Nicola Durvasula

For Bread and Jam II, Nicola Durvasula presents a new body of work of fine line drawings inspired in part by the graphic notations of experimental composer Cornelius Cardew as well as recent dialogues with pianist John Tilbury, her musical mentor.

These works will be accompanied by a performance at the private view. Entitled Brockley – Variation 9, this piece has been especially composed for the evening. Nicola (keyboard) will be joined by Nicola Vella (flute/vocals), Natasha Greenham (musical saw) and Stewart Hughes (percussion).

Also on display is an example of Durvasula’s watercolour . Her figures, almost human yet clearly not of this world, stare out fiercely with pinched red features. Durvasula spent many years living in Hyderabad, India and the influence of Indian miniature is clear. Her fluid lines are also inspired by Japanese calligraphy, (in particular the work of Otagaki Rengetsu). A selection of her found objects/sculpture will also be displayed including ‘homage to John Cage’ with his passion for mushrooms.

Recent solo and group performances include: Vocal: The Great Learning by Cornelius Cardew, Union Chapel, London (2015), Solo Piano: Images & Reflections (selection) by Howard Skempton, Deal, Kent (2014) & Piano/prepared piano : ‘Waiting’- John Cage 100^th Anniversary Concert, Astor Theatre Deal, Kent (Curator)  (2012).

Recent Solo Exhibitions include: I Am Here, Galerie Merchandani + Steinruecke, Mumbai (2012); Blame it on the sun, Rachmaninoff’s, London (2011); Nicola Durvasula, Rachmaninoff’s, London
Life is but a dream, Part vii, Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai (2008); Static lines and where they take you, Thomas Erben Gallery, New York (2007); Rachmaninoff’s, London (2006); Galerie Rue Montgrand, E.S.B.A.M., Marseille (2004); 
Nature Morte, New Delhi (2004); Indian Rope Trick, Centre 19, Montbeliard, France (2002); Gallery Chemould, Mumbai (2000).

Group Exhibitions include: Len Den, Mumbai Art Room, Mumbai 2015 Watercolour, Tate Britain, London (catalogue) 2011; 2009
Progressive to Altermodern, Grosvenor Gallery, London (2009); Nicola Durvasula, Chitra Ganesh, Tejal Shah, Thomas Erben Gallery, New York (2006).