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Paint for freedom
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London-based painter Papia Ghoshal attracted attention through her individualistic works
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Fiercely independent Papia Ghoshal in New Delhi
In London, she is touted as “India’s controversial artist”, though in India, not many bother about what she expresses in her art works. Papia Ghoshal, a self-taught painter from Kolkata, mounted an exhibition of oil on canvas painti
ngs at the All India Institute of Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIIFACS)recently. Brought by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to New Delhi, the exhibition had some powerful images.
There were images of Durga in her several manifestations. Durga for a feminist Papia is a symbol of the “free spirit of a woman”. In her other images, there are nude or semi- nude women in various sensuous postures. For instance, in some, women’s limbs are stylistically symbolised as branches of a tree and the bosom as fruits.
Challenging hypocrisy
“Women are stronger than men, emotionally, sexually and physically. In fact, they are the strongest. They create life, so I compare them to the Mother Durga. Men also worship the women goddesses, so why this hypocrisy?” asks Papia.
One of her interesting images is a blend of a dancing Shiva and Durga titled Durga-Natraj. “It is all about a free mind and body in one,” she elucidates.
At times, if on one hand Papia gets brickbats from those who find her images “in your face” and unpleasant, she also receives bouquets from “those who are knowledgeable”. “I depict modern society through my works. I don’t produce calendar art. I may not be selling my works in hundreds, but whosoever buys my works, they are educated and respect my art,” asserts Papia who is not formally trained. She learnt art by observing her mother who was also a painter.
An interior designer, a Lambada and Samba dancer as also a poetess, Papia also earned fame for publishing two books on poetry based on the SMS. She has also driven a steam engine in the U.K, all by herself. Such is her individualistic personality that a Czech fashion photographer and filmmaker Ales Lang is now making a film on her.
RANA SIDDIQUI
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