The Hindu : New Delhi News : Capturing the finer things of life on the canvas

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Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006
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New Delhi

Capturing the finer things of life on the canvas

Exhibition features paintings on natural spaces in an urban setting

IN SEARCH OF GREEN: A painting by Kota Neelima.

For journalist-turned-painter Kota Neelima, the sole purpose of her debut solo exhibition now on Delhi is to "capture the finer things of life on canvas". Titled "The Echoing Life of Nature", the weeklong exhibition in Arpana Caur Art Gallery at 4/6 Siri Fort Institutional Area was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit this past Friday.

Neelima's 26 oil paintings at the show - open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily -- depict the spaciousness and grandeur of landscapes through which she attempts to portray the essence of inner peace.

"The whole idea is to capture natural spaces in an urban setting. The theme of my paintings is `nature' because it is pleasing and reassuring. In our daily lives we do not have the time to observe spaces, trees and the environment around us," she says.

"These are things which are permanent, which will always belong to you and be with you forever. My paintings are about permanent things in life, things that can help you lead a happy life in an urban set-up."

Neelima, who quit her job as a journalist last year to pursue other creative activities, says though she loves journalism, she is equally passionate about painting. "I go by my instincts. I do things that I feel strongly about.

I have been painting all my life but have had to neglect it due to other compulsions. In fact, there was a phase when I thought I would never be able to put together an exhibition because of my preoccupations. But this time round, I knew I had to concentrate on my painting," she says.

Neelima has participated in many group shows this year. She feels that the fact that she did not attend an art school and has not been trained as a painter has never been a handicap for her.

"Just as no one can teach you how to write, nobody can teach you how to paint. I think the biggest advantage of not having been trained is that I am free from all kinds of influences. But yes, an art school does help you to get your technique right," she says.

Despite the "overwhelming" response to her works, the artist says she is in no hurry to hold her next exhibition and will participate in group shows only if they are organised for charitable purposes.

She is also not likely to restrict her creativity to painting alone as her maiden literary venture -- "Riverstones" -- will hit the stands by January next year.

The book is a work of fiction based on suicides by debt-ridden farmers and the response of journalists and politicians to this depressing trend. -- Parul Sharma

-- Parul Sharma

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