‘I show the invisible in my works’- Vinita Dasgupta

Delhi-based artist Vinita Dasgupta on self-imagery, spirituality and sold-out shows

Among the works that sold out at the India Art Fair (IAF), the country’s largest exhibition-cum-sale of art held annually in Delhi, was an eccentric series with portraits of Marilyn Monroe, an unknown Indian boy, and the artist herself painted on layers of cigarettes. “Step closer, there’s something more beneath the obvious,” says Vinita Dasgupta, 30. On a second look, the “cigarettes” turn out to be canvas strips rolled into hollow pipes of various sizes. They are pasted together to create an undulating surface, giving Dasgupta’s paintings a three-dimensional appearance.

( Vinita Dasgupta's works at Indian Art Fair 2014- New Delhi)

Dasgupta has been selling out since she was a student at College of Art, New Delhi, in the early 2000s and the red dots at IAF have only sealed her place among the promising names of her generation. Relaxing in her studio, she looks less arty and more airy. No intellectual handlooms or ethnic jewellery; instead, she is a Delhi girl with straightened and streaked hair, a nose ring and four tattoos.

“I like to show the invisible in my works,” says Dasgupta. Each roll of canvas, she points out, contains icons or scenes from mythology — Rama and Krishna, Radha and the gopis — and Sanskrit shlokas, so that a painting is made up of many other rolled-up miniatures. “I was looking for a new style when a friend gifted me earrings made from bits of Coke cans twisted together,” she says.

Into this pop inspiration, Dasgupta fused images from Indian spirituality. “I am a seeker of spiritual truths. I travel to Dharamsala and Varanasi regularly to meditate. And I travel alone,” she says. Even the tattoo on her thumb has spiritual significance. “It’s the female moon sign in Chinese and is shaped like an Om,” she says.

As a child — when her first name was still Dipannita, which she changed in school without telling her parents — Dasgupta learnt Kathak, classical music, cooking and painting, participated in almost every activity in school and won lots of prizes, had friends but also spent a lot of time by herself. Consequently, her artwork looks inwards. Almost every series Dasgupta has produced since she turned professional in 2008 include reflections of herself.

Of these, My Window Shut to Open (2010) comprise acrylics, digital and mixed media juxtaposing a world as of candy coloured consumerism — through motifs such as lipsticks, multiple telephones, stilettos, shorts and sleeveless tops — with symbols such as the Taj Mahal (“my ode to builders who build great cities but go unnoticed”) and traffic signals (“It is only at red lights that we get a chance to look at people who live on the streets”). “When I was working on this series, I was always deep in thought. I would watch TV and talk to people, but when that external conversation stopped, the inner conversation would begin,” she explains.

( Vinita Dasgupta's works at Indian Art Fair 2014- New Delhi)

Dasgupta was among the toppers in the entrance exam at College of Art and she proceeded to spend her four undergraduate years metaphorically coloring outside the lines. “I would sit in the postgraduate class 

and hang out with seniors. I was constantly learning from those above me,” she says. Professors began to teach the new students on smaller canvases but Dasgupta regularly turned in large-scale works with strong, almost masculine, brush strokes. She also holds the distinction of winning the Women’s Athlete award four years in a row.Dasgupta’s first solo, in 2009, was titled “Fashion and Attitude: Womanhood under Scanner”. Befitting a post-liberalisation youngster, she tackled a different kind of existentialism from those of an earlier generation of artists. One of her works revolved around wardrobe malfunctions, with a traffic signal of the left glowing red. In another, Dasgupta contrasts the sashay of a model to the steady steps of women labourers carrying construction material on their heads. The exhibition sold out, which still surprises Dasgupta. “Maybe the buyers shared my vision,” she says. 

Since then, she has held four more solos as well as 200 group shows in India and internationally, with Delhi-based Art Konsult representing her since 2009. This year’s IAF was the first time that Galleria Art Lounge from Lisbon displayed her works, with successful results. The gallery has planned a solo of her works in Lisbon this autumn.

(Report courtesy Written by Dipanita Nath )| March 16, 2014 11:38 pm  ( Indian express)

Not to be Missed : 22nd March 2014 at Art Gate Gallery

SUKSHM

A show of recent paintings by Kumar Vaidya on 22 to 29 march 2014.

