Friday 4 October 2024

SPOTLIGHT ON: ALOK JOHRI

Life's Still Yet Most Precious Moments


Artist Alok Johri (left) with the show curator Jaiveer Johal (centre) and Tunty Chauhan of Gallery Threshold


Some of my earliest memories of beautiful paintings — that I found beautiful as a child — were still-lifes. Of course, I didn’t know then that they were called ‘still-lifes’. Those were images of la vie quotidienne — images of everyday life that inspire us to see beauty in every little, seemingly inconsequential thing around us. Europeans, who popularised it, found that beauty most popularly in things and objects on a dining table. It began as a distinct genre in its own class in the Netherlands in the 16th-17th centuries, but some of the most fabulous examples were created all over the European continent, by artists such as Caravaggio, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Rembrandt, Vermeer, to name a few. Closer to our times, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso are other names whose still-lifes we are all very familiar with.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that almost every artist, at some point in their career, tries still-life. Modern Indian masters have done that, with the most striking example, in my opinion, remains those by F. N. Souza and Jyoti Bhatt, to quote only two examples.

Over the centuries, the genre has also come to signify more than just an aesthetic depiction of ‘still life’, a fact that was recently reinforced when I visited the exhibition ‘Still Form’, a solo show of the works of Alok Johri at Threshold Art Gallery, at Sarvodaya Enclave in New Delhi. It is curated by Jaiveer Johal.


                                                    '...Over Tea' by Alok Johri

The most striking thing about Johri’s still-lifes is that they are redolent with emotion; so much so that one knows in an instant that each of those still-lifes carries some story behind it. It is very apparent that Johri’s canvases are not just an aesthetic depiction of what he sees beautiful around him, which, however, remains a primary reason for him to train his lens on any collection of objects; but there’s more to it.

The large diptych, …Over Tea, that greets the viewer upon entering the gallery is striking as evidently there is a story waiting to be told. There is something about the way the ruffled edge of the tablecloth, an open book with a pair of spectacles on it, a toppled cup and saucer… “It’s my way of remembering my father and my mother. The work shows a 20th Century Chamber’s Dictionary, and below that, the last book that my mother read,” says Goa-based Johri. The artist, who grew up in Kanpur, studied applied arts at Lucknow University after switching from fine arts whose entrance test he had topped, upon the advice of his HoD, the renowned artist B. N. Arya. He went on to work in advertising, achieving great success, before going solo to travel the country with his camera.

It's hard to believe that he didn’t train as a painter because the works on display exude depth and gravity of skills honed over years. “I was good at the arts — doodling, drawing, painting — since childhood, and I remember that when I was 8-9 years old, my mother asked me what would I want to be when I grew up, I remember replying that I wanted to be an artist,” shares Johri.


One of a set of 4 works by Alok Johri, titled 'Inheritance'

Just as …Over Tea captivates with its stark bareness and an overbearing sense of an active snippet of life frozen in time, his other works, including the small ones measuring 10 x 10 in., or 17 x 17 in., or 24 x 24 in., draw in the eye with their zoomed in details of daily life. A Short Nap, Man with his thoughts, Mocha, Afternoon, Siesta… and many more lay bare the most common of our moments on the earth with the uncommon vision of a painter. A Short Nap, for instance, focuses on a head turned the other way with the arm of the subject wrapped around it so as to shield it from day light when someone tries to take a quick nap in the middle of some work. Similarly, Every Morning shows the corner of a table covered with a tablecloth and the back rest of a chair pulled out just a bit as if someone has just gotten up and left the table. It’s a powerful snapshot of a morning which shows the pithy observation of the painter.

There’s a lot of references to reading in the paintings, which inadvertently alludes to the artist’s growing up years in an academic household; both his parents were teachers. During a very enriching conversation, the artist reveals that placing objects associated with his parents in the paintings has also helped him reconcile with the difficult relationship he had with his family. “My father left us in December 1987 as he took sanyas. We never saw him again. Years later, when my mother was shifting from Lucknow to Goa with me, I opened an old trunk of academic books and found my father’s dictionary. My mother was a voracious reader. So, books find a place in my works,” shares Johri.

