Aditya Pande’s 'Blind Spot': A Kaleidoscopic Journey Through Chaotic Multiplicity

Delhi-based artist Aditya Pande returns to Nature Morte with his latest solo exhibition, Blind Spot, a showcase that plunges the viewer into a mesmerizing world where opposites collide, and the boundaries of art forms blur. Running till September 8th at Nature Morte’s gallery in Chhatarpur, New Delhi, this exhibition encapsulates Pande's relentless exploration of the interface between digital and traditional media, where the playful and the grotesque coexist in a riot of colour and texture.

Chaotic Harmony

Aditya Pande, a graduate of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, has long been a trailblazer in the contemporary art scene, known for his ability to merge disparate elements into cohesive wholes. His work defies easy categorization, embodying a hybridized approach that fuses drawing, painting, collage, and digital manipulation. In Blind Spot, Pande continues to push the boundaries of these media, creating pieces that seem to exist in a state of flux—simultaneously alluring and enigmatic, chaotic and harmonious.

Pande explains that Blind Spot "alludes to both psychological and physiological phenomena, inviting viewers to approach these artworks as reflections of those states. The works broadly engage with ideas from mythology, satire, history, math, science-religion debates, and pop culture, aiming to create a coherent yet multifaceted experience."

A Universe of Opposites

Pande’s new works are akin to cosmological diagrams—maps of an imaginary universe populated by beings that are both familiar and alien. These creatures, born from spills, stains, and tangles, seem to embody the dualities that define our existence. They are at once playful and grotesque, inviting and aloof, suggesting a world that is both primal and speculative.

In this universe, Pande’s characters appear as phantasms or insects, their forms shifting and merging, just as subject and object intermingle within the artwork itself. The viewer is invited to see themselves in these figures, to recognize the delusions and sensations that define human experience. "In my work, these elements aren't seen as oppositional," Pande notes. "Drawing is my primary medium, serving as a bridge between the external and internal worlds. This approach allows me to explore paradoxes, chance, and speculative ideas, helping to create a balance that accommodates the diverse concerns I encounter in my practice."

The Process Behind the Chaos

At the heart of Pande’s work is his process, a methodical yet experimental approach that allows for the emergence of unexpected forms and meanings. By combining digital and traditional techniques, Pande creates artworks that are both precise and organic. His use of vector drawing and digital photography provides a structural foundation, while his application of paint, ink, tinsel, and other materials brings a tactile, human element to the work.

"My approach is experimental rather than tied to a single process," Pande says. "Being largely self-taught, I don’t adhere to strict rules, but I’m open to interpreting and sustaining various techniques that can enhance the complexity of the work."

This layering extends beyond the canvas, with some of Pande’s pieces incorporating materials directly onto the acrylic surface covering the artwork. The result is a body of work that feels dynamic and alive, constantly evolving as the viewer moves through the space. Each piece in Blind Spot offers a new perspective, a new entry point into Pande’s kaleidoscopic world.

Looking Ahead

Aditya Pande has been represented by Nature Morte since 2007, with solo exhibitions in Delhi, London, New York, and Mumbai. His work has been featured in numerous group shows across the globe, from Austria to Brazil, and has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to contemporary art. Blind Spot is a continuation of this legacy, offering a fresh perspective on Pande’s ever-evolving practice.

Reflecting on his background in graphic design, Pande shares, "My experiences with engineering drawing and type design have deeply influenced my approach to fine art. These experiences have complemented my ongoing exploration of drawing as a fundamental form, allowing me to construct and deconstruct visual narratives in a way that is both precise and expansive."

As viewers navigate the labyrinth of images and forms in Blind Spot, they are invited to contemplate the nature of perception itself. What do we see, and what do we overlook? In Pande’s universe, the answers are never straightforward, but always rich with possibility. "While international experiences expand my curiosity about various cultural contexts, they don't directly influence my creative process. I often feel like an outsider, but this perspective allows me to engage with different cultures in a way that is both observant and introspective," Pande concludes.

'Blind Spot' by Aditya Pande is open to the public until Sunday, September 8th, with gallery hours from 11am to 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday.