Landscapes and people, moods and movement captured in watercolour are at the heart of the latest exhibition at CIMA Gallery. Simply titled ‘Watercolours’, the exhibition showcases the works of seven contemporary artists from West Bengal and Odisha who have mastered the techniques of using watercolours in imaginative and creative ways.
‘Watercolours’, the exhibition at CIMA Gallery Photos by Amit Datta
“Water-based colours have been used right from the primitive cave paintings to the medieval ages to contemporary times. For this exhibition we have seven very talented artists who have treated the same water-based colours in very imaginative ways. Each of their styles are very distinctive and exciting. We hope the art lovers of Kolkata will enjoy the exhibition,” said Rakhi Sarkar, director of CIMA.
Painting by Sandip Roy, watercolour on paper
CIMA Art Mela regulars will be familiar with the gorgeous landscapes and cityscapes of artist Sandip Roy who has captured the shimmering ghats of Varanasi, the bustling life of Mumbai and the quiet serenity of Purulia in the works displayed at the exhibition. “I have been working with watercolours for 17 years and I love the medium even though it is extremely challenging to render because you don’t have the chance of a retake,” said Roy.
‘Herds of Cow - IV’ by Sadikul Islam, watercolour on paper
Art Mela regulars will, however, be in for a surprise when it comes to the works of Sadikul Islam, whose displayed works at the exhibition capture the movement of bovine herds on pristine white surfaces. “In all the 11 paintings displayed here the subject is primarily cows. I have tried to capture their movement and speed using different colours,” said Islam, who has been working with watercolours for the last 20 years and feels that this medium gives him the freedom and liberty to express himself most completely.
‘Covid-19 (The Line)’ by Ankan Bandyopadhyay, watercolour on paper (milk box carton)
Artist Ankan Bandyopadhyay wanted to document the pandemic and its effects through his paintings. “Before the pandemic I had a different kind of practice but during the pandemic there was a time when I had no materials in my studio. I used milk cartons to create surfaces and I painted on them. I have tried to document the pandemic through my works displayed here,” said Bandyopadhyay. His series show how human beings have diminished and their wants have become bigger.
‘After That -II (b)’ by Satyaranjan Das, watercolour, banana paper on Canson
The only artist from outside West Bengal to be showcased at the exhibition is Satyaranjan Das. Das, who is from Odisha, is a merit award winner at CIMA Awards 2022. Das’s work is rooted in the practice of Indian miniature paintings in method and theme. His work, which uses water-based colours and occasional touches of graphite, brings to life the narrative of migrant workers during the pandemic.
Painting by Babli Paul, watercolour on handmade paper
Babli Paul uses watercolour on handmade paper and captures objects that she observes in her surroundings. For Paul objects are not just things, they have stories attached to them. “An object is not simply the object itself to me... I also like to keep in mind the stories and history it has wrapped around itself,” is what Paul has to say about her paintings. Be it a cycle van or a chair, a temporary shanty-like shelter or a clothesline, each object tells the story of both the object and the user of the object.
Painting by Santanu Roy, watercolour on paper
Siliguri-resident Santanu Roy’s paintings reflect his North Bengal roots. His swift and bold strokes create a semblance of expressionist landscapes, which are stunning and vibrant. “Most of my work reflects the landscape of North Bengal. I have tried to reflect the variety and vibrancy of colours in nature,” said Roy.
‘Self Portrait’ by Prabhakar Singha, wash on paper
Prabhakar Singha’s “Smile” series is an ironic take on the human habit of smiling. He has used the wash technique to create an expressive and engaging series. “Water is life, so it is fitting to use water-based colours to depict various aspects of that life. In this series I have tried to capture the smile, because what is life without being able to smile or make someone smile,” said Singha.
“Watercolours is an age-old medium but it is not that popular with contemporary artists who prefer working with new media. We thought about showcasing some talented young artists who are doing creative work with the medium. After the CIMA Awards show we wanted to do something smaller and more intimate,” said Pratiti Basu Sarkar, chief administrator of CIMA Gallery.
‘Watercolours’ is on till April 30 from 11am to 7pm on all days except Monday, which is from 3pm to 7pm (Sundays closed).
