Of forms and figures

 Amarjot Kaur

Artists’ voracity for inspiration often leads them to explore several realms of creativity. At an art exhibition titled, Untitled, at Punjab Kala Bhawan, we stand acquainted with Padma Shri Biman Bihari Das. 

In the capacity of the chief guest, Biman takes a quick stride across the gallery, thereafter engaging in a candid conversation about his key influences and the situation of art and artists in India.

Born in a traditional Bengali family, Biman has for long been shuttling between Delhi and Kolkata, now finally settling in the frames of a Dilliwala, as he fondly calls it, but not quite confiding in the idea of boundaries. 

“This entire country is my own and that is the way it has always been. I have loved dearly every form of creativity that this country has to its credit and that often even reflects in my sculptures,” begins Biman in the true blue sprit of nationalism. As he tells us about his sculptures that have been inspired by the traditional performing arts of the country, especially dance and music, Biman reveals his strong affinity towards classical music and dance. 

“I am a dance and music enthusiast, especially Indian classical dance and music, which has inspired me all along,” he shares while dropping a few names from the industry, who he admires, including Pt Jasraj, Ali Akbar Khan, and Indrani Rahman.

Though Biman speaks about the traditional and cultural heritage of India with pride, while also calling India an “open museum”, he rues over the indifference with which the country folks, especially the media treats the artists. “I remember when I was being given the Padma Shri along with Vidya Balan, the reporters and photographers swarmed around her. Considering her accomplishments, which are only limited to Bollywood, the kind of attention she got as compared to me, was very disappointing,” he shares. “In that respect, Europeans value art and artists more than we do. Such a pity,” he adds.

Biman, who believes that art is for the sake of people and not only for the sake of art, gives complete liberty to the people to judge his works, while regarding them as his audience. Proficient with both, painting and sculpting, Biman shares that it is not his love for the medium he works in that makes him an artist, but his love for the art that makes him so. “I love both painting and sculpting and it’s hard to choose one over the other. I love art and I will soon be exhibiting my new works, one of which is a tribute to Bharatnatyam, in Shridharani Gallery, Delhi, on November 26,” he signs off.

On till November 28