While a few of Johri’s paintings took birth in the recesses of memory in his mind, …Over Tea is the one that gave him closure over several conflicts he had harboured in his head over the years with respect to his parents. “With this, I resolved everything with my parents,” he shares at the end of a long, moving story on his growing up years, which includes a vital landmark — the disappearance of his father from their lives.

It is this profound experience that has, perhaps, helped Johri translate the minutiae of life on to his canvases, including those that are precious lived moments of all human life, and not just Johri’s, such as Dragon Fruit, Red Banana, Loofah, and Whisper, among others. 

The exhibition, on view through October 12, is a delight because Johri’s paintings start speaking of their stories, of the still moments that they capture, which are not necessarily the artist’s, but resonate with the common lives of all of us. 


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Thursday 5 September 2024

SPOTLIGHT ON: MAHESH ANNAPURE 

Trading Stability for Passion 


 
Mahesh Annapure and one of his abstract works (top), Aura, acrylic on canvas

One of the most exciting things that an imagined career in writing promised my younger self all those decades ago was the road it would open to meet absolute strangers who would surprise me with some shared interest. True to the promise of that dream, my writing career, indeed, brought me to the doorsteps of people who I had not known before entering their lives and came richer with experiences after, perhaps, just one interview. Some of them have gone on to become friends, while quite a few are unfortunately forgotten, but the charm of building acquaintanceship with strangers has not worn off at all.

It was this deep-set emotion that a new acquaintance recently dredged out of my memory. That’s Nanded-based artist Mahesh Annapure, who I have got introduced to recently through his art. A multifaceted artist, he has given up stability in life to pursue his passion of painting, as he reveals in the interview that I had the pleasure of conducting with him recently — a postgraduate in life sciences, he served as a lecturer in a college before giving it up to pursue painting. A practical artist, even as he trades stability and financial security for his passion, he knows what he must paint for his soul and what he must paint to sell; he is also unabashed about admitting the same.

A much-awarded artist, Annapure has been honoured with the Government of Maharashtra’s Guru Ravidas award, Raja Ravi Verma award, M. F. Hussain award and Indian Art Factory award, among others. He has held several exhibitions at prestigious centres, such as India Habitat Centre and Maharashtra Kendra, New Delhi; Free Press House Gallery, Nehru Centre Worli, Art Plaza at Kala Ghoda in Mumbai; the Base Studio Gallery in Pune; CAPART in Ahmedabad; Hotel Rama International in Aurangabad; and Kala Mandir at Nanded.

Annapure’s next exhibition gets inaugurated at The Leela art gallery in Mumbai on September 9, and will be on view through September 15.

Below are excerpts from the interview where the artist shares almost everything about his passion for art.

Q1. Could you tell me about your journey into the world of painting? What/ Who was your inspiration?

I’ve been painting since I was very young, a passion inherited from my family’s deep-rooted love for art. Initially, my early works were deeply personal, reflecting my inner world, my work was focused on my own life experiences, but as I matured, I began to see the world with clearer eyes, and my art evolved into a powerful expression of empathy. The emotions and struggles of others became my primary inspiration. As I grew older, my interest in painting flourished, inspired by the masterpieces of the world’s greatest artists. This new perspective led me to shift my focus, and I started capturing the pain and suffering of the people around me in my art. Through my paintings, I aim to give voice to the voiceless and shed light on the often overlooked hardships of those around me.



Elysium Moonshine, acrylic on canvas

Q2. How was your family’s reaction to your decision to be an artist? Could you share the challenges you faced in this journey?

Choosing a career as an artist was challenging due to limited opportunities, and my family was against it, pushing me towards a more stable path. To ensure survival, I pursued a post-graduate degree in life sciences and spent 10 years working as a college lecturer. Despite the stability, I felt unfulfilled, with a deep yearning to express myself through art. Eventually, I decided to follow my inner calling and resigned from my job to dedicate myself to painting. The transition was difficult, and I faced severe financial struggles, even enduring hunger for years. However, my passion for art never wavered. Through perseverance, the struggles I faced became the foundation of my unique style, turning my pain into a powerful source of inspiration.

Entering the art field as a newcomer is challenging, with opportunities being scarce and few willing to give you a chance. However, through persistence and hard work, I gradually carved out a place for myself in the art world. I gained recognition. The hardships I endured were transformative, fueling my creative evolution. Today, my work is not just an expression of my journey, but a testament to the resilience and enduring power of art.

