Monalisa Patsani
POST NEWS NETWORK
Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: Delhi-based artist Niladri Paul is known for works based on the various dance forms of India. The unique language of his paintings, coupled with the way he delineates his subject, has been appreciated the world over at – and after –exhibitions.
Paul, who visited the city recently after a long spell of 30 years, happened to be visiting the Gallery Artist Mindz at Jayadev Vihar in the city where Orissa POST got the opportunity to interact with him.
Paul’s love for Indian dance forms developed after witnessing live classical dance presentations. “I was always fascinated with the anatomy of movement and colour in my paintings. I have painted Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam artistes and movements as well as conceptual dance forms and other classical dances. I love the subtle movements of Chandralekha who is a great dancer. She visualises dance in modern themes – an aspect of her style I really admire,” he said.
Dwelling on the language and style of his paintings, Paul said: “I always wanted to depict Indian heritage, architecture and culture, especially the purity and profundity of the Indian performing arts which are examples of sublime aesthetics. Although most of my works are based on dance forms I often try to infuse different elements into them. I try to incorporate everything. Sometimes the calligraphy of different Indian scripts appears in my paintings which gives a piece of art a characteristically Indian touch.”
Asked what was the reason behind choosing different dance forms as subjects, Paul said: “Dance is not a static form, for me its poetry. I try to explain dance as poetry and recite it on my canvas.”
Fascinated with colours since childhood, Paul considers painting to be an integral part of his life. “After school I joined a regular college in the general stream but then thought I should join an art college. I completed a five-year course from the Government College of Art in Kolkata in 1986. Holding the brush and playing with colours on the canvas gives immense satisfaction,” the artist stated.
Sharing a memorable experience, Paul said: “During my last exhibition based on the performing arts, Pandit Birju Maharaj met me and appreciated my work. I was always enamoured by dance expressions, hand movements and ‘mudras’ and I was really touched by the praise.”
“I have exhibited my works in New York, Florida, the UK, France, South Africa, Dubai, Singapore and Sri Lanka – works based on theatre and different dance forms,” the painter said.
Asked how difficult it was for young artists to develop their own artistic language, Paul said: “If an artist struggles to develop a unique language or style, then he can never achieve success. Style is a spontaneous expression and comes to the artist automatically. When the body, mind and the hands work synchronously, it leads to the artist developing a distinctive language and style which is not a replication but outstanding and original.”
Paul is not only a painter and sculpture but also a fashion designer who has participated in many fashion shows in the country. “I love to work in mixed media, so apart from painting I do sculpture and dress designing. I did a fashion show in Mumbai a few years back but after that got so engaged with my painting that I couldn’t spare time for designing. However, I am planning to do a special festive collection which I want to launch in Delhi. The collection will be men and women’s wear in silk. The theme will be Indian – ethnic wear perfect for marriage and sundry festive occasions,” he said.
Suggesting that young artists should always follow their heart and never give up learning, Paul added: “There are no alternatives and short cuts in the performing arts. Achievement follows years of sustained devotion to work. An artist should never give up learning, however experienced he may be.”
