Now, Art Gets a Swadeshi touch

Now, Art Gets a Swadeshi touch

Artist Sajal Sasanka Sarkar brings back the pre-independence
concept of Swadeshi and self-sufficiency in things around us
through his recent series of paintings to be displayed in the city

Are we truly free? Kolkatabased artist Sajal Sasanka Sarkar, alumnus
of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda asks the question
through his series of paintings Rethinking Swadeshi – You Think
You Decide You Act. His work will be displayed in the city ahead of
the Republic Day.

Sajal’s paintings mirror his surroundings. He says, “We see violation,
violence, trespassing, breach of trust, attack, intrusion and crisis around
us. In the series ‘Rethinking Swadeshi’, I have portrayed my thoughts on
Swadeshi, the independence of India, our pre-independent heroes
and socially relevant subjects.”

Talking about the relevance of his work in modern times, he says,
“We still see our country in the clutches of corruption, sexism,
inflation and hence the question arises whether we are truly free.”

SWADESHI: A CALL OF OUR TIMES
The artist feels that more than ever in the history, Swadeshi is the need
of today’s times “when crisis and corruption have taken over our lives”.
“The changes in politics, culture, economics and lifestyle have taken a toll
on our nature, health, education, ideology, etc. Our country needs to focus on
good faith, perseverance, purpose and loyalty and think on the lines
of Swadeshi ideals,” he says. Sarkar’s paintings reflect on the need to save
environment and the humankind. He says, “I have attempted to capture my
perception of the everyday problems we face and offered solutions for the
same. His works pay tribute to the struggles and triumphs of Mahatma Gandhi,
Lal Bahadur Shastri, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bhagat Singh,
Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo and many others.”
Sajal’s paintings will be on display from January 24 to February
9, 4 to 7 pm, at Marvel Art Gallery.

—Priya Adhyaru-Majithia