When a self-taught artist tells you what inspired her to create ceramic pots and sculptures were lit-up skyscrapers against a dark horizon, you know you are in for a treat. “Whenever I looked out of my window, I saw buildings which looked like giant nets through which light streamed in. And I thought to myself, why not make something which looks similar,” says Bhopal-based Nirmala Sharma who was in the city for her show ‘A Duet’ with Pune-based artist Deepak Madhukar Sonar.
When asked about the medium she chose for her works, she says “I opted for ceramic because it’s inexpensive and easy to handle. Also, I avoid using the wheel. I am more comfortable in giving shapes to the clay with my hands.” The interesting aspect of Nirmala’s works is that some of them have little poems written on them, she says. “The poems have been written by my husband.”
What makes ‘A Duet’ special is its colour scheme. The sculptures, pots and vases in soft pastels, beiges and burnt browns sit pretty on wooden pedestals while Deepak’s acrylic works in hues of grey, blue, orange and white hang across the walls of Prakrit Arts.
Pointing at one of the works, Deepak says, “My works take you deeper into the canvas. I have used the palette knife in such a way that it gives the paintings never-ending horizons.”
Having worked extensively in charcoal and other media during his initial years, he says he doesn’t want to experiment with medium any more. “In my 20 years as an artist, I have done a lot of experimentation. I want to stick to acrylic now.”
As he nears one of the larger paintings in the room, he says, “This particular painting took me two years. I started working on it in 2010. I cannot work every day.” Nirmala jumps in, “I work every day. Even if I don’t get enough inspiration, it doesn’t matter.”
The exhibition ‘A Duet’ is on till July 21 at Prakrit Arts, 102, Greenways Road Extension.