Barely concealed

Artist Shubhra Das has deviated from the usual nudes in her recent ongoing exhibitionNudity has been an intrinsic part of Shubhra Das' art ever since she started out. I have experimented with nudes before and have painted them gracefully and thoughtfully, she says. But this time, she seems to have deviated from track. Shubhra Das' paintings portray the artist in different moods and are inspired by the Mughal periodSo her exhibition, Perception is the next reality at the Nitanjali Art Gallery, will have semi-nudes or clothed figures as opposed to nudes. My art forms symbolise connections and express thoughts that I am incomplete without. I amu00a0 naked and raw without these relationships in my life and they give a meaning to my life, Das says.Metamorphosis of lifeDas paints in a large modern format of oil on canvas. Her new series has elements of the narrative, some relating to couples and groups in various relationships. There are yet others in which a female form is seen with a baby. The paintings are allegorical and have a sensual appeal. Das' work is intimate, close to her soul and reflects her perceptions. All the images are portrayals of my self. They portray me in different moods and emotions. I have created a visual and sensual narrative of myself, my life and its connections, she reveals. What stands out in her work is a curiosity about her surroundings, her questioning of every human action and the need to identify things around her. Cocoon of natureThe use of fluid lines and attractive motifs stand for stability, points out Das, in the midst of emotional upheavals. Art critic Suneet Chopra links her work to the Mughal period because of the different decorative forms used. Take for instance the flora and fauna motifs that have been used abundantly in Mughal architecture and miniatures. Mughal architecture has been my inspiration. But in actuality these forms are spontaneous creations, though the subconscious mind also has a role to play, Das discloses. On display are 24 canvases which took over a year to put together. These forms have a decorative aspect in my works and are meaningful as well. The intertwined forms show how I am connected with other people around me, my spiritual connections, my beliefs and responsibilities, she says. Her paintings are steeped in greys, blues and ochres, with flashes of pink to convey warmth.Perception is the next realityAt: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi RoadOn till: August 12Timings: 11 am to 7 pmFrom: August 13 to 23At: Nitanjali Art Gallery, B-301 Ansal Plaza, Khel Gaon Marg