KOHIMA: Self-taught artist Vineizotuo Tase, whose artwork of a wrinkled Naga elder of Konyak tribe that was sold for Rs 3 lakh at Hornbill Festival being held at Kisama Heritage village near here, says any person with the zeal to pursue art does not need a certification from any institution.
The 27-year-old Naga youth from Zakhama village near Kisama was reluctant to spend 5 years at a fine arts college after completing his Bachelor of Arts from Kohima.
He tried his hand on painting instead of depending on an institution. "I had passion for painting since childhood. At my home studio, I started doing portraits and got the active support of senior Naga artists such as Vikhor Tepa and M Duolo. They told me to pursue my dreams of being an artist and not depend on fine arts colleges," Tase said.
Asked what inspires him most in art, he replies,"I focus on Naga people."
Though the amount is not that big but the recognition is what drives Tase more.
The art work that was bought by a British tourist was a wrinkled face of a Konyak elder. "The rustic look of the Konyak elders inspired me to do the painting. The wrinkles on his hand came out so
well that I myself was amazed," he said. The painting was part of his series 'For the forgotten battles' based on Naga warriors.
The self taught artist depends on commission artwork (paintings requested by individuals) for a living and prefers to use acrylic over oil colours.
"Presently, I need to hold more exhibitions throughout Northeast and the country," he said.
The artist has big plans to foray throughout Northeast and the country.