Q3. Who are the artists that you admire and feel inspired by? Can you share what is it about their works that appeals the most to you? 

Although I had studied the works of many great masters, I found myself deeply inspired by M.F. Husain. His unique style—marked by bold line work, dynamic brushstrokes, and innovative color combinations—captivated me. I was particularly drawn to his patchwork technique, which seamlessly blends different elements into a cohesive whole. His ability to express profound thoughts and emotions through his art resonated with me on a personal level. Many of his paintings reflected the very emotions and experiences I observed in my surroundings and the world at large. Even today, I find myself continually drawn to his patchwork technique; it remains a powerful influence on my own artistic journey, a skill I aspire to master in my work. 


Whispers, acyrlic on canvas 

Q4. You paint across genres and across different themes. Which of these is your favorite?

It’s true that I don’t limit myself to a single genre or theme in my work; I paint across various styles and subjects. However, my true passion lies in conceptual art, which speaks directly to my heart. Through conceptual painting, I can convey my thoughts with powerful clarity, allowing me to express complex emotions and ideas in a way that feels deeply authentic. This form of art is where I feel most connected to my inner self, and it serves as the purest outlet for my creativity.

Yet, I must admit that for practical reasons, I’ve had to explore other types of painting, such as landscapes and more traditional subjects, to sustain myself financially. While these works help provide for my basic needs, they don't carry the same emotional weight for me. My soul is intrinsically tied to conceptual art, where I find true fulfillment and the freedom to explore the depths of my thoughts and feelings.

Q5. Any style of painting or medium that you have not tried so far that you would like to try in future? 

I’ve experimented with various mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints, but I find myself most comfortable working with acrylics. The majority of my portfolio features acrylics, with only a few pieces in watercolor. As for other mediums like charcoal, pencil, and pastels, they don’t quite align with my style. Each medium has its own unique properties, and I’ve discovered that acrylics best suit the way I express myself artistically. I’m confident in continuing to use them as my primary medium. I don’t foresee the need to explore any other mediums in the future.


Rusticity, acrylic on canvas

Q6. Where do you see yourself as an artist five years from now?

As an artist, I am determined to establish my place with a distinct and authentic identity. Looking ahead, in five years, I aspire to be recognized as a notable figure in the art world, standing among the contemporary masters. My goal is not just to create art but to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that my work resonates and earns a place in the legacy of modern art.

Q7. What would be your advice to the younger generation of artists given the fierce competition in the world today?

It’s crucial to understand the concept that ‘art doesn’t sell, the artist sells’. To succeed, you must create artwork that reflects your unique vision and also builds your personal identity.



Radha Krishna, acrylic on canvas

***** 


Monday 26 August 2024

SPOTLIGHT ON: ANJANEYULU G  

Elevating Ordinary to the Extraordinary  

Anjaneyulu G

A bowl laden with fruits, cutlery strewn around, a candelabra and candles all arranged on a table the way these items are in our daily lives, have made for a powerful, captivating picture for some centuries now. Either this, or a combination of other such mundane, household items, have always formed an important stage in an artist's life, which art academics refer to as Still-Life paintings.  

Still-Life is one of the most well-known and admired genres of painting, even though many lay admirers of art may not know it is as 'Still-Life' painting that they are admiring! For the uninitiated, it originated as an independent genre during 16th-17th centuries in Europe—during the late Renaissance period—with the Dutch artists adopting it most successfully. The term itself comes from the Dutch 'stilleven', implying motionless natural objects.  

In India, the genre made its debut in the latter half of the 19th century when it started getting taught at the art schools run by the colonial rulers in the presidency towns of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. In India, it's a genre that has been attempted by almost every artist since those earliest times, and continues to be essayed even today, even though it does not make a frequent appearance in contemporary galleries. Therefore, the show 'Past Forward', currently on view at Art Alive Gallery in Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, came like a refreshing, scented breeze on a humid, stuffy monsoon evening.  

On view through September 7, the show comprises canvases with bright backgrounds, nestling ordinary household items such as kitchen utensils, etc., in the foreground. Their worth lies in their shiny, metallic surfaces, prominently wearing the marks of regular use over the years, through which they tell stories of the households they belong to, giving a peep into the life of the people who use them. 

