16th September 2026 Mani & Beena
It gives me great pleasure to share this remarkable painting by Mr. Mani, created especially for Ganesh Chaturthi. Known for his mastery in pen and ink, he has taken a bold step by incorporating colour, infusing the piece with new energy. Even amidst its abstract form, Lord Ganesh—the revered remover of obstacles—emerges vividly, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.
Recently, I attended an art exhibition where the most expensive piece on display was an abstract painting. A crowd gathered, each person interpreting the work differently, searching for meaning in its forms and colours. As I moved through the gallery, I noticed abstract works consistently commanded the highest admiration and value. This paradox intrigued me—why is abstraction so prized, even when its meaning eludes us?
It’s fascinating to note that artists who create realistic paintings often don’t value their work as highly as those working in abstraction. Reflecting on the evolution of art, I thought of Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Matisse, and Gauguin—masters of their craft, yet none ventured into abstraction. It wasn’t until 1910 that Kandinsky and Malevich radically shifted the art world, pioneering the post-impressionist and abstract movements.
Kandinsky, profoundly affected by the discovery that atoms could be split, questioned the validity of depicting the world realistically. He believed society was on the cusp of transcending materialism, moving into a new era of spiritual exploration. Through his abstract works, Kandinsky sought to create not just art, but a visual language capable of elevating the consciousness of anyone willing to engage deeply with it.
Yet, in today’s increasingly materialistic world, I find myself questioning where Kandinsky’s philosophy stands. Does abstract art still serve as a spiritual tool, or has its meaning shifted in our modern context? I would love to hear your perspectives—what role do you think abstract art plays in today’s society?