When Arpita Kothari told her teacher that she wanted to work on the concept of Buddha and horses, she was told that they didn’t go well together. However, Arpita decided to follow her heart.
The Chennai-born artist, who is in her final year of architecture, says, “Though both the concepts (Buddha and horse) have nothing in common, they elicit the same vibe for me. One is static and calm and the other is dynamic, but they are still a beautiful blend.”
It is no surprise that with no room for any link, the two elements continue to influence her creativity in her third exhibition, also her first solo showcase, titled ‘Sufi’.
Her understanding of Sufi falls back on the extensive research she has done on the subject that speaks of individual pursuits of tranquility. Arpita says, “I prefer drawing inspiration for my art from things that lift me up.”
Sufi explores the world of mysticism through the medium of colours — bright red, pink and a splash of dark tones.
Amid the colourful works of art are two circular canvasses in turquoise and sea green, representing the movement of a dancer. “It explains the process of evolution and yes, it had a befitting name evolve too,” she adds.
Another piece of art presents the robe of a sufi dancer that narrates the dialogue between the attire and the artiste.
A lotus flower blooms amid the diversity of works that the young artist has worked on. “It symbolises purity as it can grow anywhere. How ever dirty the surrounding is, it doesn’t lose its beauty,” she adds.
(SUFI is on at Art Houz, No 41, Kasturi Ranga Road till April 30)