This is Still-Life at its innovative, contemporary best. Mesmerised by canvases upon canvases cradling such stories that one needs to pause and listen to, I had a brief interaction with the creator of these spellbinding works, the Hyderabad-based artist Anjaneyulu G. He holds a BFA from the College of Fine Art, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, and has several group and solo shows to his credit, as also displays at numerous art fairs, including the India Art Fair.   

Here are the excerpts of my interaction with Anjaneyulu G.  



Q. How and when did you get inspired by Still-Life as a genre of painting?  

I stumbled upon Still-Life painting as a genre that resonated with me when I realized its vast, untapped potential. Many artists overlook Still-Life, perceiving it as mundane or unchallenging. However, I saw this as an opportunity to breathe new life into a traditional genre. 

My fascination with Still-Life began when I started experimenting with single objects on plain backgrounds. This simplicity allowed me to focus on the essence of the object, exploring its texture, form, and relationship with light.

As I delved deeper, I became intrigued by the idea of combining objects from different eras and materials, like bronze and stainless steel, to create visually striking contrasts and reflections. This juxtaposition sparked a new wave of inspiration, enabling me to explore themes of time, memory, and the interplay between the old and the new.

My 'aha' moment came when I realized that Still-Life, often regarded as an 'unfinished' genre, offered me the freedom to innovate and push boundaries. I embraced this challenge, and Still-Life became my genre of choice. I aim to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary, inviting viewers to rediscover the beauty in the every day.

Q. What was the inspiration behind the series of pots and common household utensils that you paint? When did you first start painting this series?  

I’ve been fascinated with Still-Life for 15 years, exploring compositions, lighting, and human connections with objects. My recent series, which I spent 18 months developing, focuses on pots and household utensils. I’m drawn to their everyday familiarity, the stories they hold, and the emotions they evoke. By combining traditional and modern objects, I aim to capture the essence of domesticity, memory, and the passage of time. 

By depicting marks of use and wear, I highlight the human connection and history behind each object. My focus is on the objects’ journey, the hands that held them, and the memories they evoke. I believe these objects hold a quiet narrative, revealing the essence of the households they come from and the people who used them.


Q. You have been called a ‘chronicler of mundane life’. What other objects of mundane life fascinate you?  

I’m drawn to objects that hold a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. In the future, I’d like to explore painting objects that hold personal significance to me, delving into autobiographical themes and stories. I’m interested in capturing the emotional connection between myself and these objects, revealing the memories and experiences they evoke.



Q. Any artists whose works have inspired you?  

I draw inspiration from a range of artists, including Giorgio Morandi and Jean-Siméon Chardin, who mastered the art of Still-Life and capturing the quiet beauty in everyday objects. I’m also influenced by the works of Hokusai and Bruegel, as well as the timeless beauty of Japanese and ancient Chinese art. The compositions, colors, and attention to detail in these styles resonate with me, shaping my approach to Still-Life painting and my desire to elevate the mundane to the extraordinary.

Q. What are you working on currently?  

I’m currently working on a new series of paintings that explore the theme of ‘domesticity’ in more depth. I’m experimenting with new compositions, colors, and techniques to capture the warmth and intimacy of everyday life. Specifically, I’m focusing on the relationships between objects, textures, and light in domestic spaces. It’s an exciting project that allows me to continue exploring the beauty in the mundane and the stories that objects tell.


ENDS

Saturday 17 August 2024

 SPOTLIGHT ON: ARIJITA DAS

A Shy Artist With Confident Strokes



Artist Arijita Das and  one of her paper collage works
                                        
On a visit to Kolkata some time ago, I met a shy lady at a community gathering, who had one of the sweetest smiles I have encountered in my social circuit. We were introduced and left to ourselves, which was fortuitous as to my pleasant surprise, she turned out to be an artist, and to her utter surprise, I turned out to be a writer of the arts. Our evening, therefore, developed into a series of long discussions, which introduced me to her skills as an artist.

