Music has always been an emotional outlet for Arunima Dasgupta. However, the musician is now channeling her energy in another direction — art. The vocalist has resumed painting and is now also selling them online. Although she says that her paintings are a representation of her feelings, a lot of them do feature nature, trees, eyes and women. She has also painted the album cover for The Bodhisattwa Trio’s album titled The Gray Album, which comes through as a visual representation of the songs. Here’s a chat with the artist.
How and when did you pick up the paintbrush?
I actually had art as a subject in school for four years. Like all good Bengali children we were given art lessons where master moshai used to come. That was when we were very young and then I stopped painting for a while. After that I went to Jadavpur University to study literature.... I have always drawn but professionally, after Josh (son) was born, I decided to consolidate my sketches and do an exhibition. So in 2005 I had a group exhibition but after that art took a back seat and it was mainly about music and raising the kids, which is a full-time job. But I always keep at it because it helps me get my emotions out on paper.
It’s called ‘The Soul’ series because even letting these paintings go was kind of tough. It is a type of healing for me.
How did you sell your first painting this time?
My friends would see my work and say, “Arun, put it out!” If not for sale, even an online exhibition. Because I am juggling two jobs and raising my kids, so it is a lot. And the thought of an exhibition is too much, so my friends told me to mount them and put it online. It was pressure from close friends and Ehsaan (Noorani) was one of them. I started finishing the pieces which were half done and got them mounted. The first piece sold... it was a little strange. I met this friend from school after 20 years. She lives in (Washington) DC and she reached out and came over for dinner. She was following my work and asked me if I had any work she could see. And just like that she picked up two. That gave me the motivation to put more stuff up and see what happens.
What did that feel like?
Kind of like disbelief and shock (laughs). I kept asking if she was serious. And she said she already knew where she was going to put them in her house. I felt really happy because this is someone I know and I know the paintings will be looked after.
You did say that painting for you is a way to express emotions, but is there a theme or pattern that runs through it?
There are a lot of nature-oriented themes. Someone asked me as to how I start a painting. I have no idea; I just pick up a paintbrush or marker pen and start scribbling because at that point I’m feeling a certain way and want to get that feeling out. Recurring themes in my painting are definitely eyes, trees and women... and nature. I find nature very calming and soothing.
Have you started taking commissions yet?
I have not started taking commissions but I am open to doing it. I have in the past, people have asked me to do stylised portraits and stuff, so I know how to. I have done the mural at the Tollygunge Club stables, which is 8ft/13ft… two walls. I had some help, of course, but the drawing and conceptualisation was mine. I have always been in touch with art but this is the first time I am putting it out on social media. I had shared 14 of them, out of which seven are gone, so I was like: “What the hell is happening!” (Laughs).
How do we get your paintings?
As of now it is up on Facebook and Instagram. People have just sent me direct messages and we have a conversation about payments and then boom! Sold. My paintings have been going all over the world, two are in DC, one has been picked up by someone in New York. I will carry one with me to the UK because somebody wants one.
Pictures courtesy: Arunima Dasgupta