MG ROAD: Galerie De’Arts is presenting Rustic Charm, a show by artist Vishalendra Dakur till June 23 at Barton Centre, MG Road. Dakur, an artist from Hyderabad, is known for his realistic works and portrays the rustic beauty and charm of the quintessential Dravidian woman. At the age of 12, he painted a portrait of President S.Radhakrishnan and at the age of 14, was invited by the Press Club of India for a solo exhibition. He got recognition and appreciation from the offices of the Buckingham Palace and the White House for his portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Jackie Kennedy.
Excerpts from a chat:
How has the journey been so far?
At the age of eight, I started sketching with charcoal pieces on the wall and my mother understood that I was a born artist. My big achievement was being honoured by S. Radhakrishnan at the age of 12. And even though I was a meritorious student, I wanted to join a Fine Arts College though my parents were against it and wanted me to become an engineer.
Well, I am now a retired mechanical engineer after 30 years of service. I wanted to represent India by taking part in international art competitions but there was little demand for realistic paintings as mostly the trend was to celebrate abstract paintings. In 2008 though, I got a prestigious award from ARC Salon International, New Jersey, USA, for my work ‘Utensils.’
What do you like the most about your work?
I like realistic paintings because everyone can understand them. I feel that which can be understood is realism and which cannot be understood is abstract so that is why all my paintings are filled with realism.
Outlook on life and art?
I am a gifted artist. Learning art in colleges does not make you an artist but practising and tuning your eye and your skills is true art because the eyes are the sensors that draw in every detail.
Any layman can learn art in three months but to see art in the mundane cannot be taught. I never paint for money. I do it because it makes me happy.
Who inspired you to become an artist?
I respect the work of artists like M.F Husain and Subodh Gupta.
Sources of inspiration?
I do not only paint feminine portraits but also landscapes and still-life studies which are very tough to master. An artist should look into every detail like the attire, ornaments and the true beauty of a subject and that’s why when I paint women in my signature style, I succeed. Many famous dignitaries have praised me for these works.
Challenges you face when beginning a painting..
I have never faced any difficulties as such while painting.I take four to five hours to paint these artworks. I completed 11 paintings in 11 days for this show.
Favourite colours?
I use red mostly in all of my paintings because I get a certain warmth by using this colour.
An artwork you are most proud of and why?
I am proud of my 4 x5 ft oil on canvas, ‘Utensils’ which was selected for the prestigious Arc Salon awards. The subject was very difficult to paint and it took me 15 days to complete it.
What are the qualities that define a good artist?
An artist should have perseverance and stick to what he is best at.If you are talented and love art, follow the path that defines you.
