Works by Isha Valentine, Vidhya Venkatappa on display at MKF Museum of Art

Liminal Realms by Vidhya Venkatappa | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement What matters to each of us could be as different as caterpillars and concrete. Two distinct styles of art depicting this facet of human nature is on display at the MKF Museum of Art. Showcasing the works of Isha Valentine and Vidhya Venkatappa, On Things That Matter not only resonates at a personal level but is also universal in its appeal.At first glance it would seem Vidhya’s work correlates to the material world, while Isha has attempted to capture the metaphysical. However, the underlying inspiration for both artists remain fundamentally similar.Overlapping memories and diverse time frames are significant in Isha’s art. “Many things are important to us; those that exist in the past, we revisit in our memories,” she says, adding those recollections could be brought on by an object, incident or person.Her works are a critical look at concepts and ideas such as responsibilites, ambitions or the passage of time. Others depict coexistence, she says, adding they could be between people or sections of society. “Despite differences in race, culture, physical traits, personalities, education, or work, we develop relationships with people, and are bound together in this life. It is important to acknowledge each other’s presence, learn from each other and help each other along the way.”A tetraptych where each of the four panels seemingly contains script on gold leaf is Isha’s attempt to capture the legacy we leave. “It is important what we bequeath to the next generation are not just physical assets, but our learning, wisdom, and imbibed virtues.”Vidhya’s works capture the world not as we know it, but perhaps as our mind’s eye might remember it — a jumbled juxtaposition of unrelated images such as a highway in a bottle or noise-cancelling headphones and sea shells. An untitled work by Isha Valentine | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement An artist for the past 20 years, Vidhya says she was always exploring themes of self identity. “My initial works revolved around portraitures and human narratives; gradually I began using the material element or found objects. I would depict myself or my identity in metaphors such as coffee cups or other inanimate things,” she says, adding her work evolved during her “journey through womanhood and motherhood”.Most of the works on display have been created in the past three years and though most of her art is on the human persona, there is also an underlying element of “my surroundings and the society around me”.“Though urbanisation is unfolding all around us, one can spot heritage sites and old monuments in my work. And depsite all our misgivings, most of us cannot lead our lives without the conveniences of modern life.”Vidhya says that is also the reason viewers might see a dragonfly hovering about in some of her canvases. “In a way it represents me. I try to do something, but it does not make much of a difference to the world around me. Like me, the dragonfly too, is a silent spectator.”“Though easily dismissed, it is quite hardworking, and without them there would be a gap in the earth’s ecosystem. These small things matter a lot, but often we may miss out on their importance until it is too late.”On Things That Matter by Isha Valentine and Vidhya Venkatappa is on display at MKF Museum of Art till September 30. Entry free, Mondays closed. Published - September 25, 2026 11:42 am IST