Dr. Suryasnata Mohanty, a luminary in the universe of visual art, is renowned for her quintessence style, a masterful amalgamation of impressionism and abstraction, distinguished by labyrinthine layers of shades, rich textures, and compelling backgrounds. From an early age, she was enraptured by the power of pigment and the soul of colour, a passion she cultivated under the tutelage of distinguished artists.
Raised amidst the historical grandeur of Bhubaneswar, her artistic vision is deeply informed by the city’s temples and the timeless continuity of faith, themes she eloquently transposes onto the canvas. In her abstract and impressionistic works, she draws parallels between the structural rigidity of buildings and the fluidity of life itself, presenting both as interconnected forces that shape existence, effervescence, expression, and eminence.
Dr. Mohanty’s artistic virtuosity has found a prestigious platform in the India Art Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB), a flagship initiative by the Government of India that seeks to present the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage to the global stage.
A defining moment in her illustrious career came with her hand-painted Kalash (urn), a work that transcended mere artistic expression to become a national symbol. Chosen personally by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’ campaign, her urn adorned with Odisha’s traditional ‘Jhoti & Chita’ art—was heralded as a masterpiece. Its national recognition, amplified by widespread media coverage, cemented Dr. Mohanty’s position as a foremost figure in contemporary Indian art.
The Delhi Star Award 2023 is a crowning accolade for Dr. Mohanty, not merely recognizing her prodigious artistic talent but also celebrating Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Through her works, she has illuminated the traditional arts of Odisha, bringing them into the contemporary global consciousness and underscoring the state’s enduring artistic legacy.
A gold medallist in Law from Utkal University and an LLM alumnus of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, Dr. Mohanty combines intellectual acumen with artistic genius. Currently serving as Joint Director at both KIIT University and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), she remains an indomitable force in the spheres of academia and art.
In an insightful conversation with The Interview World, Dr. Suryasnata Mohanty elucidates the distinctive genre of her artistic practice, deftly drawing a contrast between the realms of abstract and traditional painting. She offers her erudite perspective on the subjective rankings of art and unveils the profound thematic inspiration that serves as the wellspring of her creative vision. Presented here are the key takeaways from this intellectually enriching exchange.
Q: What genre of art do you typically work in?
A: My works, I must emphasize, are distinctly divergent from the ordinary paintings one typically encounters. They are born of an entirely original approach, woven through with multiple layers—often eight to ten layers deep. While I occasionally engage with oil paints, the pieces currently on display are crafted with acrylic on canvas. These abstract compositions, though initially enigmatic, reveal hidden forms that gradually emerge from the depths of the layered background, offering a complex, evolving visual narrative.
Q: Could you explain to our readers the difference between abstract and traditional paintings?
A: To the readers, I would assert this: if you truly observe, the distinction becomes negligible. Why, you may ask? Because realism, in my view, is akin to the ABCs—fundamental building blocks. Once you transcend this basic level and engage in deeper, research-driven exploration, you cultivate a unique style.
Take, for instance, the poetry of Gulzar ji. When you develop your voice, when you begin to perceive the world through a distinct lens, your work inevitably becomes something that others might deem abstract. Yet, there is a prevailing misconception that all abstract art is mere randomness. On the contrary, the more one immerses oneself in seemingly mundane subjects, the more they reveal their profound simplicity. The artist’s vision, honed through observation, brings clarity to the complex.
Art, in whatever form, is primarily a mode of communication. If viewers fail to grasp the artist’s exact intention, it is of no consequence. They need not “understand” in a literal sense; what is far more essential is that they “feel” the essence of it.
Consider, if you will, music. Many who have never formally studied it still harbour deep affection for their favourite singers. Technically, each vocalist—whether Lata ji, Kailash Kher, Shreya Ghoshal, or Sonu Nigam—exhibits a style that is uniquely their own. Each is impeccable in their own right. Yet, it is the authenticity of their voice, the resonance that strikes the listener’s heart, which elevates them.
In much the same way, traditional art, folk forms, and regional art are now gaining prominence, heralding the emergence of Indian art as a force of profound beauty and significance in the global cultural landscape.
Q: How would you personally rank Indian art and artists on the global stage?
A: I reject the notion of rating anybody’s work, for I am an artist, not a mere evaluator. Each creation possesses an inherent value, a standard that transcends the limitations of arbitrary scales. Each piece stands as a testament to its narrative, emotion, and fleeting moment in time. To subject them to comparison would be to undermine their very essence, an affront I cannot countenance.
Q: What is the central theme that inspires your work?
A: What commands the viewer’s attention is not the theme itself, but rather the singular technique I employ. It is an approach of unparalleled originality, a masterstroke that distinguishes my work in a realm of its own. The seamless fusion of elements, and the finesse in execution—these are the elements that truly seize the eye. Such a style, with its inherent uniqueness, is irreplaceable and cannot be found elsewhere. It is this very distinctiveness that renders it utterly compelling.
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