Artist Manjunath Honnapura on the role of space in a frame

Art of Reconstruction is an ongoing solo exhibition showcasing the works of artist Manjunath Honnapura

In any composition, there is the aspect of positive and negative space, says artist Manjunath Honnapura. “I believe both are important. In all my recent works, the background space seems slightly blank, but that gives the main object prominence.”

The National Award winner is currently holding a solo exhibition of his work titled, Art of Reconstruction in Bengaluru, which showcases his most recent works. Crafted over the past one-and-a-half years, the nine works on display show a different side of the artist’s creativity.

“I enjoy exploring and experimenting with new material and not limiting myself to painting material — colours, paper and canvas. For this series, I made wooden box frames with a depth of 2.5 inches. I’ve also utilised blind embossing paper as well as metal rods and pins, bits of wood, and leaves and flowers,” says Manjunath.

For those not in the know, blind embossing creates a raised design on paper without the use of ink. For this process, two dies or engraving devices are created — one with a raised design and the other with a recessed design. Paper is pressed between both to create an embossed design on the front and debossed design on the back.

Pencil drawings and paper boats also make an appearance in his work. Manjunath admits that his agrarian background could be the reason trees are often visible in his work. “It is not intentional, but I believe I could be subconsciously making a statement.”

Sure enough, subtle colour and shading dominate most of the works in the series, while leaves and trees make an impression. Manjunath says he chooses to title some of his work, “to help viewers enter the conversation as to what the piece is all about.”

“In Art of Reconstruction, I have experimented with the concept of art. I enjoy placing two contrasting things together to see how they get along in the hope it inspires others to think differently too. I believe artists should raise possibilities for art to be seen in different ways.”