The Dhaba Diaries

Artist Alka Kalra zeroes in on the changing colours of flowers, and the daily life in dhabas in her new solo exhibition

All my paintings are inspired by nature. Whether it is abstract, impasto or glazing technique, the works have one similarity — bright and vibrant colours,'' says Alka Kalra with a smile. Around her are canvases showcasing a variety of flowers and dhabas. A self-taught artist, Kalra's solo exhibition is being held at Girl In The Cafe in Sector 17.

The abstract floral series are in mixed media and suggest a feeling of uninhibited joy. Her landscapes are tranquil studies, and Kalra says that these works followed a trip to Manali. "How the colours and hues of nature change with seasons, is the idea of the series. This series has been inspired by Chandigarh, which is naturally green and dotted with beautiful parks. Yet, we don't enjoy the beauty around us,'' says Kalra, with a tinge of regret.

She has splashed oranges, reds and yellows on the canvas and then painted a range of flowers, including roses. "The combination of acrylics, oil and fabric colours gives the 33 canvases a unique effect, and is close to my heart,'' says the artist.

The exhibition also showcases a 'Dhaba Series' — paintings which depict the dhabas dotting highways across the country. In this collection, Kalra has dwelt on day-to-day life and activity in dhabas, focusing on shiny utensils, food, people and smoke. "Utensils at dhabas have always fascinated me and the consistency of their shapes is endearing. When I was in Manali, where we ate at a dhaba near a waterfall, with our chairs in the water, and the smoke created unique colours on the utensils,'' says Kalra, who also captures the moments when the typical dhaba delicacies such as dal are made.

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