ME: IN ESSENCE

I would say, in a way my entry into visual art, that is, painting, was almost destined. Nobody in my family could think of sending me to an art college. Art – painting, music or dance – was not considered as a profession. But when I expressed my desire to enter College of Art (Delhi), instant support came from my father. Because he alone knew how deeply involved I was with painting and could make a professional career out of it. However, the saving grace was, that nobody opposed such a course for myself. That open and silent support for my desire has been my strength all along.

In the College, some of the teachers appreciated my abstract renderings and some were indifferent. But, I respected all of them, unreservedly, though liking those who were encouraging in their behavior more than others.  Over all, things went in my favour all along. This was really a big gain. I am still very thankful to the late Sidheshwar Dayal, who ran a gallery at Mandi House, New Delhi, for hosting my first solo show while I was still a student at College of Art, Delhi the National Capital. And I am still deeply thankful to the then College Principal, Sh. O.P. Sharma, who suggested my name to Mr. Dayal.  

Both these facts helped my take off. In fact they cast a die in which my career as an artist was shaped. 

I have, from my very first show at Siddheshwar Dayal’s L.T.G. Gallery, worked in the nature-oriented abstract idiom that leaves me free to culture my picture-space with whatever forms that I came to fancy or choose as a building bricks for my work. And such a free choice has been continually finding an echo in the hearts of those who appreciate and value abstract art (though I think that all art is abstract irrespective of its general categories such as figurative, surrealistic or realistic). Of course my sense of ‘abstract’ art is a bit different from what is generally considered as “abstract art”. I use the term abstract in terms of essence and not at all mean what can generally be described as non-figurative. 

My art evokes a different feeling because it is close to nature. It tends to provide a view with the intention of evoking a feeling which one gets when one roams about in an inviting landscape. I can therefore say that I provide my audience a scape that is engaging enough to compel them to peep and survey, to implore and explore and then return to a stake of enlightened equilibrium. And to relish what they’ve surveyed like the after-taste of a good meal. My colours, my formal littering and my sense of space-culture are all there for providing my audience a romantic interlude apart from any intellectual pretentions. It’s simple recourse to aesthetics or, one can say, rather a personal  version of it.  

HEM RAJ