HYDERABAD: Nature Interpreted is an exhibition that is ongoing at Beyond Coffee. With Chilkur terrain as the theme, the paintings on display are works of Deepali Kapatkar.
An architect-cum-interior designer by profession, Deepali took to the brush in 2011 when she first came to Hyderabad from the US. “While in US, I had quit my job to raise my two children. Although I worked in Hyderabad remotely for a couple of years while I lived here. Once I moved back, I wanted to do something else. Since I always wanted to draw and paint and also enjoyed doing it, I decided that I took some formal lessons to hone my skills,” shares Deepali.
Her works in this exhibition is centred around nature and is specifically focuses on Chilkur.
“During the two years that I lived in Hyderabad, I visited Chilkur often. I have many memories associated with the place. When I started looking for a subject, I naturally grativated to Chilkur,” she says without any hesitation adding that she picked up the most evident characteristic -- that women are faceless.
“There are women anywhere, but this particular characteristic pulled me,” she justifies adding, “I have also tried to potray their movement rather than the static.” She also shares that by showcasing this movement, she is trying to tell a story.
Deepali also shares that choosing nature was a daunting task initially. “Painting outdoors was extremely challenging. At the same time, it is extremely gratifying. The peace and serenity that nature offers, puts one in a different space altogether. For me it has a meditative quality to it.”
Deepali admits that she has been lucky despite not being formally trained. “I am not a trained artist. In fact until 2010-2011, I never had a painting lesson in my life. Still, they were appreciated. That was one motivation for me to enrol myself at an art centre,” she explains, adding that all of it was a learning experience.
She specialised in ‘en plain air’, painting in open air in which won an award very early in her career.
Deepali also points out that there is a lot of scope in this field. “Believe in yourself, follow your dreams and keep going,” she advises.
The exhibition will be on till December 26.