That artist is Arijita Das, who is based in Kolkata (even though I still prefer Calcutta); she is the mother of a 10-year-old daughter Shatabhisa, and is the wife of a noted cardiologist of Calcutta, Dr Sukamal Das. The two realise that they have an amazing artist in their midst who needs only encouragement for her art to become better known; while the daughter, despite her age, doesn't disturb the mother when she is painting, the husband encourages her like a true professional. Says Arijita, "When my husband learned about my passion, he supported me with all the resources required in this field. He always motivates me to do more work."

Arijita is a naturally gifted artist; her well-balanced and aesthetic works belie the fact that she does not have a professional degree in the subject. After completing her schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya Nagaon (Assam), she earned a BCom degree with Accountancy Honours from Nowgong College and an MCom degree from Gauhati Commerce College, Assam.

Of all the works I have seen of Arijita's, her portraits in paper collages are my favourites. But the range of her art is unlimited as a selection of her works in this post will show.


Paper collage portraits of pioneering Bengali poet and playwright Michael Madhusudan Dutt (left) and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore (right)

Since my first meeting with her, the artist has shared little nuggets about her life and art, some of which I share through excerpts of an interview as follows:

Q. How did you get interested in the arts in the first place?
I have loved painting since childhood. In school, I used to participate in various drawing and craft-related activities, and my teachers used to appreciate my work. My elder brother, Abhishek Das, is also very good at painting. He guides me when required and always motivates me to try something new in my artworks. 

Q. Could you share the techniques of making art that you practice?
I enjoy doing oil paintings and acrylics. Collage is also my favourite medium. I have created many works in collage such as landscapes and portraits.

Q. Who has been your inspiration?
I was born and brought up in Assam. My initial drawing school was named Ruparanga. The principal of Ruparanga, the late Pranab Baruah, was my inspiration. I like to follow his techniques in painting. I grew up learning many things from him, from painting to real life experiences.

Q. Who are the artists whose works you admire?
Among the artists of the past, I admire the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Abanindranath Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore. I find Raja Ravi Varma's detailing in his work especially attractive. Gerhard Richter, Peter Doig, Julien Delagrange, Anish Kapoor and Sanatan Dinda are some of my favourite artists from recent times.

Q. What has been your most favourite theme that you have worked on in all these years? 
I enjoy creating emotional and realistic paintings as well as portraits. Some of my paintings are: 'Basic Need', where a mother is breastfeeding her child while drinking water from a river. 'In Mother's Lap' shows a small, orphaned child, missing his mother, who then draws a picture of her with chalk on the roadside and sleeps inside it. In 'A Pinch of Love', a photographer takes a picture of some tribal children who are far removed from modern technologies and shows them how they look in the camera.

 
 Left: Amio Durga (I too am Durga)

                                                                                                                     A Pinch of Love



In Mother's Lap

I have also created many portraits in collage using newspapers and magazines, such as those of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Michael Madhusudan Dutt.


A paper collage portrait of Kazi Nazrul Islam


Q. What is your vision for your practice for the next few years?
Painting is my passion and my peace of mind. My guru, the late Pranab Baruah, taught me that if you follow your passion and love your work, you will be successful one day. In the next few years, I see myself as an important part of this ecosystem of paintings and drawings. 

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Tuesday 23 July 2024

SPOTLIGHT ON: Kritika Soni


Ceramicist Kritika Soni with a series of her wall vessels. 
Image courtesy: Kritika Soni

As I waited for a friend at the Triveni Kala Sangam about a fortnight ago, it was purely by chance that I sauntered into an exhibition, titled 'Yuva Sambhav', then running at the venue's Shridharani Gallery. Organised by The Raza Foundation, it featured works by 12 young ceramic artists, specially chosen and curated by eminent ceramicist P R Daroz.

To use a cliché, it was a stunning revelation.

The exhibition showcased the very latest trends in the genre of ceramic arts. This is a genre that finds itself almost always overshadowed by the world of paintings, and to a small extent, of sculptures, and therefore, a complete exhibition dedicated to it was refreshing.



Ripple of Time, Stoneware, 50 X 70 in. (20 tiles), 2024, by Kritika Soni

It would be a disservice to the complex and labour-intensive genre of ceramics to immediately associate it with fine tableware, or perhaps, innovative, modern décor. It is as much a discipline of visual arts as painting and sculpture yet lingers on the sidelines as there are very few galleries dedicated to promoting it. The most notable exception is the Indian Ceramics Triennale, whose second edition was held in New Delhi from January 19 to March 31 this year.

