Abirpothi

Drawing Bridges Between Cultures and Exploring Shared Human Experiences: The Art of Arup Lodh and Anchal Gupta

Iftikar Ahmed

Artists of the week

Artist of the Week is a special category that recognises and highlights the works of talented artists.  Each week, two new artists are featured, showcasing their unique styles, techniques, and themes. From emerging artists to established veterans, the Artist of the Week category celebrates creativity and diversity in the art world and provides a platform for artists to share their vision and voice with a wider audience.

Arup Lodh

Arup is an artist from Kolkata. His art represents Kolkata as woven with mystery A city with as many unique interpretations as its people. It always remained at the centre of our curiosities and discussions. There is one more Kolkata which is being passed over to in through stories and tales from our grandparents-the yesteryear’s Kolkata.  A city As I am a budding artist of today’s Kolkata Like many, he has crossed 16 awards in the national level state government and from international shows 15 solo and 29 groups all over India & abroad.

A sunny afternoon in Kolkata by Arup Lodh

As an artist born and raised in the bustling city of Kolkata, Arup has always been fascinated by the unique charm and mystique that surrounds this city. From the narrow lanes of North Kolkata to the grandeur of Victoria Memorial, every corner of this city has a story to tell. As a budding artist, he had the opportunity to explore the many different facets of Kolkata through his art, and it has been a truly enriching experience.

For him, Kolkata is a city that is woven with mystery. It is a place that has a rich history and culture, and every street corner seems to hold a secret. Through his art, he tries to capture this sense of intrigue and curiosity that is so integral to the city’s identity. Whether it is the crumbling old buildings of North Kolkata or the vibrant chaos of Park Street, He tries to bring out the unique personality of this city through his paintings.

A morning in Kolkata by Arup Lodh

One of the things that he found most fascinating about Kolkata is the way in which it can be interpreted in so many different ways. Every person who lives in this city has a different perspective on what it means to be a Kolkatan. Some see it as a city of art and culture, while others see it as a city of hustle and bustle. As an artist, he tries to capture all of these different interpretations of the city in his work, weaving together different strands of Kolkata’s identity to create something truly unique.

But there is another Kolkata that he is also deeply interested in – the Kolkata of our grandparents. This is a Kolkata that is steeped in nostalgia and tradition, a Kolkata that exists in the memories and stories that have been passed down through generations. As a young artist, He feels a strong connection to this Kolkata, and he tries to bring it to life through his art. He also tries to capture the essence of this yesteryear’s Kolkata – the Kolkata of horse-drawn carriages, slow trams, and bustling bazaars. A dialogue is created between these different interpretations of Kolkata – the Kolkata of today and the Kolkata of yesterday. I want to show how these two different worlds can coexist, and how the history and traditions of the city can inform and enrich its modern identity.

Anchal Gupta

Krishna Bathing By Anchal Gupta

Anchal’s drawings are like portals into her innermost thoughts and emotions, each stroke of the pencil a reflection of her unique perspective on the world. Through her artwork, she communicates in a way that transcends the limitations of language and allows her to express herself freely and authentically.

For Anchal, the act of drawing is a deeply personal and introspective experience. As she puts pencil to paper, she immerses herself in her memories and observations, drawing inspiration from the people, places, and cultures that have shaped her life. With each drawing, she weaves together a tapestry of stories and emotions, creating a visual language that is uniquely her own.

But Anchal’s drawings are more than just personal expressions of her inner world. They also serve as bridges between different cultures and perspectives, allowing her to explore and communicate the shared human experiences that connect us all. Through her art, she invites us to step into her world and see the world through her eyes, opening up new avenues of understanding and empathy.

Krishna replica by Anchal Gupta

Anchal’s drawings are also infused with a deep sense of psychological insight. She uses her art to explore the complexities of the human psyche, delving into the unconscious to unearth hidden emotions and motivations. Through her drawings, she illuminates the ways in which our experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us, inviting us to engage in a deeper, more nuanced understanding of ourselves and others.

Anchal’s drawings are like portals into her innermost thoughts and emotions, each stroke of the pencil a reflection of her unique perspective on the world. Through her artwork, she communicates in a way that transcends the limitations of language and allows her to express herself freely and authentically.

For Anchal, the act of drawing is a deeply personal and introspective experience. As she puts pencil to paper, she immerses herself in her memories and observations, drawing inspiration from the people, places, and cultures that have shaped her life. With each drawing, she weaves together a tapestry of stories and emotions, creating a visual language that is uniquely her own.

Krishna Dream by Anchal Gupta

But Anchal’s drawings are more than just personal expressions of her inner world. They also serve as bridges between different cultures and perspectives, allowing her to explore and communicate the shared human experiences that connect us all. Through her art, she invites us to step into her world and see the world through her eyes, opening up new avenues of understanding and empathy.

Anchal’s drawings are also infused with a deep sense of psychological insight. She uses her art to explore the complexities of the human psyche, delving into the unconscious to unearth hidden emotions and motivations. Through her drawings, she illuminates the ways in which our experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us, inviting us to engage in a deeper, more nuanced understanding of ourselves and others.