Page 70 - Present-Future-September-2023

Lot No. 52
Nalini Malani

b. 1940
AND QUIETLY FLOWS THE RIVER - LIVING IN
ALICETIME
60 x 48 in (152.4 x 121.9 cm)
Watercolour & acrylic reverse painting
on acrylic sheet
2005
Cover and
` 15,00,000 – 20,00,000 | $ 18,750 - 25,000 pages of the
publication
Signed & Dated: Bottom Left with the work
illustrated.
Exhibited: ‘Nalini Malani: Living in Alicetime’ at
Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai, 22nd March - 2nd April,
2006.

Published: ‘Nalini Malani: Living in Alicetime’
solo exhibition catalogue by Sakshi Gallery,
Mumbai, 2006, pg 20 - 21.

The presented lot titled, ‘Quietly Flows The River,’
is a captivating creation by distinguished artist
Nalini Malani. The watercolour and acrylic work
belongs to a larger body of painting and video
works known as the Living in Alicetime series,
which delves into the multifaceted relationship
between women and their environments, using Within the broader context of Malani’s artistic
Lewis Carroll’s iconic character Alice as a career, this series holds particular significance.
medium to explore these themes. It is provocative, transgressive, and unrestrained,
harking back to her ongoing exploration of
Alice, as reimagined by Malani, embarks on female protagonists. Through her art, Malani
a metaphorical journey from Wonderland to addresses fundamental aspects of feminist
Mumbai, seamlessly integrating into the artist’s discourse, including the articulation of female
pictorial landscape. This transformation imbues desire and negotiations surrounding power
Alice with a chameleon-like quality, embodying structures. Simultaneously, she echoes her
various archetypes—be it the devoted lover concern for a more equitable relationship with
Radha, loyal wife Sita, alchemical Medea, radical the environment, underscoring her multifaceted
female intellectual, or even the everyday woman engagement with pressing societal issues.
grappling with survival.
The presented work serves as a testament to
These works are also marked by a deliberate Malani’s ability to elevate social and cultural
departure from conventional narrative structures. issues into the realm of art, using her distinctive
Instead of adhering to a linear storyline, style to engage and provoke thought. The
the artist weaves a tale through disjointed piece is not merely a painting; it’s a portal into
symbols, inviting viewers to piece together a world of interconnected stories, emotions,
their interpretations. This technique creates an and perspectives, masterfully brought to life
intriguing and enigmatic narrative that draws through the artist’s expert hands. As with
on a range of references, including Kalighat much of her work, Nalini Malani demonstrates
Patta paintings and Manga comics. These her profound artistic prowess and her unyielding
eclectic influences contribute to the work’s rich commitment to exploring the depths of human
visual tapestry. existence.