The myriad hues of our daily life are weaved into our heritage through our rich architecture, music, folklore and cinema. Artist Rajesh K. Baderi draws inspiration from his surroundings, and has come up with his latest collection “Alchemy of Colours” that is a gateway into the world of mysticism.
At the show which is on at the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre, the artist through his paintings has captured a riot of colours on a black canvas to highlight the element of hope. Rajesh says, “My paintings are like light in a dark tunnel.”
Bold colours like orange, red and blue are used in vivid abstractions of symbols drawn from mythology.
His work has often been termed as an extension of the “neo-tantric” genre but to him his work is above labels and is about engaging with energy.
“It’s very difficult to find contemporary artists who don’t shy away from associations with spirituality. Rajesh’s ability to draw from his own spiritual inclinations set him apart. It is striking to discover a form in the formless,” says Pratibha Prahlad, founder and director of the Delhi International Arts Festival who was among the visitors at the inaugural that was held over the weekend.
Inspiration
The artist affirms that his childhood has left deep impressions on his psyche. His rustic upbringing, instruction in mythology, and academic background as an engineer find expression in his paintings.
He uses geometric shapes to allude to the cosmos and the concept of creation at large. Intersecting triangles with subjective connotations also dot his work. The artist explains that these triangles could represent David’s star, Yantras or even Shiva Shakti (the mingling of the male and female essence).
Commenting on the show, Bipasha Sen Gupta, a fellow artist, noticed echoes of Jackson Pollock in the textured paintings of this collection. Others believe that his use of religious motifs like the “morpankh” differentiate his art from the rest.
Mike Pandey noted wildlife photographer and film-maker who was also among those present said, “Rajesh evokes the super consciousness of the viewer. I see a troubled planet in some, and in some the hope of regeneration, he depicts the cycle of life.” The show is on till July 1 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road.
(The writer is an intern with The Hindu)
