Art as My Lifelong Companion and Evolving Journey
Art has been my childhood friend, seamlessly becoming an integral part of my life from an early age. I learned by imitating my father’s every stroke; he has been my inspiration and strength to this day. Always one step behind him, I absorbed countless lessons through his movements. Art came to me effortlessly, a constant companion that shaped my identity and worldview.
Born in Mussoorie, Dehradun, Uttarakhand in 1979, I was surrounded by the beautiful hills and lush, untouched nature. The tranquility of these green, empty surroundings, far from human interference, remains close to my heart. I have vivid memories of observing the breeze through the leaves and having countless conversations with nature. The night sky, dotted with infinite twinkling stars, would draw me deep into my thoughts, filling me with a sense of wonder about the vast, endless universe.
The Beauty of Simplicity in Art
Ideas can be powerfully simple or occasionally complex, but I’ve never felt the need to complicate things. I prefer my canvases to embody simplicity, free from unnecessary intricacies. Choosing simplicity amidst chaos, I hold onto the essence of life, finding clarity in the tangled threads of existence. My approach is minimalistic, reflecting calm and clarity amidst the complexity of the world.
This love for simplicity was influenced by my exploration of spirituality. In my early works, I portrayed fleeting emotions, past experiences, and meditation, often using the human form as a vessel to express the interconnectedness of our inner selves with the universe. Spirituality has guided me to focus on what is essential, helping me let go of the irrelevant. It calms my emotions and allows me to create my own space, letting others move around me without conflict. This connection with my higher self fortifies my core values, principles, and vision, steering my path both in art and life.
From College Works to Deepening Symbolism
My fascination with the void, an expanse that is empty yet not, found its way into my early works during my college years. I began exploring these concepts in space-themed pieces, often intertwining my personal connection with larger worldly issues, such as the destruction of the Bamiyan statues, and the depiction of a Buddha-like figure on the moon's surface, representing the Supreme as the Universe. My experimentation with lithography led me to develop the imagery of leaves on a figure's head, a motif that later evolved to symbolize wisdom and growth gained from my parents, elders, and society. This became a powerful symbol that I would revisit throughout my post-college works.
As my style evolved, I began exploring the vastness of space & the overlapping of geometric shapes like rectangles and circles. During this phase, I found myself drawn to the works of Mark Rothko. His minimalist yet deeply powerful approach resonated with me, inspiring me to delve deeper into my own exploration of simplicity and depth.
Pointillism and the Cosmic Connection
Seeking a meditative process that echoed the universe's endlessness, I embraced pointillism. This technique allowed me to touch every micro part of the canvas repeatedly, resonating with the infinitely expansive universe speckled with countless stars and galaxies. I believed that the space on my canvas should not be limited to a single stroke; it needed to breathe, stretch, and expand into boundlessness.
Evolving Forms and Personal Connections
As my work evolved, so did the forms and symbols within it. The leaves on the figures' heads transformed into representations of wisdom and growth. I dedicated an entire series to exploring this symbolism, capturing the essence of knowledge passed down through generations.
I also delved into personal narratives, such as my relationship with my partner in the series "First Sight Faith," which holds profound meaning in my life, exploring the depth of connection and shared spirituality. The "Floating Human Figure" series marked another turning point in my journey. These figures symbolize my continuous journey through the infinite space created by a higher power, not in the physical sense but metaphorically through thoughts and introspection. It reflects a sense of movement, freedom, and exploration of the self in the vastness of existence.
Grounding Through the 'Believing' Series
With the "Believing" series, my work took on a more grounded approach, embodying a sense of rootedness and stability. This phase echoes my aspirations for the greater good, the interconnectedness of humanity, and the importance of growth that is intertwined with our roots and origins. It also reflects an acknowledgment of the self, a deep introspection, and a realization of my actions rendered towards the greater good and collective growth, along with a stronger commitment to continue on this path.
The Value of Appreciation and My Artistic Vision
Throughout this journey, appreciating the works of others has been essential. Observing and understanding the creative processes of my peers and seniors adds value to my existence as both an artist and a human being. This practice fosters unity and interconnectedness within the art world and my life.
Since the beginning, my goal has been to create art that is simplistic in thought and form, yet profound in meaning. I strive to spread joy, peace, and spirituality through my work. Simplicity and minimalism are not just artistic choices; they are a way of life—a path to express the stillness, depth, and serenity I hope to share with others. My journey is one of continual evolution, where each phase brings deeper understanding and a metamorphosis of thought, forever expanding into the future.
Artist
2024
