Puducherry, India – Art enthusiasts in Puducherry are in for a visual treat as Belgian artist Aurore Van Praag unveils her latest exhibition, Poetic Travels in Space and Time, at the renowned Kalinka Art Gallery. The exhibition, which runs until March 29, brings together an eclectic mix of photography, paintings, and drawings, offering visitors an immersive journey through the artist’s unique perspective on time, space, and artistic expression.

The showcase highlights Ms. Praag’s signature style, blending automatism with an evocative exploration of form and perception. Her works frequently challenge conventional artistic norms, inviting audiences to engage with art on a deeper, more intuitive level.

An Artist Beyond Boundaries

Aurore Van Praag is a multi-disciplinary artist with an impressive body of work spanning painting, photography, and sculpture. Based in Brussels, her artistic endeavors are deeply influenced by surrealism, abstraction, and a profound understanding of human emotions. Known for her ability to capture fleeting moments and transform them into timeless pieces, Ms. Praag has exhibited extensively across Europe and beyond.

Her residency at Kalinka Art Gallery has provided her with a fresh source of inspiration. Over the past month, she has immersed herself in the culture, landscapes, and rhythms of Puducherry, producing an exclusive collection of paintings and drawings that form a crucial part of this exhibition. These works not only reflect her evolving artistic journey but also pay homage to the vibrant essence of the coastal town.

Inside the Exhibition: A Journey Through Time and Space

Poetic Travels in Space and Time is a carefully curated selection of Ms. Praag’s artistic explorations. The exhibition is structured around three main themes:

Brussels Through Her Lens: A section dedicated to her captivating photography, showcasing the streets, architecture, and urban landscapes of Brussels. Her photographic works capture an ethereal quality, blending reality with an almost dreamlike vision.

Residency Creations: A striking collection of paintings and drawings produced during her one-month stay at Kalinka. These works reveal her response to Puducherry’s unique atmosphere, colors, and cultural nuances.

Automatism and Beyond: A reflection of her experimental approach to art, where spontaneity and subconscious expression take center stage. This section features her abstract and surrealist compositions, often defying traditional interpretations of form and movement.

Challenging Artistic Norms

Aurore Van Praag’s art is rooted in the concept of automatism, a technique often associated with the Surrealist movement. Her approach emphasizes spontaneous creation, bypassing rational control to allow subconscious imagery to emerge naturally. This method results in pieces that are not only visually compelling but also rich in meaning and interpretation.

“In my work, I seek to break the barriers between the seen and the unseen, the conscious and the unconscious,” says Ms. Praag. “Art, to me, is a medium of exploration—of time, space, and the human psyche.”

Her paintings often feature fluid forms, dynamic lines, and an interplay of light and shadow that create a sense of motion and depth. Similarly, her photography captures the ephemeral beauty of everyday moments, transforming ordinary scenes into profound visual narratives.

The Significance of Kalinka Art Gallery

Nestled in the heart of Uppalam, Kalinka Art Gallery has established itself as a hub for contemporary and experimental art. The gallery is known for hosting innovative exhibitions that bridge cultures and artistic styles, making it the perfect venue for Ms. Praag’s latest showcase.

Kalinka’s intimate setting allows visitors to engage closely with the artworks, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the artist’s vision. The gallery’s commitment to promoting international artists further enriches Puducherry’s vibrant art scene, making this exhibition a must-visit for art lovers and cultural connoisseurs alike.

Experiencing the Exhibition

Visitors to Poetic Travels in Space and Time can expect a multi-sensory experience. Ms. Praag’s works invite introspection, evoking emotions that range from nostalgia to curiosity. Each piece serves as a portal into different dimensions—whether through the lens of her camera capturing the urban vibrancy of Brussels or through the strokes of her brush depicting the tranquil beauty of Puducherry.

Beyond the visual appeal, the exhibition also serves as a dialogue between cultures, highlighting the universal language of art. Through her residency in Puducherry, Ms. Praag has seamlessly woven together elements of her European artistic sensibilities with the local aesthetic influences she encountered, creating a body of work that resonates on a global scale.

Event Details and Visitor Information

Poetic Travels in Space and Time will be on display at Kalinka Art Gallery until March 29. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free, making it accessible to both casual visitors and serious art aficionados.

For those interested in acquiring Ms. Praag’s artworks, limited editions of her photographs and original paintings will be available for purchase. Additionally, the exhibition provides an opportunity to interact with the artist, as Ms. Praag will be present for select sessions to discuss her creative process and inspirations.

A Must-See for Art Enthusiasts

Aurore Van Praag’s exhibition at Kalinka Art Gallery is more than just a display of artworks—it is an invitation to embark on a poetic journey through space and time. Whether you are drawn to photography, abstract paintings, or surrealist compositions, this exhibition offers something truly unique and thought-provoking.

For those in Puducherry or visiting the city in the coming weeks, this is a rare opportunity to witness the work of a globally recognized artist in an intimate and inspiring setting. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Poetic Travels in Space and Time before it concludes on March 29.