Ragamala: Indian Miniature Paintings

Within the Talbot Rice Gallery, under what appears to be the unjustified shadow of Anton Henning's exhibition Interieur No. 493, lies a modest realm of vivid beauty.

Within touching distance of Henning’s work and drawing in an endless stream of people, resides the dimly-lit Georgian gallery. It is almost empty, yet such silence stands in stark contrast to the music that lines the walls. The Ragamala paintings are symbolic interpretations of Indian music, commonly depicting scenes of love, separation and divine devotion. The exhibition presents a series of unique Indian miniature paintings, which at first glance struggle to hold the space they inhabit. However on further observation the incredible detail and intensity of colour transfix the viewer, thus what is in truth miniature becomes unrestricted in size.

The two sets of paintings, one from Jaipur the other from Hyderabad, add further depth to the exhibition. Whilst the Jaipur Ragamala beholds bold red frames and a vibrant palette, the Hyderabad Ragamala appears more delicate and subtle. What both sets have in common are the characteristic scenes that they convey: the combination of the divine figures, animals and the natural world within an aristocratic setting, epitomise the music and beauty they have come to represent. Where buildings feature they seem entwined with the natural landscape, as do the themes of love and separation which plague the hearts of some of the characters.

But amongst such misfortune there is an air of optimism that surrounds the exhibition, an atmosphere of peace and self-reflection, all of which add to the beauty of these truly unique pieces of art.