Magical stories

Art show

Kolkata-based Assamese artist Nandan Purkayastha has used the rotring ballpoint pen to create Durga idols, asuras (demons), tiger, birds and human figures — all in detailed patterns for the solo exhibition ‘Festive Fantasy’. An alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi, the 30-year-old has rendered several stories on the canvas in monochromatic and colourful hues.

“As I was born in Assam, I was always surrounded by folklore. Also, during childhood I was fond of Western cowboy comics. This is the reason why my drawing style takes inspiration from Western countries and the stories I narrate are indigenous,” says Purkayastha.

“Durga Puja and Bihu were part of my childhood, so they always feature in my works,” he adds.

Hence, paintings like Celestial Realm and Devotion focus on Durga Puja festivities and rituals — ranging from the creation of the idols to their immersion feature in this exhibition. One of his works centres around Raavan, and elaborating on the demon king, he says, “I think he is a strong and spiritual character who has both negative and positive attributes.”

Masks are also a recurring motif in Purkayastha’s works. “A clown uses a mask to make people laugh, while some use it to hide their real emotions. There is a mask for everyone,” he says.

While motifs from nature form an integral part of his work, so do human figures that portray different expressions and sentiments. “The tiger has been part of my mythological
series in which I explored goddess Durga,” he says.

Talking about his black and white pen and ink drawing titled The Enlightened, he says, “We are surrounded by so much chaos in our daily lives, and only meditation can help us. The meditative quality about Buddha attracts me,” he adds.

Festive Fantasy can be viewed at Gallerie Ganesha, E-557, Greater Kailash II, till November 14.