Time: Open daily from 11 am to 6 pm except Mondays and Tuesdays. Address -Method Kala Ghoda, 86, Nagindas Master Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

MUMBAI: Method Kala Ghoda presents ‘Electric Floral Fantasy’ Eeshani Mitra’s second solo with Method and her first solo exhibition at Method – Kala Ghoda, Mumbai where Mitra lives and works. This new body of work includes a series of printed photographic installations, video installations, and wax works, the exhibition continues Eeshani’s exploration of natural and synthetic materials, giving rise to works where the foreign and the familiar collide. With her abstract photographic compositions that are created by employing a range of image production techniques, she creates a dialogue between the natural and the unnatural, immersing the viewer in the details of its elements. 

Extending beyond traditional narratives and formats, the body of work is a window to a surreal world, which is scanned and sometimes molded in wax by the artist. Interested in the physical interaction of the viewer and the work, Mitra’s wax works invite the viewers to touch and investigate the surface of her immersion experiments. Textures emerge, as the nooks and groves that tend to go amiss show themselves amongst the space occupied in the wax by floral articles, nylon, paints, plastic, moss, and other organic materials.

Eeshani finds inspiration in an emulsive blend of organic and inorganic materials. Her work starts with elements that intrigue her. She observes and understands how the pieces come together, creating textures and patterns each unique to the blend, resulting in compositions that are surreal and dreamlike. 

The artist experiments with a range of drying and blending techniques with the materials while at the same time preserving a balance of elements in her compositions. The textures created in her images are a result of playing with different viscous mediums such as oils, glycerin, detergent, colors, and water. These mediums are placed in a flat-bottomed glass container, where she mixes each synthetic element independently in steps to discern the formation of textures slowly before adding organic materials such as flowers, leaves, and moss.

For her images, she makes use of a large format scanner, capturing the highly detailed textures and minutia of her emulsions. Aside from using glass containers for holding the mediums while scanning, Eeshani often drains out the remaining liquids and transfers them between plastic sheets. These sheets are then carefully placed over the scanner glass and manipulated by hand while the machine begins to scan the ever-changing shapes created by these distortions. 

Through multiple attempts by the scanner to create imaging of the fluid compositions, the artist finds and enhances the parts that speak to her. 

To make the wax sculpture work, Eeshani begins by melting natural wax in a deep container placed over a hot water bath. Gradually, she adds colors and selects various elements such as preserved floral articles, acrylic, and plastic color gels. She frequently integrates pieces of moss such as preserved reindeer lichens, which are meticulously positioned inside a square silicone mold. Subsequently, she pours the molten wax over them and adds additional layers of elements on top.

Once the sculpture is prepared and repoured for vibrancy, the mold is set aside to prevent dust accumulation during the curing process. It remains undisturbed for a day before being removed from the mold.

Eeshani Mitra is a visual artist and zine maker. Her work spans various media, including photography, video installation, sound, print, and sculpture. By employing a range of image production techniques, she juxtaposes common objects—floral articles, linen, wax, vinyl, and other synthetic materials—to create vivid imagery where the foreign and the familiar seem to collide. Eeshani lives and works between Kolkata and Mumbai.

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MUMBAI: Madame Tussauds New York, the world-renowned wax attraction, today revealed the wax sculpture of the eminent “Yoga Guru” Swami (Baba) Ramdev, at an event graced by the presence of the yoga guru himself. The wax figure will be available for fans to meet and interact with at Madame Tussauds New York.

Baba Ramdev, recognized as a new-age youth idol for his inspirational approach to yogic practices, has effectively influenced individuals of all ages, promoting healthy living through Yoga and ancient Ayurvedic treatments. His noteworthy contributions to Ayurveda, Business, and Agriculture have garnered him a dedicated global fan base. The unveiling of his wax figure serves as both a gift to his audience and a tribute to the yogi who continues to inspire millions, reflecting the unwavering faith of his followers in the present and projecting into the future.

Speaking on behalf of Madame Tussauds New York, spokesperson Tiago Mogodouro remarked, “Today, we are delighted to unveil the wax figure of Baba Ramdev. His commitment to society through the promotion of Yoga, introduction of Ayurveda culture, and advocacy for healthy living is truly a gift for us all. This moment is a source of pride for us, having the figure of this charismatic personality displayed in our world-famous, Madame Tussauds New York wax attraction.”

He continued, “The unveiling transcends the immortalization of the yoga guru in a wax figure, it stands as a testament to the profound impact and global reach of his teachings. Baba Ramdev’s figure represents a harmonious blend of spiritual wisdom and health, mirroring the admiration and respect he commands worldwide. We take immense pride in honoring his contribution to yoga and wellness, anticipating that his presence will inspire our visitors to embrace the journey of self-improvement and holistic wellbeing.”

Speaking on the occasion, Yog Rishi, Swami Ramdev said, “Today it is a moment of great honor as my wax figure in ‘Tree Pose – a classic standing posture which establishes strength and balance’ – has been unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York. I consider this as an important recognition of the global influence of Indian culture, especially Yoga and Ayurveda.

This wax figure symbolizes much more than my journey. It represents the ancient and spiritual wisdom of India which is based on the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya” which present the ideal of life.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to Madame Tussauds for this honor and all those who have embraced the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda. Let us continue to share this Indian heritage with the world, and foster a healthier and more harmonious global community.”

Baba Ramdev, the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd, one of India’s largest and most prestigious Ayurveda businesses, has played a pivotal role in encapsulating the true essence of Ayurveda, blending ancient wisdom with the latest technology. Madame Tussauds artisans, in a previous visit to London, meticulously took over 200 exact measurements and pictures during the figure sitting with Baba Ramdev, ensuring a realistic resemblance in the creation of his wax figure.

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