As I walked through the exhibition slowly, gradually absorbing the cutting-edge work being done by contemporary artists in clay, I was overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of creativity on display, I wanted to know more about the artists and their practice. As I was instantly arrested by the works of Kritika Soni, I reached out to her for a detailed chat about her art. Here's what the New Delhi-based artist, who has a brand of handmade ceramic wall installation art called Kara Sabi, shared with me.

What is it about ceramics that drew you to the medium in the first place?

You are right... there is something about ceramics that drew me to this medium even though I wasn't trained to be a ceramicist. I studied textile design, first at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore (2007-2011), and then at Chelsea College of Arts, London (2011-2013). Upon completing my education, I was working in the textile industry. But clay always appealed to me. So, it's a classic case of us planning something but destiny has something else in mind for us. I gave up working in textiles and switched to clay in 2016. But none of this was planned. There was nothing like 'I have to'. When I look back, I remember it as a moment of intuitive flow. 

So, that explains the little, textured details like a printed cloth on your works at the exhibition organised by The Raza Foundation...

Yes, that's true. No education ever goes to waste. As I have a background in textiles, it keeps appearing in some form or the other in my ceramic works. I have always appreciated tactile mediums as it also gives the artist more opportunity to explore and experiment, and ceramic allows that.


Details from Kritika Soni's works, from the set titled 'Broken and Beautiful', a set of 15 wall vessels, stoneware, 60 X 40 in., 2024

As a full-time practicing ceramicist, what would you say about the opportunities in the field dominated by paintings?

I have to say that I'm very new to the field — practicing for the past 6-7 years only — so my opinion would be that of a newbie. Having said that, I would add that the field is in transition. Ceramic art is very old, dating back to ancient times. Perhaps, because of its utility value over centuries, it came to be regarded as a craft. That continues to be the popular opinion about ceramics in India even though perceptions are changing, especially in bigger cities; my maximum orders are from Mumbai and Hyderabad. People are beginning to appreciate it for the art that it is. The mind shift is taking place.

How would you describe the ceramics scene today?

I think the newer generation of ceramic artists is highly experimental, as you must have realised in the exhibition. I know quite a few artists who are not formally trained in this medium. Lack of training, actually, works as an advantage for us as we do not know any rules to be able to break them! There are benefits of setting one's limits as you haven't been taught any!

That is why, exhibitions such as this one are a great opportunity. There are not very many platforms dedicated to ceramics, so when a prestigious foundation hosts an exhibition only for ceramics, it is a great honour.

Any ceramic artists whose works you follow or look up to?

I prefer experimental work and therefore, some artists with whose works my aesthetic sensibility can relate to include P R Daroz [the curator of the 'Yuva Sambhav' show], Vinod Daroz, and Vineet Kacker, to name a few. It is exciting to be able to understand that each one has their own distinct way of expressing themselves through the same lump of clay.

     


ENDS

  

Sunday 23 June 2024

 SPOTLIGHT ON: Ompal Sansanwal


When eminent New Delhi-based artist Ompal Sansanwal ended his 15-year hibernation with a solo show, held at the Bikaner House in New Delhi in April-May this year, it seemed like a great opportunity to finally see a full exhibition in person, of the works of an artist I've admired for long.

The exhibition, 'Jiva', featuring 60 paintings of trees and the diverse ecosystem they nurture, was curated by art historian Uma Nair and was presented by Sanya Malik's Black Cube gallery. The trees sprouted all over the venue through canvases in bright, solid colours such as yellow, blue and red. On some canvases, there were massive trees cradling stories and civilisations, while on some others, well-known stories were expressed through perpetually expanding roots and branches of trees, that not only defined the landscape but also the bodies of the figures. 




The most arresting of these was the tree-Nataraja in bright yellow and red, which incidentally, was also the latest work from Sansanwal's repertoire. Uma Nair, the curator of the show, said about this painting: "The Nataraja created with branches of the banyan tree is like a lattice of divinity bathed in the light of Bhakti."

