Re-visioning Materiality was conceptualized in September last year as a way of experimenting with unconventional materials to diffuse creative expression. The second edition of this annual event opened on August 12 with thought-provoking works on display, most of which were made with the unique and unexpected. Artist Vibha Galhotra, in the role of the curator managed to steer clear of the gaping-hole gimmickry which a show of this nature can easily slide into. Artists featured in the exhibition include Manjunath Kamath, Mekhala Bahl, Babu Eshwar Prasad, Baptist Coelho, Probir Gupta, Remen Chopra and Biju Joze.

Manjunath showcases Vishnu Vilas, a sculptural installation made of fibre-glass which features a television playing live images along with a shattered table, strewn on the floor. This 'accident' has been seemingly caused by a monumental head of the deity, Lord Vishnu which lies in the foreground.  This work is a comment on the frivolous manner in which political and religious issues are dealt within the social context. While Biju Joze explores the process of deconstructing the printed word by grinding through a series of assorted books with a sender machine, Hemali Bhuta creates a alcove of burnt rubber-bands and resin to take one through the hidden caverns of hopelessness. Baptist Coehlo's You, Me and Something Else explores the transient nature of air through a multi-dimensional and disconnected visual experience. Using deep fried figures, Mekhala Bahl strongly presents the fallout of destruction in a very visceral manner. Babu Eshwar Prasad experiments with visual poetry (literally) through books carved of wood. Probir Gupta explores the multiplicity of being human through a combination of video and installation art. Of note is his juxtaposition of the hardiness of a metal spade with a light floral pattern. A sensitive yet powerful thought. Remen Chopra studies the loss of virtues in a post-modern world through a multi-layered installation of steel, wood and work on transparent sheets which depicts the conflict within.

This show manages to provoke a viewer into thinking and feeling. This attribute by itself merits a recommendation for a visit.