11AM to 7PM (Open on Sunday)

Preview on 21st March 2014. 5PM to 9PM

At art gate gallery above Satyam collection, next to Eros Cinema, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020.

Showcasing Indian art scene for the world...J.J Today & Tomorrow

In the last few decades, one has seen a reasonable growth in the contemporary art scene of India.

And in order to spread the awareness of Indian art and artists around the world, The Art Affaire, a platform for artists and art lovers alike, is hosting paintings by the ex-students and teachers of Sir JJ School of Art. A group show titled 'J.J Today & Tomorrow', the exhibit includes the work of 40 artists like Mangesh Kapse, Manohar Rathod, Abid Shaikh, Parag Kashinath Tandel, Javed Mulani, Vijay Bondar, Javed Mulani, Manohar Rathod, Abhid Sheikh, Raman Adone and others, alongside faculties from JJ School of Art like Anant Nikam, Douglas John, Dr Manisha Patil, Prakash Sonavane, Rajendra Patil, Vijay Sakpal, Vishwanath Sabde (Dean) and more. 

The JJ School of Art too, has a tradition of excellent painters and art teachers like M V Dhurandhar, Jagannath Ahivasi, Y K Shukla, S B Palsikar, Baburao Sadwlekar, PM Kolte and so on, who through their relentless efforts have played mentors to numerous talented artists over the years.

This art show will give aspiring artists an opportunity to show their talent.

(The exhibit is on from February 24 to March 2 from 11 am to 7 pm at the Art Gate Gallery, Satyam Collection, Opposite Churchgate station)(above painting by Raman Adone )

Krutika Behrawala,TNN | Feb 24, 2014, 01.03 PM IST

After 20 years, Kumar Vaidya is all set to comeback with the most anticipated show... ‘SUKSHM’

When you think of an artist, names like Friedrich Schiller, Rembrandt etc pops up. Eccentric, unconventional and abstract in their being, they didn’t follow the typical norms of society, following their instinct and desires, they went through life as if it was a canvas, where the only acceptable formula was to use colours, textures and designs that fulfilled their sense of being, in a way that made absolute sense or sometimes, no sense at all.

(Kumar Vaidya)

Kumar is one of such person. As eccentric as any artist, what sets him apart is this beautiful disposition he has towards life and the meaning it holds. An eternal soul with the exuberance of a boy, caught in the daily humdrum of life, he is a story within a story. Walking on the road less travelled, he does what he knows best, and that is to just go with the flow of life, wherever it takes him, in whichever way it takes him.

Breaking traditional norms of being an artist, Kumar Vaidya’s life is as colourful and dark as his artwork. Having seen it all in the past 20 years, one thing that never changed was his undying passion towards feeding his artistic flair in whichever way possible, to learn rather than acquire.

A true artist doesn’t restrict his emotions and thoughts to one channel of outlet, instead they let it flow out through any medium possible, be it music, art or a philosophical take on life. When they talk, they are consumed with this sense of passion about everything and listening to them, your mind can’t help but wander off to the beautiful unexplored dimensions that only a true artist can open.

Such is the persona of Mr. Kumar, unassuming in nature, prolific in thoughts & alternative in personality, his work breaks all benchmarks that restrict human emotions. He is an artist who is completely in tuned with his innermost emotions, which are free flowing and does not limit itself to one form of style.

What sets his work apart is that it gives his viewers a sense of freedom to interpret his work in whichever way they want to.  Not wanting to restrict a persons thought and emotions, his work takes you on a journey of your choice. Open to exposition, his work challenges you to think outside the box, to not restrain your emotions, taking your thoughts on a path that has been unexplored, where meanings and preconceived notions no longer exist, a new territory of unimaginable depths and heights, where no two people will express the same emotions while they are lost in finding the meaning in his art. And when they realise, that the only meaning to bring out of his art is to free one’s mind and let it take its own journey, like Mr. Kumar did, is when the real meaning of his work hits home. 

(Untitled : 10.5x10.5" water color on paper)

Bio-Profile: Kumar Vaidya:

Kumar Vaidya is an Indian artist known for his contribution to the cutting-edge yet comprehensive Indian artwork. Born on 5^th August 1964 at Kapadwanj, Gujarat, his first artistic endeavour began with his degree in Bachelor of Fine Art from Sir J J School of Art Mumbai. His drive for more rigorous and traditional training led him to Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris – FRANCE on French Government scholarship, 1993.