Sansanwal works with pen and ink, watercolour and a detailed crosshatching technique using acrylic paint on canvas. He has exhibited his works in several solo and group exhibitions since 1995 and is a recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi's National Award (2002) and Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi's award in 1991.

While it was difficult not to be overwhelmed with the effulgence of spell-binding paintings all around, another one that literally seemed to draw the viewers to itself was the pen and ink rendition of Krishna balancing the Govardhan hill on his little finger while the population of his native Mathura huddles underneath to escape fierce rain and thunderstorm; the latter is depicted with the solid blue background in acrylic, the shade hovering between cerulean and azure.


It's not a surprise that the artist has undertaken several trips to only soak in nature, prominent among which remain his treks through the Himalayas and frequent visits to Bharatpur bird sanctuary, amongst others. 

While the theme of nature, and more specifically, the tree of life, is a very evident summation of his oeuvre, Sansanwal surprises by adroitly amalgamating mythological and other stories in the narrative. It can be likened to coming together of the important strands in his trajectory as an artist — the affinity for nature and the mythological stories that he grew up on, both represented as an organic whole through intricate, dexterous drawing, detailing and crosshatching.

Here's a Q&A that I was fortunate to have with the senior artist on his oeuvre and his journey.

It's so great to have a full-fledged solo show of yours in New Delhi after so long. Why this hibernation?

I don't paint for a show. I paint without any goal and do a show when I feel I'm ready for it. The struggle may be hard and long, but it is like trekking with a heavy rucksack on your back. It is tiring but after two days of walking and walking, suddenly a point comes when you see the snowy mountains... only snow, no human being around. That sudden turn washes off all your fatigue and rejuvenates you like nothing else can.

The plethora of trees, and nature in general, in your canvases shows your close affinity for nature. Is there some deep-seated reason for your preference?

I grew up in a village called Katwariya Sarai — where now stands IIT Delhi — which at that time was about fields and jungles. In primary school, we would study under a tree and the entire day was spent running amongst trees, climbing up the branches, resting under the shade, collecting wild berries... we would spend almost the entire day outside. I remember the evenings spent with my mother listening to mythological stories, which as we all know, are replete with man's close connect with nature. So, years later, when I joined the Delhi College of Art, nature was an integral part of my being. Some more years later, I realized the pull of nature on me and went back to it.

As nature kept pulling me towards it, I gradually realized that I had found my visual language. So, no matter what you learn at an art school — the skills, western techniques, various experimentations, etc., you keep going back to your roots. My roots finally gave me the language that is mine. Now, no matter what theme I may pick up, it is expressed in my distinct language.

Is there any artist whose oeuvre has influenced you profoundly?

My college senior Neeraj Goswami influenced my art, often inadvertently, from which I had to practically wean myself away to be able to chart my own independent journey. Among global greats, Vincent van Gogh, the 19th century Post-Impressionist Dutch painter, has been a profound influence. Till about the third year in college, I didn't quite like realism but then I read Lust for Life [the biographical novel by Irving Stone on van Gogh's life] and was totally converted. Not just his style of painting but his life itself became a huge source of inspiration for me. 







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Friday 19 January 2024

Where are our children gone?


The spectacular winter this season has made me fall in love with Delhi Metro, twenty-one years after the entire city fell in love with it. But this write-up is not about this God-sent Mass Rapid Transit System but a rather unusual experience that I had there, which got me thinking. 

A few evenings back, as I exited the Nehru Place station, I noticed a senior lady passenger walking ahead of me, with a great deal of struggle. She was finding it difficult to keep her balance amid the people rushing around her, most of them breezing past with their heads bent on their mobile phones, totally unmindful of where or what they were walking into. I slowed down to see if she needed any help. She did. As I approached her, she smiled, aware of my intent and completely willing to be helped.

Just at that moment, I felt I was looking at a child's face. A face that lights up with relief when someone tries to help. A moment when the child spontaneously raises its arm towards the adult who has come to its rescue. 

This lady, whose name I subsequently asked but would rather skip mentioning, instinctively said, 'Beta!'

