figures emerge from abstract fields, surprising and captivating the viewer. This interplay between representation and abstraction is a defining characteristic of her work, as seen in the two circular paintings described. In one, a bird takes flight amidst a chaotic yet strangely harmonious blend of textures and muted tones, while in the other, a serene, almost meditative figure emerges from a similar abstract ground. These works explore the duality of chaos and calm, the known and the unknown, inviting contemplation on the cyclical nature of existence and the interplay between human identity and the natural world. It's worth noting that Gīta's exploration of the circular canvas format owes a debt to the influential artist Douglas, whose work has clearly inspired her in this regard.

Further demonstrating her artistic versatility, Gīta incorporates mixed media into her creations, adding a postmodern dimension to her work. The use of discarded DVDs of "Gone with the Wind'" is particularly striking. These discs, bearing iconic images from the film, are embedded in a vibrant abstract field, creating a dialogue between classic cinema and contemporary art. The addition of a mirror amidst the paintings, reflecting the viewer's image alongside the shimmering DVDs, adds another layer of complexity. The paintings seem to gaze back at the observer, prompting reflection on the act of perception and the nature of art itself.

Gīta's command of colour and composition is evident throughout her work. Whether exploring the duality of fire in a predominantly red and black abstract piece, or capturing the energy of a sun-drenched landscape in a vibrant explosion of warm hues, she demonstrates a confident and expressive approach.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the exhibition is the inclusion of Sujatha Shankar's inconspicuous notes alongside Gīta's own annotations displayed with the paintings. These whispered secrets, tucked away amongst the artworks, create a sense of intimacy and invite the viewer to delve deeper into the artists' creative processes. This subtle interplay between the visual and the written word adds a unique dimension to the exhibition, making it secretly accentuated and rewarding for those who take the time to explore its hidden depths.

Gīta Hudson is a bold and innovative artist who challenges conventional boundaries. Her exploration of colour, particularly her use of red, her fearless blending of abstraction and figuration, and her incorporation of mixed media all contribute to a dynamic and thought-provoking body of work. Gīta's art invites viewers to engage with its energy, symbolism, and the complex interplay between form, colour, and meaning.