Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes… Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an explosion into unknown areas.
-Arshile Gorky
Sunil Kumar, a young artist from Banaras, now has a solo show at the Triveni Gallery of Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi. Sunil’s paintings featured a distinct blend of black and white. During the talk, we learned that Sunil is originally from Varanasi and obtained formal education in Fine Arts at Kashi Vidyapeeth. In general, Banaras artists have a specific interest to the ghats and streets, which is reflected in their artworks.
Clearly, the appeal of the ancient and holy city of Banaras has had a significant impact on the painters. In such a case, they become engrossed in the task of representing Banaras’ ghats, streets, and vibrant festivals. Although this is normal, our desire to remain linked to tradition, the environment, and our past sometimes stops us from developing anything new. If we exclude a few artists, such as veteran artist Santosh Verma and youthful Abhijit Pathak, the majority of Banaras’ skilled painters continue to preserve the city’s tradition.
In such a scenario, the lack of Banaras Ghats in Sunil’s works struck me as unusual. Why is there no Ghat in Banaras? In answer to such an inquiry, Sunil stated, “Ghats and the buildings around them are all here, but I have depicted them in their subtle and ultra-subtle form.” His representation of Banaras is reminiscent of the paintings of the great artist Ramkumar. But a little flatter, with various shades of black and white. This exhibition is titled “fading facades”.
In such circumstances, the above comment by Armenian-American painter Arshile Gorky, noted for his abstract expressionism, comes to mind. It should be mentioned that Arshile Gorky is regarded as a pioneer of the new abstract painting movement that emerged in New York following World War II.
By the way, Sunil says this about his paintings: “As a native of Varanasi, I draw inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual essence. The uniqueness of indian architecture that testifies to its historical significance, and this is what fascinates me. Through my art, I aim to capture the timeless beauty of ancient structures, emphasizing emotions, intricate details, and the narratives embedded within.
I consciously work in monochromatic tones, adding depth and intensity to my art. The interplay of light and shadow creates a captivating visual experience. Each artwork captures the unique history of the architecture, it being the texture of an old wall or the grain of a wooden door.
My paintings invite viewers to experience the perpetuity and ruggedness trough stories inherent in ancient structures. I strive to bring these architectural components to life, conveying the profound emotions and narratives that lie within. Through Fading Facades, I project my perspective of the architectural details where the essence of these structures is vividly portrayed, and their stories are told with depth and empathy.”
-Suman Kumar Singh