27 November,2009 07:11 AM IST | | Aviva Dharmaraj
That's one of the memories that artist Sunita Kumar has of the great peacekeeper. her latest art works pay tribute to the noble laureate and the city she grew up in --u00a0Kolkata
Bright acrylics weren't always Lahore-born artist Sunita Kumar's chosen medium, and it was only on the advice of close family friend MF Hussain that she switched from oils to what she defines as "cheerfulness". The self-taught painter now sees art as an expression of happiness and peace, and hopes that viewers are able to relate to her work at her ongoing exhibition in the city.
|
Sunita Kumar's acrylic painting featuring Mother Teresa. |
When did you realise that painting was your true calling?
I've been painting since I was in school and even enrolled myself in an art course in Kolkata. However, I didn't complete the course, as I realised that I wanted to work on my own. And as Hussain saab himself says, "the more you work, the more you evolve".
Tell us a little bit about the paintings from your exhibition...
My last showing in the city was perhaps 35 to 40 years ago! At the time, I had focused on one theme, this time around, however, there will be a variety of themes. Right from man-made architectural wonders including the Taj Mahal and the Raj Bhavan to nature. Paintings of Mother Teresau00a0-- someone whom I worked closely with for 36 yearsu00a0-- also feature prominently in the exhibition.
In what way did Mother Teresa impact your life and work?
She had a profound influence on me. In fact, on our very first meeting, she told me she didn't need me to give up my way of life or dressing, which instantly put me at ease.u00a0u00a0
u00a0
Born in Lahore. Brought up in Kolkata. And frequent visits to Delhi, London and Mumbai. Which city do you consider home?
I've grown up in Kolkata and would never want to move. The laidback attitude, unhurried pace of life, and the fact that culturally it's right up there with the bestu00a0 of the best, are the factors that make Kolkata home.
The exhibition is on till November 30, from 11 am to 7 pm, at Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery, 1st floor, Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, MG Road, Fort.
