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I am ethnically Indian and grew up in London so my art is a way of addressing my heritage and understanding how my identity fits between Western and South Asian cultures. A long-term goal of mine is to travel to India for an extended period and see how I can connect with the country through immersion. Academically, I have taken a great interest in the European Baroque (16th and 17th centuries), and in particular Caravaggio and Rubens, for their use of strong tonal contrast, harmonious group dynamics, and a commitment to tangible and corporeal figures. Chiaroscuro is a popular word amongst art historians; it indicates a dramatic use of lighting such that the strength of both shadow and illumination are exaggerated. This helps to create a sense of depth in the painting, as the illuminated portions are thrust outwardly toward the viewer, whilst the shadow creates deep recesses within the canvas.
Advice for a young artist In the beginning stages you will create very few “final pieces”. All work will be an illustration of progress and of a direction, rather than a landmark piece. This approach requires a level of detachment; you need to not fall too in love with the artwork you are working on at any one time because you need to see how it informs your next move as an artist. The end is never in sight. For the same reason, do not work on only one piece at a time. It is so easy to get bogged down in decision making, dragging out the timeline of your work. The concept of “finishing” an artwork is a dangerous one, because every constraint you apply to an artwork is self-imposed, and hence completely arbitrary. Give your mind space to breathe, look away from an artwork and return to it later, and lose the egotistical voice that tells you
Concordia Winter 2022
a work is not finished. You may work on a piece for several years, over several stages of your life. Work from emotion. If your desire to paint, write, sculpt or sing, does not come from something inside of you, then one day you will realise you cannot be bothered. You might be able to convince others of your prodigious skill, but your work will feel empty if you yourself do not know
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Chiaroscuro was one of several pioneering techniques mastered by my favourite Baroque artists, and the overall effect of these were to make for a more visceral experience for the viewer. In the 16th and 17th centuries, commoners were likely unable to read their own Bible, and so interacted with their faith through art. Contrastingly, when looking at typical Hindu art, I see a lot of flat, saturated colours, a more rigid sense of depth, and figures lacking visual realism. I think that by imparting a greater connection with the viewer through a more human and emotive visual language, as Caravaggio and Rubens did for Catholic art, I can help contribute to a growing renaissance in Indian love for its own culture; a self-love that was greatly damaged by British colonialism.
why you are doing it. That is why creativity is often partnered with meditation; it is about accessing your authentic inner states. Finally, if you want to make money from your art, you need to develop business skills. Set up a website, tell people about your work, look for opportunities everywhere, especially the ones that attract eyeballs rather than immediate cash. Building a commercial practice is about savviness and initiative; unfortunately, sometimes the art can’t do all the talking for you. Simran can be contacted by email – queries@ simrankumar.com.
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