City artist to represent India at World Bodypainting Festival

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 13

City-based installation artist Sumeet Dua has been invited to represent India at the World Bodypainting Festival, scheduled to be held in Austria next month. The global event is considered a melting pot for artistes across the world and attracts some of the most acclaimed and bold artistes.

Dua, who has been instrumental in aesthetic makeover of Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport with traditional and contemporary art works, will be working on the concept of spiritual discipline that is also the theme of the festival.

“In Hindu traditions, ‘moksha’ is a central concept and the utmost aim to be attained through three paths during human life, it is a key concept in yoga, where it is a state of ‘awakening’, liberation and freedom in this life. I have chosen a large tree tied with red thread along for background of my installation art. Pipal tree represents the tree of life and is sacred in Hindu religion. It supports life of all sorts and is famous for its long life.

The pipal tree also has the property to purify air,” explained Sumeet Dua.

He has also added spiritual elements, both physical and symbolic, prevalent in our society. “ The cotton thread tied to the tree is just the opposite as it represents the fragile nature of life, love, trust, faith – and all things that go on to make up a relationship. Red cloth tied to trees is an ancient tradition throughout the world. So I will fix red cloth strips on the tree to add colour and to represent the tradition.”

In this Installation, composition of five models will be used with their body and face painted. He gives a brief overview of how he plans to display his installation. “The concept and idea of painting their body will be the same as ‘sadhu’ (religious monk in India) uses everyday in life,” he explained. “Since the festival primarily focuses on human body as canvas, in the centre of the installation, a female model will be placed in yoga posture. Behind this, in standing posture male model representing Lord Shiva will be placed. Behind these, three sadhus with painted body in a traditional way will be arranged.”

Apart from the body painting, additional ornaments, including traditional necklace, arms anklets and flower garlands, will be used to give a traditional appearance. Other Hindu religious symbols, like trishul and peacock feathers, will also be used in this installation art.

Dua is glad that an artist from Amritsar has been chosen and given a chance to participate in one of the most sought after art festivals in the world. “It’s a huge leap for my art and for city’s artists who will definitely feel more confident presenting their unique ideas on a bigger platform,” he said.

He has been working on the concept for the past a few months.