Entire world is in the grip of fear and battling the novel corona virus. In such trying times, with the lockdown, a curfew like environment has taught us a new lesson on social distancing. Confined to stay indoors many are going through strong experiences and artists are on their own explorations. Several writers and poets have started sharing their works on social media. Interaction with some painters in Chandigarh, Delhi and Gurugram has helped us understand the psyche of some that has helped them express their fears, anxiety, hopefulness and inner connectivity. Sometimes to stay home while trying to assess lives vs livelihood as an aftermath of lockdown, creativity provides a natural solace. These artists talk about their feelings through some of their works shown here.
‘When time stops, it suffocates and we call it bad time. All sorts of thoughts start troubling the mind. I can feel the wind and see the fire, touch the earth and heat or chill the water. What about time? Why can’t I hold it and grab it? Even while trying to paint ‘Time’, I can see it slipping out of my colours. My efforts continue to hold it. This is what I have to share with you in my painting done during this period.’ – Anil Kohli, New Delhi
Goldy Malhotra, Gurugram
‘No one had ever dreamt of this long, compulsive hibernation. Imprisoned in our own homes for the survival of others and self, has gradually brought a change in our behaviour. This will be felt and realized by many sooner or later. This situation reminds me of the old prisons in Mexico, that had one window facing the road, these were known as Road Prisons.
Probably for me the view from the window has helped me interact with nature. New leaves are appearing on trees and the birds are more free than ever before to hop on the tree and chirp to express that sky belongs to them.
My painting ‘Lockdown in Gurgaon’ reveals the empty roads, houses with inmates locked inside witnessing the nature smiling at them to teach – look within and learn.
Yes, this is the time for introspection. The more a person limits himself, the more resourceful he becomes.’ – Goldy Malhotra, Gurugram
Navpreet Kaur, Noida
‘Loneliness is very scary. No sound, no hustle bustle but one thing is good that we are able to listen to our inner voice that has become audible. I have been working on ‘Dream Series’ and my work shows how the reality is very different from our imagination or belief at times. There are figures with wide open eyes gazing in wonder and at the same time there is a ray of hope bringing happiness. There is no gloom in my work, I believe in positivity and that is what I have expressed on paper in acrylic’ – Navpreet Kaur, Chandigarh /Greater Noida
Prem Singh, Noida
‘Art begins and ends with human experience. Today in state of isolation and social distancing, one can imagine the plight of a human being striving for survival. In such a turmoil, one desires to look for some hope somewhere. I have shown Social Distancing in one of my sketches. Two heads are looking in the opposite direction, together, yet lonely. In the second sketch, I am expressing how when confined to your own world, you love for interaction with the surroundings to avoid loneliness.’ – Prem Singh, Chandigarh/Greater Noida.
Radhika Surana, Gurugram
‘The lockdown has been a quiet time to reflect and appreciate the beauty around us and how we have lost touch with nature and started taking it for granted. It is our duty to show sensitivity towards our surroundings. This epidemic is an indication that nature needs to reboot. My paintings are an ode to nature and its beauty. All the artworks have been done during the lockdown period’. – Radhika Surana, Gurugram
Sangeeta Singh, Gurugram
‘This painting ‘Conversation’ created in this lockdown period is a conversation with self, a time for introspection. This ‘Me Time’ reinforces connection to eventually forge better ties with the world outside. The lines here again get blurred. The lady in the floating sheet and the layout of two cups, exhibit exactly that. The floating pattern in the painting signifies the ease and calm in the surrounding’. – Sangeeta Singh, Gurugram
Viney Vadhera, Chandigarh
‘Experiencing lockdown has enabled me to realise that social distancing has a definite meaning. Have we ever realised that one has to be cautious of people? Man is the most dangerous to another man. This is what I have tried to show in a figure wearing mask. In my second sketch, the lockdown in India to save humanity is highlighted. It is very symbolic ‘Jaan hai to Jahan hai’ ! – Viney Vadhera, Chandigarh
