I am quite excited to know my friend Harinder has tried his hand in watercolor which is the toughest medium to execute! One has to have strict discipline to paint in this medium. In every layer there are chances of mistakes and there is no way to repair. Still the charm of watercolor is more than any medium. I am happy to see that charm is very much visible in Harinder's work. He was my colleague in Hindustan Thompson Associates. We both gave up our job to pursue our creative works. 2 or 3 years back I visited his exhibition of cartoons. There he used watercolor wash on ink lines. This time he is exhibiting pure watercolors with proper tonal variation. I am sure this exhibition is heading for sheer success.

Skillful and intelligent handling of watercolor as a medium, understanding of distance and depth with colors to capture the environment can be seen beautifully in Harry's works. His sensitive observations of the seen and unseen and intelligence to depict the difference between the two-brings out a beautiful work with an understanding to bring out a unique sensibility of depth. Harry's observation as an artist observes light and shadow to create a sensitive balance in the composition. The elements in his work such as stones, cars, water and trees, all stay true to its character and features. His work truly touches one as a spectator and I would like to really congratulate him for the show and create such an amazing body of works.

Delhi's 14th century Hauz Khas was the first urban village to be modernized. Like London's Covent Garden it became an arty and fashionable hub attracting locals and tourists while retaining its old character. There are such striking contrasts that would inspire any artist but no one so far captured these opposites except Harinder Singh who after several visits recorded with his lens the unusual angles and then painted them with his skill of a watercolorist. Water color is a tough medium to handle and he worked hard and successfully. He has caught the shimmering water, birdlife, vegetation and the inviting walks around the lake which uplift one's spirits at once. But also he has captured the narrow galis and quaint houses - turned boutiques, the glossy cars and youthful visitors in colorful clothes. Strategically situated Creativity Gallery in the beginning of the humming ever busy Hauz Khas Village is the perfect place to host this show.

A monument, a green patch and a water body in the midst of an urban jungle comprising of posh colonies of South Delhi, Hauz Khas Village is nothing but a paradox, a juxtaposition of rural and city life. The two worlds run parallel, very much aware of each other's existence and the co-existence sums up the essence of this place. The place with its ambience, is a treat for any visual artist, each location provides an interesting scene to be captured and frozen in the form of an artwork. Harinder has grabbed this opportunity and has made an attempt with his watercolors to depict the everyday life. The visually appealing artworks where pleasant green color has been used liberally, brings out the true character of location. The fluidity and softness of watercolors are soothing to the eyes and make a long lasting impression.

What appealed me the most is Harinder's signature ‘Insight and Comment' approach on the transformational growth of the Hauz Khas village and a very silent social change surrounding the monument besides a visual treat of rustic moving forms. I am glad his wit and wisdom have not taken a back seat even in these expressions. Most water colors have a very stark and graphic rendering in line with the contrast of the theme. The use of white-space-contrast takes one on short strolls into some paintings, while the dynamics of line and form keeps one busy in some others. I wish him good luck for the show and am sure the viewer will enjoy the work as it is evident that Harinder has relished his journey from blank paper to the framer.

The idea of staging a precise place or event with watercolor as a medium is difficult. The fluid, shimmering art is often best seen as imprecise and highly impressionistic space. Harinder however takes the difficult step of defining Hauz Khas - its people and architecture - with that limpid rendering and watery overlaps that give transparency to the image. His paintings don't just do justice to the place, but brings it alive in carefully conceived vignettes -personal and entirely original.

It is extremely heartening to see my good old friend Harinder Singh in a new avatar. Harinder's recent watercolor series on Hauz Khas village marks an important shift. His transition from line bound funny drawings to color and tonal build-up is truly commendable. It needs a complete shake up of the fundamentals. Harinder was initiated into watercolor discipline by none other than Bimal Dasgupta. The seed that has been lying dormant for years is now shooting up. He took the challenges of the medium seriously, kept the application pure, unadulterated from mixed mediums. His hand is light yet assured. The broad brush strokes, the wet on wet rendering of colors and effective use of the white tone of bare paper show his command over the medium. Harinder, your watercolors are surprisingly fresh and rejuvenating. You deserve a big applause.