JOIN USDelhi- based artist Shampa Sircar Das’ works have been part of various national and international art exhibitions. The artist has done numerous solo shows and has been part of over 100 group shows including art fairs in India, Dubai and Singapore.
Along with artists like Achyuthan Kudallur, Wasim Kapoor, Aditya Basak, Ajay De and Akhilesh Verma, Das recently presented her work as part of a group show ‘Kaleidoscope - A Spectacle of Forms and Elements’. In a conversation with Metrolife, Das talks about her current work, early life and inspiration.
Excerpts:
Tell us about your journey.
I never thought of becoming an artist when I was a child. But as I grew up, I started recognising my artistic talents with the help of my parents and teachers. During that time, all students took traditional professions and very few actually pursued something artistic as very few parents actually encouraged them. But I did Bachelor of Fine Arts (painting) in 1993 from College of Art, New Delhi followed by Masters of Fine Art. But once you are out of art college, you find that there is a completely different world out there, which is fiercely competitive and manipulative. At every stage, there is a struggle to develop your own choice of visual language in relation to your own experience.
How did you become a part of ‘Kaleidoscope - A Spectacle of Forms and Elements’?
I have been exhibiting with Malvika Gaur and Jehan Kothari from VeVa Arts from their very first all- women show at Pune, to their Delhi show at the Olive. It’s been a successful journey with the team.
What are your present works based on?
It’s on the ‘five elements’ — water, fire, earth, ether and air, that are metaphors for describing how things interact and relate with each other. Most schools of Indian philosophy identify nature with the world of experience. The five elements are the cosmological foundation, which makes up our bodies, the world, and the entire universe. For instance, ‘Akash series’, 36x36 inch acrylic on canvas, is described as the space that is infinite and limitless. And ‘Agni’ (24”x 48’ inch) is the element of life in everything animate and
inanimate, it provides heat and light, but also cleanses and purifies.
What has been your greatest learning from the exhibit?
All shows whether big or small are challenging for an artist, as the professional struggle is not easy. It involves putting in the time, year after year; a body of work that demonstrates both consistency and evolution; and an openness to engage with others about both your own work and the work of others.
What inspires you as an artist?
My experiences as a human being, my journey in life, my own personal evolution and the creative process really inspire me. I also draw my inspirations from Indian art (both contemporary and folk), which is so intimately associated with Indian religion and philosophy.
My travel to various parts of India makes me see and experience the smallest of things radiating with energy. When I come back to my studio my canvas reflects this.