APPEARANCE AND REALITY

A painting is called abstract when it is almostimpossible to recognize in it the slightest trace ofthat outward, objective reality which makes up thenormal background of everyday life। So this order ofnon-referential or non-idea work has perforce to benamed abstract। Still, even when a work is thusabstract we may yet discern shapes and forms in it, asfor instance a cloud, even though the painter had notintended it।Well, like some other artists of the day, this is whatChandan Das is wanting to do। Over the last fewyears, at the least, he has tried to perfect, and withsuccess, the mode of an all colour composition, whicheven when it seems to have evolved over the years, yetin genre remains about the same। Many incarnationsof this order have been achieved by the artist in suchwork, with subtlety of nuance. Of course, most goodart does the same. But here it is of the utmostimportance. Whatever he does is not in any senseaccidental or chancy. Das is careful to trace out thepermutations and combinations as are possible inshades of visual meaning through pigments. And he hasits particular craft knowledge to satisfaction. Feelings are evoked which may be tender or refined. The point of the whole exercise is to keep out thegrossness of loud colour. To that extent he hardlyever goes wrong. And this trait is a positive thing,considering that the human environment is right nowuncouth with vulgar sensations by the dozen. Thus do art works carry out their ministration. Chandan Das tries to soothe cluttered and weary minds. Thus his work is a magic means of discovering theworld; of going beyond appearance to reach what hethinks is the essence of things. He has knack for thedelicate plastic properties of paint. Certainly, itmay call out a choice response from a body of viewers.Art has many mansions, and stages, so one never knowswhich way any artist's anima will turn in time tocome. But, for the moment, this is artist's artistictruth. His creations are there at Lokayata Gallery inHauz Khas village for you to view and enjoy.

Keshav Malik

Art critic