Archana Mishra, is a scholarly
Abstract painter with sensitive mind and heart; she presently lives and works
in Mumbai. Though she lives in Urban environment, her thoughts always flow and
swirl in the elements of nature. Her subject of painting is based on the
undisclosed elements of nature that can be both, shocking and blissfully
surprising. The following excerpt is a peep into Archana Mishra’s nature, as
told to Pankaja JK.
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| 72 x 72 inches , Mix Media on Canvas, Volcano Cup |
A.M.: I believe that the things that
influence nature and even ourselves are almost abstract. The comprehension of
wordless expressions is very powerful. Like, when wind blows fiercely it is
destructive and we call it a tornado or hurricane, but when it blows leisurely,
it proves to be a life-giver. Abstract is beyond comprehension of ordinary
being as it is not an imitation of real objects, but it surely satisfies the
soul, the spiritual thirst .We cannot express the fragrance of flowers,
emotions, the calmness of stars, coolness of waterfall or fury of volcano in
any form, because those are abstracts and so ultimately when objects are separated
from their abstract character then they ultimately lose their existence. Even if
the figurative artist removes expressions from the figures, the paintings would
seem lifeless. The gist of all this is that, feelings have no form, they are
abstract. So, without abstract no realistic form is complete, but abstract is
complete in itself. In Abstract painting by coloring and giving expression to
our own abstract feelings, we provide perfection to painting.
JK.: In these exhibits most of
your images revolve around ‘volcano’, which if fiery, full of vigor and it
erupts from the earth, why did you choose such an element from nature?
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| S H Raza and Arachna Mistra at krisna art gallery solo show Delhi -2003 |
JK.: Tell us about
your technique of work.
A.M.: I do not rely on a particular
medium for my work. I have won awards for my paintings on prints, but my favorite
medium is Acrylic on Canvas. I work even in mixed media if my creations demand
it. My aim is to exhibit a finished creation and therefore I use any medium
that suits my creation.
JK: How many days does it take to
complete one art work?
A.M.: The time taken depends on
the theme and the intricacy in it.
J.K.: Which other aspects of
nature are dear to you, to express it in Abstract form?
 |
| (72x72 inches , Acrylic on canvas , VORTEX OF VOLCANO) |
A.M.: Every form of nature is dear to me. Since childhood I would meticulously observe every aspect of nature, its every form, beauty and innocence etc; this is the reason why I try to relate human character with elements in nature. Till date I have painted many aspects of nature. But there are many more undisclosed subjects in nature that I still wish to paint.
JK.: Do you have any
inspirations?
A.M.: Nature is the biggest
inspiration.. Every moment it introduces me to novel forms. There is no greater
school or teacher than Nature. The more I learn from it, it seems to be less.
JK.: Tell us about your progress
as a painter.
A.M.: I have done my P.hD in
painting. I started my painting career at my home in Bhopal, in the year 1997.
In that year I had my first solo show. In 1999 I achieved a National level
award SCZCC, from Nagpur. In these 15 years I have achieved many awards and
prizes, and I have been doing solo and group shows till now. I wish to attract
the art lovers towards my paintings by astonishing creations; and I will continue
to astonish the world with my creations throughout my life time.
J.K.: Does the competition affect you?
A.M.: No, I am never affected by competitors. But
frankly speaking, due to competition many artists are trying their hands at new
experiments and trying to give a unique identity to their works, in a way this
is good. This is the reason why Art has progressed from being on canvas to
other mediums. But I confidently feel that my creations are totally different
from other artists, my world of creation is different. My competition is with
myself and no other artist.
JK.: In this age of globalization, which
means of exhibiting your art do you prefer? Social networking sites or
Galleries?
A.M.: This era is good for artist and art lovers
too. The advanced modes of exhibition like web. blogs, online sites facilitate
us to display and share our paintings all over the globe and know the reaction
of people about our works. Right from layman to art lover is free to express the
views. Networking is like a revolution for our field.
 |
| 80 x 80 inches, Acrylic on canvas, volcano waterfall |
JK.: Do you think participating in Art Fair
is a wise decision?
A.M.: I think every artist should participate in
Art Fair. It’s a platform where budding and eminent artists display their
exhibits under one roof and the exhibition is open to all and not just for a
particular class or category. It also introduces artists to the changes that
are taking place in the field of Art.
JK.: Painting is a passion or
profession for you?
A.M.: Painting is first a passion for me then a
profession.
JK.: What are your other hobbies?
A.M.: I like to enjoy music and do photography.
JK.: What are your future plans?
A.M.: In the next show I will do installation and
I am also working to present my creations with a very unique perspective. Along
with canvas, other mediums will be the part of my forthcoming creations.
JK: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us
and looking forward for your creations in other mediums too.
A.M.: My pleasure!
It was a good experience speaking to this nature
lover; In the interview she said that she tries to relate human beings to
nature and I think that proves true in her own case. Cheerful and chirpy as a bird,
flowing enthusiasm like river and filled with the burning desire to create more
and more and something unique….just like her theme Tornado! Her hobbies too reflect romanticism and nature
in its physical state is nothing but one of the real life expression abstract
Romanticism. I guess there will be more surprises of nature that she would
unveil to us in her next creations.
