<p>Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” stated the world famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci. And it is true, for painting is an art that cannot be quite explained through the limited perceptions of a common seer. To understand, one must have a free mind, and having a free and open mind is a true characteristic of an artist.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Gouri Shankar Mukherjee is one such artist who believes the same. Since 1968, Mukherjee’s ‘work of art’ vividly demonstrated pleasing forms of nature, of dignity, rhythm, speed, sensibility, dialogue, serenity, spirits and manifestations.<br /><br />Recently, the artist came to the India Habitat Centre for the showcasing of a group painting exhibition called ‘LIFE at its BEST’ which he also was a part of. Metrolife took the opportunity to exchange a few words with the prominent painter.<br /><br />On his association with the exhibition, he says, “Art is a medium of outward expression for inward search and manifestations inside oneself. We’re endowed with inspiration from nature, the sound of water, birds, and stillness things which cannot be astutely defined. Probably, that’s what life is all about – movement and how we live it at its best.”<br /><br />The ‘paradoxical’ painter of movement and stillness also talked about his preferred mediums on which he spilled his imagination, saying,“I use paper, or any surface which readily and ‘graciously’ accepts the ink, water colour or pencil.”<br /><br />The artist was keen on the idea of art funding and wanted the system to be introduced in India, as well. “I’ve exhibited my works internationally and people around the world are really skilled in the art of appreciation, from a four year old to a middle aged man. We lack in that aspect, and there is a lot of talent here which needs to be financially supported and promoted.”The painter, on his part teaches and promotes cultural dialogue amongst children who lack the financial funds to get a training.<br /><br />The artist owes his mentor Santosh K Choudhary for his formative years and professionally various artists that have guided him with wisdom in the field. <br /><br />Having held positions of repute in various advertising agencies like Hindustan Thompson Associates, Clarion McCann, Ogilvy and Mather, J Walter Thomson with several successful campaigns in his name, he says that art is his calling. “In advertising, we design specifically for a client and target it to the audience but unlike advertising, there is no middleman between me and paper. I’m free to explore my creativity.”<br /><br />The creator of the philatelic stamp for the ‘first war of independence’ in 1988, artists like Mukherjee continue to inspire the medium of art.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” stated the world famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci. And it is true, for painting is an art that cannot be quite explained through the limited perceptions of a common seer. To understand, one must have a free mind, and having a free and open mind is a true characteristic of an artist.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Gouri Shankar Mukherjee is one such artist who believes the same. Since 1968, Mukherjee’s ‘work of art’ vividly demonstrated pleasing forms of nature, of dignity, rhythm, speed, sensibility, dialogue, serenity, spirits and manifestations.<br /><br />Recently, the artist came to the India Habitat Centre for the showcasing of a group painting exhibition called ‘LIFE at its BEST’ which he also was a part of. Metrolife took the opportunity to exchange a few words with the prominent painter.<br /><br />On his association with the exhibition, he says, “Art is a medium of outward expression for inward search and manifestations inside oneself. We’re endowed with inspiration from nature, the sound of water, birds, and stillness things which cannot be astutely defined. Probably, that’s what life is all about – movement and how we live it at its best.”<br /><br />The ‘paradoxical’ painter of movement and stillness also talked about his preferred mediums on which he spilled his imagination, saying,“I use paper, or any surface which readily and ‘graciously’ accepts the ink, water colour or pencil.”<br /><br />The artist was keen on the idea of art funding and wanted the system to be introduced in India, as well. “I’ve exhibited my works internationally and people around the world are really skilled in the art of appreciation, from a four year old to a middle aged man. We lack in that aspect, and there is a lot of talent here which needs to be financially supported and promoted.”The painter, on his part teaches and promotes cultural dialogue amongst children who lack the financial funds to get a training.<br /><br />The artist owes his mentor Santosh K Choudhary for his formative years and professionally various artists that have guided him with wisdom in the field. <br /><br />Having held positions of repute in various advertising agencies like Hindustan Thompson Associates, Clarion McCann, Ogilvy and Mather, J Walter Thomson with several successful campaigns in his name, he says that art is his calling. “In advertising, we design specifically for a client and target it to the audience but unlike advertising, there is no middleman between me and paper. I’m free to explore my creativity.”<br /><br />The creator of the philatelic stamp for the ‘first war of independence’ in 1988, artists like Mukherjee continue to inspire the medium of art.<br /><br /></p>
