Designer Harpreet Narula explores rhythm and abstraction in first solo art show
The Rhythm of Life series, on display at Art Explore in New Delhi, showcases the work of designer and visual artist Harpreet Narula in his first solo exhibition, Inward. This collection of abstract works features paint that resembles the texture of embroidered thread, reflecting the influence of three enduring traditions: the painted walls of havelis of Punjab, the frescoes of Shekhawati, and the loom.
Harpreet Narula's artistic practice is shaped by memory and rhythm, with inspiration drawn from past encounters with fabric, architecture, and visual art. His large collection of archival textiles serves as a reference point for both his fashion label and costume design for films, providing visual cues on texture, surface, and pattern. Narula believes that his subconscious absorbs these elements, which he then builds upon in his work.
The convergence of Narula's fashion and artistic practices is an interesting aspect of his career, with textile design requiring structural discipline and his art allowing for free-flowing expression. Over the years, he has felt the urge to pursue a path that enables him to express himself artistically without constraints, leading to the creation of new works that are entirely his own.