Artist of the Week is a special category that recognises and highlights the works of talented artists. New artists are featured each week, 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.
Ruju Parikh, a sculptor from the prestigious Seth C.N School of Fine Arts, has made a mark in art with her exceptional talents. Known for her abstract paintings and remarkable sculptures, Ruju Parikh recently received the prestigious Lalit Kala Academy Award for her outstanding contribution to the world of art.
Parikh’s artistic journey speaks for her creative brilliance and relentless passion. Her body of work spans a diverse range of creative pursuits, showcasing her versatile talents. One of her most notable achievements was the “Alabhyam” series, a collection of abstract paintings that breathe life into Lord Ganesha’s various moods. Parikh’s deep reverence for Lord Ganesha shines through in these amazing works, where she expresses the Creator’s freedom with vibrant and imaginative colours.
Recently The Nehru Art Center in London and the L&P Hutheesing Visual Art Center in Ahmedabad were graced with her awe-inspiring “Alabhyam” series, which left art enthusiasts and critics alike in awe. Through these paintings, Parikh brilliantly conveys the delicate balance between freedom and bondage. The Divine, in her interpretation, revels in the freedom of expression, while the steadfast permanence of Nature symbolises the binding force. These works evoke bliss for the artist and a profound sense of joy for the beholder.
“BONDAGE IN FREEDOM” is the title that encapsulates Parikh’s recent abstract creations. In this series, she continues to explore the theme of freedom and restraint, capturing the essence of these contrasting elements through her vivid and imaginative artistry. Her works go beyond the physical medium, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where emotions and expressions are beyond conventional boundaries.
Parikh’s art not only explores into the spiritual and divine but also takes a journey into the heart of nature. Her paintings depict the peace and tranquility that her subjects find nestled within the safe, secure, and soothing embrace of Mother Nature. These artworks invite the viewer to share in the impeccable experiences of serenity and calm that Parikh masterfully portrays.
Ruju Parikh is not just an artist; she is a storyteller, a philosopher, and a visionary. Her art bridges the gap between the ethereal and the earthly, the abstract and the concrete, allowing us to contemplate the intricate interplay between freedom and bondage. With each stroke of her brush and each chisel mark on her sculptures, Parikh’s art becomes a celebration of life, emotions, and the indomitable human spirit.
Ruju Parikh: Capturing the Essence of Freedom and Bondage in Art
Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer, researcher and curator.
