Rasmi Rekha Das
Hailing from Cuttack, SUCHISMITA SAHOO is a prolific visual artist and photographer. Thanks to her sheer determination, the artist has carved out a niche in art. At the age of 19, she ran away from home and arrived in the national capital to follow her passion. She did not get her family’s support to nurture her dream and had to face great difficulty to secure a foothold in the art industry. Undeterred by challenges, the artist continued her struggle. The artist has showcased her works in three solo shows and 50 group exhibitions across the world, especially China, South Korea, Tajikistan, Russia and Slovakia. Her 2010 solo exhibition at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi titled ‘Face of Things to Come’ received great appreciation from artists and curators. In 2013, Suchismita was awarded the National Research Scholarship by the government of India. She has participated in numerous international art symposiums held in Munich, Sharm El Sheikh, Incheon and the Rothko Museum Residency Program. Her works explore perceptions of femininity as perceived by others. In an interview with Sunday POST, the artist reflects on art and life. Excerpts:
- Your paintings and photographs reflect themes of femininity, intimacy between men and women and love and passion. Are these your dominant themes as an artist?
- As a woman artist, I must say femininity is not just a word; it’s a core subject which is purely based on intimacy between a man and a woman and love or passion which are diminishing from society. We are adopting modernism but neglecting vital things, such as the basic need of every living being – love. Through my concepts, I want to show the softness, care, feelings of a woman. I want to interpret feminism rather than building a feminist concept. In fact, all my artworks are based on my feelings. I believe all women are free. Free to live, free to talk and think. Without women men are nothing. I perceive women as goddesses of love and care.
- How did you develop a passion for art?
- From my childhood, I was attracted towards paintings. I remember when I was in Class II my mom put me in a hobby class. I started making flawless pictures when I was just five years old. I really can’t fathom how art makes me crazy.
- When did you decide to make art your profession?
- I was so passionate about art that I left home at the age of 19. I wanted to be an artist against my parents’ wishes. They wanted to see me as a doctor. I had scored 89 per cent in Class X board exams. When I disclosed my desire to be an artist, they replied in the negative. This prompted me to leave home. I had Rs 3,500 with me when I left home to carve out a niche in the field. My initials days were tough. From a young age, I was quite sure about making a career in art.
- Do you think it is more difficult for women to achieve glory as artists?
- Yes, it is very difficult to sell high-end artworks. Especially for an Indian woman, as in our country women are still viewed as being dependent on men. They are dominated by men, which is also the topic of my series called ‘Let Me Fly’. In India, a lady can become an artist or a photographer, but it is difficult for her to sell her works or grab clients. Society doesn’t allow women to pursue such careers. Under such circumstances, it is very challenging for a woman to succeed as an artist.
- Do you emulate any role model?
- I did bachelor and master’s in fine art from the BK College of Art and Crafts and Punjab University respectively. Literally speaking, I don’t emulate others. I have learnt a lot from teachers at BK College of Art and Crafts. I love the artworks of Picasso and Rembrandt. Their works have had a lasting impact on my thoughts.
- Who would you give credit for your success?
- When I was just 20, I fell in love with wing commander Manoj Kumar Sharma of the Indian Air Force. We got married against my parents’ wishes because he is a Marwari. Following my marriage, I completed my studies. My mother helped me a lot when I was pursuing BFA. But it was my husband who stood by me and encouraged me to do something different when I was struggling to create my identity in the art world. He supported me a lot. Without his help and support, I could not have done MFA from Punjab University and the one-year diploma in photography in Moscow. At that time, I used to work with various interiors and private art galleries and sell my paintings to eke out a living. Today I am leading a happy life thanks to my hubby. Nowadays, I spend six months in foreign countries attending art symposiums and shows. He never complains but always supports me. Whatever I am today is because of him. We are proud parents of a 10-year-old boy. Nowadays, I am doing high fashion conceptual photography.
- How difficult was your journey to the top?
- For me, art comes from the soul. Art is not meant to earn money. It’s a passion. If you are passionate and honest about your work, money will come to you automatically. Rather than thinking how to sell art, I believe in falling in love with art. Art is an experience of life. You know any art form comes through inner experiences. An artist’s experience gets translated into his/her art. Art reflects many layers of experiences. It may be the artist’s intellectual journey or aesthetic or political views. My works illustrate the surroundings I inhabit. My art revolves around these principles. My first solo exhibition was held in 2006. I was inspired by leaves, not colours and the show was successful. Till date, I have done three solo shows and 50 group shows. My works are hyper-realistic. I have curated five major art camps at international art symposiums. Today I run the organisation ‘I ART’. Besides, I do fashion shows and take my paintings on garments with top fashion designers in India. I have done two major ramp shows with designers where models walked in my creations on designer garments. I have visited 12 countries to give lectures and participate in art symposiums.
- Do you enjoy taking part in art residences and symposiums?
- Art symposiums and residences are a forum to interact with different cultures and the art traditions of other countries. As a young artist, I get an opportunity to learn from my senior co-residents and improve my ability. Also, my upcoming 90-day photography scholarship in Belgium in June will be challenging.
- Why is the art market in India going through a phase of slow growth? Why only few people visit art exhibitions? Does art education need an overhaul?
- India has good teachers. But we love to follow others. Europeans dare to create different things for which they are considered the best artists in the world.
- What are your other dominant interests?
- Apart from photography, I love watching movies .Music also makes me crazy.
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