A French artist Henri Émile Benoît Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage”. This is being proved by Mona Biswarupa Mohanty, an Odia artist, whose art exhibition M.O.M.E.N.T.S displayed unique artworks of ink and Alta dye. Winner of the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi award, Biswarupa is adept in creating a variety of paintings ranging from water colour art to oil paintings. In a tête-à-tête with Chaitali Shome of Orissa Post, the talented artist threw light on her forte and future plans.
Is it true that you started your career as a fashion designer?
My father Sangram Keshari Mohanty (lyricist) and mother Mamta Mohanty (teacher) were instrumental in shaping my career in fashion designing as well as in art. I did my masters in fashion and textile from Milan. However, after 15 years of fashion designing, I felt the need to express my creativity through painting. I started learning about art when I was 13 years old from my guru Shyama Prasad Patnaik.
Describe your transition from fashion designing to painting.
The world of fashion designing was shrinking to the realms of technology. Creativity was being pushed to the brink which made me feel suffocated. After 15 years of being a fashion designer, I wanted to pursue something which made my creativity flow like a stream and not stifle it further. This made me plunge into the world of art.
What is the greatest inspiration behind your artistic pursuit?
The desire to create artworks was like an inner volcano that was waiting to erupt as I left my corporate job. I still remember my first stroke of painting. I used my father’s ink and mother’s alta to create a work of art when I was a 3-year-old. However, under the tutelage of Guru Shyama Prasad Patnaik, I learnt pencil strokes for six years. Gradually, I discovered the magic of watercolour which enhanced my nature based thoughts which portray on my canvases. I can proudly say that winning the state-level Lalit Kala Akademi award was the primary reason behind my artistic pursuit. Besides, my parents, background, poetry, music and Guru motivated me to pursue art.
Tell us about your painting style.
There is no generic definition for art. It describes many styles under one genre called painting. I am a contemporary artist who loves to experiment with colours, nature and of course life’s reality. One can notice my paintings are based on women or Shakti that destroys demons. I am more of a woman centric artist.
Which is your favourite creation?
‘Elephant in the Indian Monsoon’ is a creation of mine which is very close to my heart. I had used ink and pen on aquarelle paper to create this work of art. I am particularly pleased with this piece as I feel it was the most complete work of mine till date.
You are a resident of Dubai. Describe your feelings to be back in your home state.
I love my mother land. I am honoured to exhibit my artworks in Lalit kala Akademi.
