Shalaka draws inspiration from the Indian
metaphysical concept of ‘Shunya’ which is based on the paradox of
maximum potential contained with an irreducible minimum that is Emptiness. Thus
her creations are but attractive, distinct visuals. Paintings also incorporate scientific theory of Quantum energy of
Universe. Quantum energy is an Energy which burst to form into innumerable
galaxies, constellations and other components of Universe.
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| Shalaka Patil |
‘Energy in Void’, completely
mystifies us by imbibing the concept of the evolution of Universe, its progress
and expansion and ultimately the dissolution in itself without disturbing the movement
of harmonious whole of the elements of the Universe.
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| Painting series by Shalaka Patil. |
The paintings have various
forms on the single plain or textured surface of paper; the forms on paper seem
to be evolving non-stop, having life and movement. As we keep mulling over
them, they also seem to dissolve. But at the very moment the similar one seems
to replace the prior one. This evolution and dissolution represents the cyclical
concept of creation, preservation and destruction/dissolution. Every component of painting-
form or colour is unique metaphoric representation of space merging into a related
whole. Thus the physical appearance is a Visible Reality but Actuality of an
entity is beyond physical or visible reality as put forward by Quantum theory
for creation of Universe.
To speak about it in regards to her paintings, we
find that the form and
colour refer to Nothing other than itself, but still it
has some value in totality that emerge in unison on the Nothingness (here paper
canvas becomes a total void or quantum energy with its plain surface, on which painting is
done). This art of the artists can be best described with the help of
illustration by Lao Tzu. While explaining the importance of Nothingness or void
he said, ‘‘We shape clay into a pot but it is the emptiness inside which holds
what we want”. So even though the paper dissolves its identity with emergence
of colors and elements on it, still its emptiness plays a major role in shaping
the externally visible objective reality.
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| Painting series by Shalaka Patil. |
Thus, the plain spotless paper forms the base of her
creation. It becomes the releasing point of energy to give meaning to various
colors and forms on it. And if we associate this interplay with concept of ‘Shunya’,
we find that existence of forms and colors get their meaning only due to empty
space or Nothingness of paper which is nothing but only a plain textured
surface. This surface itself has the potential energy to absorb the colors that
are brushed on it. So it is ‘Something’ that appears on ‘Nothing’. Hence, that
what is perceived, has negligible scope compared to the unperceived or the
emptiness that actually becomes meaningful and important. Thus, there are
limitations to what is perceived. When meditated upon this reality with no center
or edge gives rise to infinite possibilities. We realize that forms and space
are interchangeable according to perception.
We are interconnected to everything in Nature
through the medium of this ‘empty’ space. Our soul and mind are the Emptiness
filled with innumerable thoughts (physical elements) that are negative as well
as positive. As we mature the thoughts are replaced by new, some are expanded
others perish to give place to new ones. All in turn influencing the lifestyle
that we follow based upon these elements. Thus evolution, expansion and
dissolution become part of human activity, just like Universe. Mind and Soul
become the providers of potential energies.
The approach of
successive layering and removal of pigment permits the surface to achieve
transparency, translucency and opacity. The forms are held together, within
mutual associations of attraction and repulsion, of contraction and expansion,
thus there is continuous flow of energy involving a person to contemplate like
cosmological inflation. All the components of paintings be it paper,
water-colors or ink, space consist of positive energy which rests upon one
another to create a complete whole.
It is a blissful
experience to view her paintings as it takes us on trail in Universe and also
lets us probe into self and find the centre point from where we as individual
rise and gain our identity or characteristic, that changes with time and
maturity.
- by Pankaja JK