Kumar Vaidya, known for his avant-garde yet revolutionary artwork, successfully positioned himself in the Indian art domain with his first solo exhibition in Mumbai, Madras and Delhi in 1992.

Constantly reinventing himself while retaining his artistic DNA, Kumar Vaidya, especially known for his sense of style which leans towards layers and straight lines, gives his paintings a mystical eminence and high level of quality and perfection. 

Well renowned for his artistic disposition all over, most of Kumar Vaidya’s paintings are in a private collection in France. His alluring art work has also been showcased as a part of Sadruddin Daya's art collection. Mr Vaidya’s artistic talents have been recognized by known names like Rajiv Sethi, who commissioned him to paint one of his rooms at the landmark Shah House in Juhu’s Janki Kutir, owned by Czaie and Suketu Shah (MD Mukund Iron and Steel).

His achievements also include painting four of large size paintings for Kohinoor Bungalow of ex Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Manohar Joshi. Furthermore, he went on to paint a large (45 ft X 9 ft) painting on the wall for Vipul Doshi at his Churchgate office.

Artist Kumar Vaidya’s work stands apart and takes your mind on an experimental and innovative journey, breaking the conventional norms and showcasing depth through his talented art strokes.

After 20 years, Kumar Vaidya is all set to comeback with the most anticipated show, ‘SUKSHM’ that will display his extraordinary piece of art to all the art lovers. The exhibition will be from 22^nd March -29^th March at an art gate gallery above Satyam collection, next to Eros Cinema, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020.

  (Report courtesy Atul Unadkat,)

SURVIVOR'S STORY: Rising from the ashes - Avinash Godbole

Avinash Godbole knows the pain of being land locked when your heart dreams of flight. That is why he chose the metaphor to express his life after stroke in his paintings. His life changed 11 years ago; Godbole was the creative art director in an ad agency. One day while climbing the stairs of his home he felt his right leg going numb. He ignored the pain and called his family homoeopath in Pune, who prescribed a few drugs. He thought the sensation would ease like the last episode three months earlier. The numbness, however, worsened. “We kept telling him he needed to see a doctor, but he refused,” says his wife Ratan, an artist. “He had more faith in homoeopathy.” 

 (Avinash Godbole working in studio / Photo by Amey Mansabdar)

Finally, it was another homoeopath who saw him at home, who convinced him to see a doctor immediately. By then, it was already three days since his stroke. “We rushed to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, and doctors confirmed that is was a stroke. But they said they could not undo the damage done, only prevent further damage,” says Godbole. It seemed Godbole suffered from an ischemic stroke, but since he didn't reach the hospital in the four-and-a-half hour window period, doctors could not conduct any procedure on him.

He stayed in the hospital for 10 days, four of them in the intensive care unit. Godbole had graduated from J.J. School of Art and was an illustrator for a newspaper while working in the ad agency. He knew his life had changed when his right hand could not hold a pencil after a few days in the hospital.

For days after discharge, Godbole was prescribed physiotherapy yet there was little improvement, his right leg limped while his right hand remained lifeless. The doctors told him that all the progress that is to happen, would come in the first six months and Godbole was desperate for a miracle. “I tried everything¯ayurveda, homoeopathy, Kerala massage, Christian healing, folk remedies everything,” he recalls. “We even tried putting the blood of pigeon on the right hand; it is said to be warm and improves circulation,” says Ratan. His miracle did not come. Meanwhile Godbole went back to work a month after the stroke. Not being able to use his right hand was frustrating. “That's when we told him to start doing things with his left hand,” says Ratan. “Dr Shirish Hastak, his neurologist, kept telling us that stroke is not the end of the world,” says Ratan. “He told Avinash to do what he loves¯start painting again.”

( Avinash Godbole recent painting )

Godbole picked his pencil again, this time with his left hand. It was a slow start. It was like learning to paint all over again. He realised that his brain was still intact: it had ideas, creativity, a vision about beauty. It took three years to train his left arm to bring that vision to reality.

