Bengal is known as a region steeped in art and culture. Now, with the Bengal Biennale, people of Santiniketan and Kolkata are about to witness something they have never seen before, in November and December respectively. Artist Paresh Maity who is at the heart of this event, shares his vision on Bengal’s artscape and the Biennale’s significance. “It’s going to be a feast for the senses on a large scale with art taking over streets, galleries, and hearts,” he introduces CT to what can be expected from the festival.
‘It’s not just an event, it’s a movement’
The Padma Shri awardee promises a spectacle for a few days in the city, as landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Birla Academy and Academy of Fine Arts to name a few, are set to turn into canvases.He says, “It’s not just an event– it’s a movement. Bengal has always had art in its DNA, but this? This is another level.”
Colours are pure emotion– life is all about colours, isn’t it?’
Reflecting on the usage of vibrant colours in his artwork, he says life is all about colours: “You look at a vivid sunset, and suddenly, the world feels brighter. I believe in the healing power of colours, they lift spirits, and my paintings reflect that.” He adds, “People have told me that my art has pulled them out of a bad day. That’s the magic of colour. It doesn’t just fill a canvas, it fills hearts.”
An installation that reflects urban life for the Bengal Biennale
A cast bronze sculpture, weighing seven tonnes and 26 feet in length titled ‘Urbanscape’ is what defines Maity’s installation for the Biennale. “It reflects urban life, how we coexist in a city that’s bustling but somehow harmonised,” he explains, adding, “It’ll be displayed at Victoria Memorial, and will be two and a half floors high. It took over a year to make it in Jaipur, and every ounce of bronze in it has a story to tell.”
‘A large-scale sculpture requires focus and foresight’
Working on a large-scale piece needs logistical and creative juggling, feels Paresh. He explains, “One has to constantly battle scale and perspective. It demands complete focus and good foresight, especially because optical illusions can trick you. But I would not have it any other way. I live for the thrill of it.’
“I will be painting one of the majestic Bankura horses at the Biennale, along with students and artists, as a nod to our past. It’s about taking something old and making it new again”- Paresh Maity