Mournful Tune in Blue Hues

In the heart of New Delhi, the Art Gallery, Annexe of India International Centre, is currently hosting an exhibition that showcases the cyanotype works of artist Nova Bronstein Kak. Entitled "Memories in Blue and White: Cyanotype Redefined," this exhibition offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, beautifully combined in harmony.

Nova Bronstein Kak, an artist based in New York with strong ties to India, has created a series of abstract works that capture the essence of various cultural landscapes. Her intention was to mimic the "gesture" application of solution to paper, similar to Japanese calligraphy, resulting in washes of textile-like visual texture in her cyanotype works.

The exhibition features pieces that show differing perspectives of The Miradoura Sophia in Lisbon, Portugal, known for its blue and white painted tile murals, as well as a garden in Noida decorated with mehndi and a rakhi tied by a brother. Each piece is a unique expression, with the painterly gesture application leading to a one-of-a-kind exposure.

The cyanotype process, a type of alternative photography, was invented in 1842. It involves the transformation of two iron salts into a solution applied to paper or fabric, which turns greenish-grey upon exposure and reveals a vibrant Prussian blue print. The process has been reinterpreted and redefined by Nova Bronstein Kak in her current exhibition.

Throughout her career, Nova Bronstein Kak has exhibited in juried shows and was a resident artist and teacher at the Museum of Art and Design in New York. She has also worked commercially with leading American designers. This exhibition at the Jaipur Lit Fest is a testament to her artistic growth and her continued exploration of the cyanotype process.

Despite extensive online searches, no information was found regarding Nova Bronstein Kak's birthplace. However, her work speaks volumes about her connection with India, making this exhibition a must-visit for art enthusiasts and culture connoisseurs alike.