monalisa patsani
post news network
Bhubaneswar, August 14: Gopal Choudhary is planning a solo exhibition, something he has not done in the past five years. The painter of renown from Kolkata, who was in the city Sunday, shared his plan among other things in a chat with Orissa POST.
“I have not fixed a theme for the exhibition yet, but I am working to come up with something interesting,” Gopal said.
The painter is known for making ‘three-dimensional’ paintings on canvas. He had developed a taste for painting from his childhood.
“I had no idea how paintings were made and did not initially derive pleasure out of it. I used to copy art by great painters and if what I produced matched theirs I would show it to everyone and be happy. Later I joined an institution and formally learned painting. Then I began deriving pleasure from painting. As I matured as a painter, I began using my works as ways of expression. Now I have created a path for myself and have been following it,” Gopal said.
The painter with more than 20 years of work behind him, has created this unique style that is also quite popular. “Human figures dominate my paintings, as I was nurtured on mythological and religious stories in my childhood. People appreciate and love my style and that gives me satisfaction as an artist.”
He recalls the day Amitabh Bachchan had visited one of his shows. “I had this show in Mumbai and Amitabh Bachchan walked in with wife Jaya. He showed great interest in my works and even purchased a creation. I cherish that moment as I am a great
fan of his.”
Most paintings Gopal makes are realistic and can be called semi abstract.
“I mostly make my paintings in 3-D format with an abstract theme. Everybody makes paintings. But I wanted to do it in a different way, and chose to use 3-D effect to make my works more lively. If you see my work you will see an illusion that pleases not only your eyes but also your inner self,” he said.
Grey dominates Gopal’s paintings and he believes his life “has many grey shades”.
He uses the canvas as a wall on which to project his imagination. “An artwork projects the mood of an artist. Each colour represents significant moods. My life is a bit grey. When one is in depression, one tries to come out of that. In my paintings, one would see darkness and light. The light is a symbol of hope and moving on. Each individual has to look for that light which will helps him achieve happiness and satisfaction. In my work one would see the play of light and shade,” he said.