He started painting full time after he retired as an executive creative director. Three years ago, he came up with a series of 25 paintings describing his tryst with stroke. “I wanted to create awareness about stroke. I do not want someone to go through what I did,” says Godbole. His paintings articulate the regret of losing out on time due to stubbornness, his experiences with different alternative therapies and accepting that one side of his body may not be functional again.

While stroke has changed his life, his family has helped him achieve his dreams. His wife accompanies him when he needs to travel and his driver helps him with household chores. Godbole has his routine set now. He paints six to eight hours a day and has made about 500 paintings after stroke. “Everyone says my paintings are better than they used to be,” he says.

“For two years after his stroke, we were not clear about what it really was,” says Ratan, “We didn't fully understand that it is the brain that is affected and not the hand.” Godbole is an active member of the stroke support group in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Rotary Club's initiatives on stroke.

He was also invited to exhibit his paintings at the World Stroke Association's conference in Brazil last year. Hope is the message he wishes to convey to stroke patients and their families. “Our brain is a wonderful thing, there are things we haven't tapped in our brain. In spite of the stroke, you can do what you love to do, become a poet or a writer.” Ratan, on the other hand, wants the caregivers to make the stroke patient independent. “When the stroke patient says he can't, encourage him to try," she says.

Report courtesy Published in The Week ( Health cover story)March 3, 2014 18:51 hrs IST

You age is too small for the kind of artwork that you have created, it is a rare entity to find such thought in the youth of your age – S. H. RAZA

Right from the birth till being mature to give birth to a new life, I am blessed to experience every emotional feeling as a woman. At the very tender age itself, I realized that the Lord who created this Universe has scattered upon this earth diverse hues and forms and varied patterns, but maintained similarity in spirit of emotions that flow through these creations.  This is the only reason why we are able to simply colligate equally with the living and non-living objects of this earth. Sensing this minor yet mysterious knowledge has swayed me away into a very different thrilling and spirited world, the world, where everything is spiritual and very dear. It has a spell of magic from which I am not able to come out, or it would be apt to say that I willingly deny coming out.  With times, this affection has compelled me to develop a very different kind of world by giving forms and coloring these emotions. At the age of thirteen I was thrilled by my very own, first creation of this aura. It guided me to vent my creativity in an influential manner. I loved to work in Print etching style and the period from 1993-1998 is most cherished period for me. This is the period when all the dimensions that were necessary for my creativity, were unveiling before me and I happily ventured towards my creative world.

In 1999, I acquired lot of success in the field of Art, but for me the most valued thing was appreciation by S. H .Raza who praised my work and said, “You age is too small for the kind of  artwork that you have created, it is a rare entity to find such thought in the youth of your age. Your creative world is bright so let it flow continuously.”  These precious few words of appreciation made me realize that the surge of feelings in my creations is capable of binding the attention of beholders.   Thus, I was ready to bind the world into the magical spell of my creative world.

It was quiet a different experience of migrating from city of  Bhopal, the city with abundant nature and working in the city like Delhi where human feelings were restricted and superficial. The feelings seemed nothing to do with tender and rich emotional attachments. It was like, - The more superficial, the better. Therefore it can be summed up that, the nature of city has more or less ability to alter the attitudes. And that is the reason why I was not able to live in that city for more than five years and I shifted to Mumbai, to know the nature of one more city! Mumbai is such a city where people of varied natures live and there are different shades of life, the spirit to live happily in any prevailing condition, the zealous attitude of moving on by ignoring hurdles and moving without halts and winning over failures, make its personality more impressive.

 Even after the calamities, people who value life, care for feelings and do not let emotions perish and nor make them superficial. I am constantly studying this city since 7 years and a lot can be created here. The knowledge and education in painting as well as the medium of Print that I studied at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal prompted me to work in this medium in naturally abundant city like Bhopal and later on moved to the city like Delhi and finally came to Mumbai. Here I could experience a unique facet of life where there is a hidden beauty in the natural destructive forces and realized that it strengthens the purity of feelings and expressions. This is the only reason why my artworks created here are either destructive visuals or calm and serene. You can effortlessly hear and feel the spoken or silently expressed feelings. Even after the numerous blasts of emotions and tornados, a corner of your heart remains tranquil

Destruction heightens emotions and this happens innocently which is also a call of a new life. It is a special feeling for me to endow a character to the feelings of this city in my creations; it is as if, I am creating my own form. This cycle of tapping and knowing my soul calms me down