Museum of Unknown Memories
[DELHI ]

Premjish Achari

Two significant events of the 1980s form an important memory in Manish Pushkale’s life and his artistic trajectory. The 1982 foundation of Bharat Bhavan and the 1984 tragic Bhopal Gas Tragedy has presented him with two contrasting images of life and death which has stayed on with him throughout his journey in understanding the complexities behind human societies. The equation of Manish’s works with a palimpsest by Yashodara Dalmia has been justified when one encounters Manish’s perceptions towards these events and, moreover, his views on art, life, history, literature and Indian aesthetics. Manish’s works are a testimony of this sophisticated engagement with the world.

Formally, the layers of colours constituting his paintings are akin to the palimpsest Dalmia is referring to. Manish embodies that multi -layered spirit. It is reflective in his works and thoughts. Manish is one of those rare artists in the contemporary scene who has not isolated the practice of art from its socio-poltical context, but also consciously indulges in the language of aesthetics. Manish’s extensive reading on literature and Indian aesthetics is unparalleled, his insightful remarks on the events, history, the function of museums makes him stand out as an important artist intellectual of our time. His latest exhibition at Aakar Prakar titled ‘Museum of Unknown Memories’ is an extension of his unconventional engagement with museums and memories. It’s an artistic tribute outside the mainstream ideas on history, tradition and memories.