Scapes of Reminiscence

(2001, 2018)

This expressionistic series of drawings in charcoal is autobiographical in as much as it captures the magic of Rekha’s childhood. In some sense, the works are self-portraits because she becomes a part of the imagery in the compositions. The drawings reflect Rekha’s early, nostalgic memories of her hometown Alwar in Rajasthan, which at that time was surrounded by pretty countryside full of lotus ponds that are still fresh in her memory. Elements of nature and architecture blend and merge in striking contrasts of black and white spaces defined by flowing lines depicting movement.

A human figure looking towards a hilly landscape with trees and a lotus pond in between — Scapes of Reminiscence 01; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Siblings close to a lotus pond surrounded by hills, trees and farmland — Scapes of Reminiscence 02; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Human figure entering the doorway of a rural home decorated with Rajasthani motifs or pictographs — Scapes of Reminiscence 03; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Abstract vertical drawing showing sunlight falling over trees and a pond — Scapes of Reminiscence 04; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Human figure holding a lotus, surrounded by hills, trees and a pond — Scapes of Reminiscence 05; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Human figure dressed in a saree, gazing from a pictograph studded wall towards a desert landscape — Scapes of Reminiscence 06; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Lotus, water and image of the Buddha inside a bold human form, symbolising inner peace — Scapes of Reminiscence 07; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Abstract, sylised landscape of a scrub forest with hills in Rajasthan — Scapes of Reminiscence 08; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Human figure under a mango tree, looking towards ruins of a fort — Scapes of Reminiscence 09; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Human couple in a hilly landscape with lotus pond and shrubs in the middle — Scapes of Reminiscence 10; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Abstract landscape composition depicting a dust storm with leaves falling over an engraved stone — Scapes of Reminiscence 11; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Abstract, stylised rendering of a forest with ponds, boulders and hills — Scapes of Reminiscence 12; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Human figure beside a pond in a scrub forest surrounded by hills — Scapes of Reminiscence 13; Charcoal on Paper; 8"x10.2"; 2001

Detailed composition featuring birds flying over hilly countryside full of buildings and foliage — Scapes of Reminiscence 14; Charcoal on Paper; 22"x30"; 2018

Detailed composition with birds flying over a rural landscape full of foliage and blooming flowers — Scapes of Reminiscence 15; Charcoal on Paper; 22"x30"; 2018