The canvas is not merely a coarse, unbleached piece of cloth but rather holds meaning of greater depth for an artist. It is symbolically a mirror of thought and emotion that the human mind and soul can possibly conjure. Biswajit Das, a bold young artist and graphic designer from Bardhaman, West Bengal mirrored and exhibited his satirical impression of the symbolism, pluralism and dichotomies that “The Indian Circus” has to offer at All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society recently.
Biswajit took a break in order to improve and experiment his content. “As I want to be placed in the history books while possessing a unique identity, I’ve looked to switch gears and do solo exhibitions.”
Biswajit adopts a distinctive style of scattered patterns. He uses symbolism and satire to great effect to reveal the paradoxes of pluralism, societal beliefs and functions, and the conglomeration of diverse societies. “One word to best describe it would be a ‘circus’. There are so many things going on at the same time in a circus and hence, with the use primary colours, symbols and figures in a vibrantly ambient and balanced manner, I portray several pieces of iron in the fire,” he explained.
Articulating about the essence of his exhibition’s theme, “The Indian Circus”, he remarked, “I paint circuses as a metaphor for the Indian society. There is minimal humanism in today’s date and time and we converge our possible beauty with derogatory labels rather than treat each other as respectable beings. Instead of respecting our cultures, we are rather poking each other through labels of religion and casteism. I am also saddened as I don’t see any parallel in our culture any more; I fail to see a sense of alignment.” His brush strokes are thus a form of his rebellion towards lingual and communal hatred, fabricated wars, conspiracies and propaganda.
He believes his mind and soul are his sole sources of inspiration and affirms it by painting everyday for the past 20 years. “I am my own inspiration. I am inspired by my actions and perceptions and with that in mind I strive to improve my content and technique with every stroke of my brush.”
