Cracking the code

Artist Sanjay Dhawan’s formula of ‘Alchemy’ is converting ordinary cardboard into beautiful paintings and sculptures

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Gurnaaz Kaur

With each New Year, one grows, evolves and discovers new things about himself and all that around him. The story is the same for everyone, just that artists display their growth and discovery through colours and canvas.

Sanjay Dhawan, known for his art on corrugated cardboard, is back with his solo exhibition, Alchemy, which is not just the title but also the theme of artworks. He says he shares a deep connection with this word.

“Alchemy is a science and art that was practised in the middle ages. It involved finding how ordinary metals change into gold. Likewise, I also try and convert ordinary cardboard into beautiful paintings and sculptures.”

His constant inspiration is to create extraordinary works of art that art connoisseurs and collects are compelled to take note of. “I want to be able to make a mark for myself at the international as one of the leading contemporary abstract artist.” Last year he brought out a series of sculptures and called it Sculptures Gen-X. Adding to the collection, he has now developed a complete body of Gen-X artworks. There are paintings, wall art installations and, of course, sculptures. “Last year, I had experimented and started working on a new type of artwork. In this one year, I’ve been able to add over 25 more pieces to the collection.”

His aim of becoming an international name has turned into a reality. Nine years of experimentation and making sure each artwork is exclusive has paid off. He has a permanent representation by three overseas galleries. “You’ll now find my works at Galerie Bruo Massa in Paris, Woolff Gallery, London and The Art Coocon Gallery, Dubai. Another achievement of sorts has been the display of my three artworks in a group show in London. It happened this year.”

It is not just about putting up a show, but there is a need to bring something new, diverse and versatile to keep the viewers connected. And Sanjay’s heart or, should we say, his thought process is in the right place. “When I am contemplating and making the artwork, my only idea is to give my best to each of my creations and try and evoke the same feelings on the viewer, which I experienced while creating my work.”

Which is of awe, just like the first time when he experimented with the corrugated sheet, its ridges and how it all fascinated him. To bring anything to life is his signature style, he says, “It takes anywhere between one week to two months to create an artwork depending on the size and intricacies involved.” Now, this means putting together about 50 to 150 pieces of cardboard to form a collage and then several components to make a 3D assemblage. And what has been the motivation, Dhawan sums up beautifully, “’Great things are done by a series of small things brought together’, said Van Gogh and that is what I have tried to achieve throughout my journey so far. Not limiting myself to a set pattern, I love to play with colours and mediums and in the process express my vision that comes from the soul. My style and use of colours in abstract form is pure and vibrant with a view to generate similar emotions on the viewer which I experienced while creating that piece of art.”

On at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10 till Decmeber 29

gurnaaz@tribunemail.com