Gallery 1000A opened a new exhibition called, “Transformation Manifested” in which the artist’s work brings out the innermost desires of day-to-day life. Vijay’s work reflects upon the journey of self along with the time and offers a metaphorical representation of a female personality with several flora and fauna engaged in each other presenting different narratives that effectively represent the connection with the self. Vijay’s expression is unique. It is a force, an energy that translates into action because it is a personal experience. For the artist Vijay Kumar, each artwork epitomizes a specific feeling that he has endured during his life. The palette of colours defines the minute complexity of day-to-day life. Vijay’s works bring out those narratives that lie deeply in the subconscious and by blending the figurative with abstract elements, his work stands out from the others. It offers a fresh perspective and mirror to reflect upon.
Image Courtesy: Abir Pothi
Vijay expressed his views,“In a way, most of my works are a continuation of the basic theme of Man’s journey in time and space. Rather than distinct unrelated paintings. The figurative protagonist moves on and ponders over events as they unfold in the form of hardships, conflicts, or sheer passage of season. So my paintings have that human form to represent an individual, a society, or the entire mankind. At times, the human form may occupy the entire space or, at times move into a corner, in a diminutive form and be a mute spectator. He could be the centrepiece, either! But he has to be there. Anguish and angst are the vital forces that an artist must endure to give out his best. It’s always been a constant turmoil of the mind. The inner voice of a creative artist in any discipline or format is always restless. I have tried to find inner meaning to each situation or scene that I noticed in the immediate neighbourhood as well as on the wider canvas ….global and cosmic. After pondering over those diverse yet unified instances, I set out to give those emotions a form. Some find in them an answer to mankind’s existential crisis. I leave it to the viewer’s discretion.”
Image Courtesy: Abir Pothi
When asked about the psychology of colors Vijay responded,“Colours play a dominant role in the universe. In the flora and fauna around us, various shades of natural hues convey distinct meanings. In short, I use green to depict cheer and joy (hope and dreams) and red to blink a danger. Blues lead to stupor. I have mainly used dominant colours to create an ambience or to depict a specific mood. You can also see shades of blue in a single painting. Dark blue is interspersed with azure as it tapers to the edge. Or layers in different shades.”
Vijay responded to the question of the meaning of his works, “Man is a social animal, distinct from the animal world, not only to walk erect but also to think and act accordingly. Animals think to a limited extent. But man’s Sense of Inquiry and ability to find answers from Prakruti is immense. So a Man always occupies a niche in my paintings. It’s his journey. If one pieces the emotions, an answer emerges. Yet Time moves on. Eternity is its strength.”
Image Courtesy: Abir Pothi
The challenges and struggles are captured in each of his artworks, and perhaps if viewed closely they communicate the sensibilities of the audiences. The artworks manifest the eagerness to break free, yet with conviction and belief. The discipline Vijay follows in the choice of colors and the usage of the medium accelerates his creative magnitude. His inspiration is his own life, doesn’t get influenced by any trends but works around metaphors and concepts to produce tough expressions which become his signature seal. While the artist continues to experiment and introduces new techniques of varied art forms, he recollects by saying “How fortunate I am to have learned a lot of intricacies about art through classes and close association with great teachers such as KG Subramanian, Nasreen Mohammedi, Jeram Patel and Krishna Chhatpar”.
Image Courtesy: Abir Pothi
All the allegorical figures are expressions of energies that depict the personal experience endured by the artist. The constant occurrence or revisit, gives the artist hope to move to a better tomorrow through his artistic creations. The innermost feelings and emotions work as foundations for a genuine outburst of creative vocabulary. These then gradually give birth to the artist’s personalized language. For the artist, the practice has been continuous but surely the transitions seen in the forms are more towards modernity retaining the balance of the contemporary style. The thoughts and the concepts do delve into experimental expression with symbolic and intricate detailing. The strong emotions and moods drive the selection of the palette. Sometimes they are also reflections of past challenges and experiences that have strongly become part of the artist’s journey. One needs to capture the sensitive communication that the artist is trying to emit through his artwork. His inspiration is his own life, doesn’t get influenced by any trends but works around metaphors and concepts to produce tough expressions which become his signature seal. While the artist continues to experiment and introduces new techniques of varied art forms.
Image Courtesy: Abir Pothi
Curator Kiran K. Mohan explains that the showcased artworks are the amalgamation of personal experiences, feelings, and emotions which are translated through a visual vocabulary that is coined by the artist himself: the abbreviated minimalistic, symbolic use of human figures, flora, and fauna. The transformation he lives through each day with acceptance of the past gives him new hope and motivation to embrace his life the way it comes.
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