Saturday, January 12, 2013

An artist who tries to fathom prevailing socio-political scenario

Artist Barun chowdhury’s oeuvre carries a vibrant and vivacious visual appeal. On a closer look, one can fathom its message, a sharp critique of today`s complex and turbulent socio-political scenario.

The dramatic changes and constant transition of life from one spectrum to another as well as drastic transformations in surroundings often lead to confusion and chaos. There is uncertainty about one’s very purpose of existence and survival. This is where he tries to position his artistic exploration.

The figures build a space and platform of their own so as to search for the relevance and context of the events and happenings today. The artist poses fundamental questions like, who we are, why we are here and where we are heading not proclaiming to possess easy answers to these issues; he merely articulates emotions or situations that people can spontaneously identify with.

His work continually reflects his ideas and musings on the prevailing political and social scenario. Narratives usually are presented in a storyboard format. The entire canvas is often segregated into separate boxes that suggest differing time frames and perhaps the lack of permanency. This, most importantly, points to a belief on the artist’s part that “Reality is not really what it seems to be from the outside or periphery…”

Born in a non-descript village in the state of West Bengal, he finds it easier to associate with the rustic, rural people who constitute a large chunk of the Indian population. He strives to fulfill what he earnestly feels to be his duty as a socially conscious artist: acquainting us with his perception of the global situation as it evolves today.

The artist has several honors and awards including The Commonwealth Art and Craft Award, United Kingdom (2003-04); The Charles Wallace India Trust Art Award, Glasgow (2003); The 65th All India Exhibition of Art, Amritsar (1999); Annual Award of Avantika, 7th All India Exhibition, New Delhi (1999); Scholarship Award of AIFACS, Delhi (1998); and Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kolkata (1992,’94,’96); among others.

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