I am not an artist. I resort to colours to cope with anxiety. It helps me relax and distracts me from the overwhelming colours of life. I overthink and I am an introvert. It took immense courage to upload these pictures in front of the world.
Watercolours
I love watercolours and it is the first medium with which I started my exploration with colours last year. This is the go to medium for an after-work, evening fun with colours. I am exploring evolution of Indian folk and cultural, specially of Bengal through painting styles of that time such as Kalighat, Pattachitra etc. and also through the lens of fictional characters created in that era. Here are some of my favourites with watercolors.
I am an avid follower of Satyajit Ray and almost all of his characters fascinate and inspire me. Here is the epic duo — Gupi Bagha. The duo explores poverty, extortion by the rulers, societal bullying of that time and in the end, cultural and personal liberty through music, travel and food.
Feluda needs no introduction and arguably one of the most ideal characters created by Ray, liked by teenagers and adults alike. Shonar Kella and Joy Baba Felunath are one his notable stories.
Though Byomkesh is not a Ray creation, Sharadindu managed to explore the economic, political and socio cultural plot of Bengal and India under British rule in the 1930's. Satyanweshan in that era, is an unconventional occupation with a celibate writer to give company as ‘Watson’.
Kalighat is an exaggerated style of expression coming from the 19th century Bengal. It is an underrated style with tremendous creative flexibility, capable of depicting any form or subject. This style also originated from the way society functioned at that time, expressing prejudices through contrasts and juxtapositions. Many priceless creations of this style are now displayed at the National Modern Art Gallery in New Delhi.
To be continued..
