Curatorial Statement
Welcome esteemed guests to the Premaḥ Exhibition, a captivating exploration of love in its multifaceted forms within the profound context of Sanatana Dharma, widely known as Hinduism. This exhibition endeavors to shed light on the profound significance of प्रेमः (Premaḥ), a Sanskrit term denoting love, as an integral aspect of the spiritual quest for enlightenment. By examining various expressions of love such as compassion, respect, devotion, and personal relationships, Hinduism imparts the wisdom that nurturing love leads to the purification of the heart and mind, spiritual liberation, and ultimately, union with the divine.
In the realm of Sanatana Dharma, love permeates every facet of existence, serving as an invaluable guiding force on the transformative journey towards enlightenment. Love is not confined to a rigid definition; rather, it manifests itself in diverse and awe-inspiring forms. Hindu scriptures beautifully outline and recognize several expressions of love that hold great significance. These include Bhakti, epitomizing the unwavering devotion of Lord Hanuman towards Shri Ram; Maitri, showcasing the mutual respect and friendship shared between Arjuna and Shri Krishna; Karuna, embodying the profound compassion and empathy extended towards all living beings; Kama, encompassing the pursuit of pleasure and harmony that aligns the senses, mind, and soul; Shringara, exuding the poetic and enchanting love depicted in the divine bond between Radha and Krishna; and finally, Premaḥ, representing the selfless and pure love exemplified by the eternal union of Shiva and Shakti.
The Premaḥ Exhibition extends a warm invitation to each of you to immerse yourselves in the profound depths of love's transformative power and its extraordinary potential to shape our lives and the world in which we reside. As you navigate this exhibition, you will encounter artworks that skillfully capture the essence of love, reflecting its diverse expressions and its paramount importance across cultures and generations.
Presented by the esteemed OCAD Hindu Student Council, this exhibition not only stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Hinduism but also serves as a platform for fostering dialogue, understanding, and profound appreciation for the values it embodies. In conjunction with the showcased artworks, we are delighted to offer a series of events, initiatives, and activities designed to engage and involve our esteemed audience, providing an immersive experience that celebrates the cherished values of love, compassion, and devotion.
We invite you to partake in this momentous celebration of love, as together, we embark on a captivating journey that encapsulates the transformative power of love and its capacity to shape not only our individual lives but also the world that surrounds us.
Curatorial Overview
Khushi Jetley, a passionate curator, embarked on a creative journey to curate an exceptional juried art show that she aptly named "Premah." This unique exhibition featured a carefully selected group of 15 extraordinarily talented visual and literary artists, each exploring the profound theme of love in their own distinctive ways. "Premah" was a captivating convergence of diverse artistic voices, each contributing to a multifaceted exploration of this universal and timeless emotion.
Khushi Jetley's curation aimed to transcend boundaries and span various forms of artistic expression. The selected artists, both visual and literary, were carefully chosen through a meticulous juried process. This process ensured that the works on display were not only of high artistic merit but also genuinely reflective of the theme of love in its myriad forms, from the romantic to the familial, platonic to self-love, and everything in between.
The art show was a platform for artists to delve deep into the intricacies of love, allowing them to express their perspectives, emotions, and experiences through their chosen medium. It provided an opportunity for the audience to engage with the profound and sometimes elusive aspects of this powerful emotion, offering moments of reflection and introspection.
In addition to the curated exhibition, Khushi Jetley organized an open mic night, providing an even broader space for creative expression. This open mic event invited artists and audience members to share their own interpretations of love through spoken word, music, or other live performances. It added an interactive and dynamic dimension to the "Premah" experience, further underscoring the universality and versatility of the theme.
"Premah: A Celebration of Love" served as a testament to the curator's dedication and the artists' passion for their craft. It provided a canvas for these creative minds to explore and celebrate the complexities and beauty of love, while also fostering a sense of community and shared experience. The exhibition and the open mic night, curated by Khushi Jetley, enriched the artistic landscape by encouraging dialogue and engagement with a theme that has been a perennial source of inspiration for artists throughout history.