I took her bags, held her arm and we started walking slowly towards the exit. She was embarrassed at being helped. I assured her that I did the same with my mother and she shouldn't feel bad about it. She smiled, pressed my arm firmly and eased up a bit. And she started talking, giving me explanations even when I had not asked for any.  That's when I realised that she was not embarrassed at being helped, but at what she thought I must be thinking — that her family didn't really care about her. I had said or done nothing to elicit that train of explanations but she was clearly embarrassed at 'being caught' walking alone and with a great deal of struggle.

Her attire told me that she had children living in the U.S. and her speech indicated that she had been to the U.S. multiple times visiting them. And it turned out to be right. She continued: "I'm not generally in this position. I had gone visiting my sister in Karol Bagh and today, surprisingly, I didn't manage to get an Uber or an Ola for way back home. Otherwise, I don't have to struggle like this. If my daughter learns of this, she is going to be very mad." The daughter lives in some town of California, whose name I now forget.  By the time we reached the road outside the station, she had a tinge of pathos in her voice. "My husband passed away six years ago. Since then, I'm alone. I have only one child — my daughter — and she is so far away. She keeps a check on me and gets very angry if I don't take care of myself. " 

I was beginning to be seriously affected by this lady's talk as my relation with her had by now progressed from being a total stranger lending a hand for a moment to someone invited into the private life of a senior citizen who was at pains to hide her daily struggle and yet was in denial that her life could have been better had her child done something about it. 

I don't know what her daughter should have done and I'm no judge on how people want to live their lives. May be, the lady didn't want to go and live with her daughter in the U.S.; may be the daughter had pleaded with the mother to be with her but the mother didn't want for various plausible reasons; may be, may be...

She continued, "If you live nearby will you come and have dinner with me some time? I know you must have a life with family, etc., but do think of spending some time with me. I'm alone and almost always eat my food alone. It will be nice to have your company."

The rest of her conversation went on in the same vein. She was a pleasant person with a sweet voice but her story affected me. My first reaction to any situation got the better of me and I felt the chills — I wouldn't want to be in that situation ever. Of being so alone, so completely alone that just one smile, one helping hand can trigger an emotional response. I felt sorry for this lady, who was being so valiant in her loneliness, so upright and living it up with pride.

But what it made me wonder about was the question about children. They will grow up and go away and build their lives, which they must, but why is old age so fragile that it must be lived alone with pangs of not having one's own nearby to share daily doses of happiness and tribulations? What can children do? Should they give up their lives? Most certainly not. But then, what about parents? Must they publicly feel proud of their children having made it big in the U.S., and yet silently suffer inside?  

I have been thinking of all this since the encounter and now I'm feeling alarmed that I have come across so many such lonely elders in the recent past, in whichever city I have visited lately. Where are our children gone? Why should the elderly be so helpless, physically and emotionally? May be, there are no final answers to resolve this situation. Is there something that the society needs to do, may be some course correction? Or that's the way civilisation is meant to progress? Too many questions, too few answers...


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Monday 10 July 2023

 The Rise and Rise of Ganesh Pyne


I have been following the steady rise of the market value of Ganesh Pyne's works over the past two-three years, and have been pleased at what I'm noticing. At the recent Saffronart's online auction on June 28-29, his works shone brightly. I have written a detailed analysis on this subject in a column at Hans India's Bizz Buzz on July 8 (the e-paper version above), which can be read here

For those interested in a quick recap of some of Pyne's top-selling works recently, here's a lowdown:

1. Slumberland, 1971, tempera on canvas laid on card, Sotheby's auction, March 2022, Rs 4 crore ($529,200)

2. Untitled, 1981, tempera on mount board, Sotheby's auction, October 2022, Rs 3.5 crore approx. (£340,200)

3. The Animal, 1972, tempera on canvas laid on card, Christie's auction, September 2020, Rs 3.3 crore approx. ($400,000)

4. Before the Pillar, 1972, tempera on canvas laid on card, Pundole's auction, September 2022, Rs 3 crore

5. Untitled (Laxmi Emerging from the Ocean), circa late 1960s, tempera on canvas, Christie's auction, December 2016, Rs 2.37 crore

6. Woman Sowing, circa 1970s, tempera on canvas pasted on paper, Saffronart auction, October 2021, Rs 2.04 crore, ($275,676)

7. The Window, 1997, tempera on canvas, Saffronart auction, July 2021, Rs 1.01 crore ($150,000).