The Trance Narratives

Halcyon Gallery is proud to present The Trance Narratives, an exhibition of new works by Indian artist Jagannath Panda. The forthcoming solo exhibition, his first at the gallery, sees the artist weave a tale of mythology, spirituality and religion. In 12 large mixed media paintings and 2 sculptures, Panda explores the cultural clichés and social issues of his home country: from pre-independent to present-day India.

The exhibition catalogue will include an essay by the prominent Indian art writer and curator Deeksha Nath. Of The Trance Narratives, Nath explains, “Since first exhibiting his work in 2000, Panda’s work has been surprisingly beautiful with its use of ornate brocade fabrics and shimmering colours, playful in its incongruous juxtapositions and impossible scales, his sculptures tactile and sensual. Panda comes from a long line of temple priests, keepers of faith and knowledge systems, his work constantly referencing historical and spiritual imagery and narrative. Having a deeply instilled belief in the power of story-telling and image construction, he witnessed first hand the strength of belief and power invested in the idol, but he questioned the misguided use of faith in community management. For him, the struggle has been to locate image and narrative mindfully within contemporary consciousness, not as something to follow blindly but as a medium to recognize that good and evil, beauty and despair coexist.”