Diverse Brushes, Shared Passion: The Soul of Super Painters

Super Painters, a collective whose very name evokes the harmonious union of seven passionate souls, endeavor to transmute the realms of imagination onto the canvas, seamlessly blending the realms of realism and surrealism with each deft stroke of their brushes. With every touch upon their canvas, they weave a tapestry of boundless imagination.

In an exclusive dialogue with The Interview World, Sukanta Hazra, a luminary within the Super Painters ensemble, sheds light on their catalytic role in fostering the essence of artistry. He eloquently articulates the individual artistic prowess of each member while elucidating upon their collective philosophy towards painting. Below encapsulates the essence of his insights.

Q: How would you describe the objectives, activities, and collaborative processes of Super Painters, and in what ways do you contribute to and enhance the artistic landscape?

A: Originating from the bustling streets of Kolkata, Super Painters, a consortium of Bengal’s artistic souls, convene. Some among us polished our skills within the halls of art institutions, while others unearthed their innate talents through solitary exploration. Dwelling in proximity, we not only inhabit the same physical realm but also share an unwavering ardor for our craft.

After a prolonged period of separation, we find ourselves reunited in Kolkata, committing ourselves to tireless refinement. It is from this fervent dedication that our collective persona emerges – we are the Super Painters. Kolkata, in turn, becomes our vast canvas as we delve into the pursuit of artistic transcendence.

Within the intricate fabric of our existence, Super Painters, a fellowship of painters, each wield brushes as unique as our individual passions. Amidst the flurry of colors and whispers of inspiration, our disparate interests intertwine, harmonizing into a symphony of creative expression.

One among us finds solace in the gentle strokes of impressionism, capturing fleeting moments with ethereal grace. Another plunges into the realm of the abstract, fearlessly delving into the depths of emotion with bold strokes and vivid hues. Yet another embraces the precision of realism, meticulously translating life’s complexities onto canvas.

At Super Painters, our paths converge in shared spaces, fostering collaboration and igniting fresh perspectives. Through galleries, studios, and streets adorned with our creations, we not only narrate our own tales but also weave the collective saga of a generation united by creativity. Though diverse in our endeavors, together we craft a legacy as vibrant and multifaceted as the world we endeavor to portray.

Q: How have your experiences in exhibitions shaped your artistic journey?

A: Embarking on our artistic odyssey, our inaugural exhibition adorned the esteemed halls of the Birla Academy of Art & Culture. Since then, our members have ardently participated in various annual exhibitions across Kolkata and beyond, intricately weaving our artistic narrative into the vibrant tapestry of India’s cultural landscape.

Among our cherished venues, the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, alongside the esteemed Seema Award show, holds a special place. The Lalit Kala annual exhibition further underscores our steadfast dedication to artistic expression.

The inaugural showcase dazzled spectators at the Birla Academy of Art & Culture in 2018. Following this triumph, our second exhibition graced the same esteemed venue from 2019 to 2020, hosted graciously by the Birla Academy of Finance.

Expanding our horizons, we found a receptive stage at the Paschim Banga Charu Kala Utsav, a governmental celebration of art and culture. Our artistic journey extended even further, adorning the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi in the capital city for our inaugural international exhibition in Delhi.

Q: How would you articulate the essence of your exhibition? Could you elucidate on the showcased content and overarching theme?

A: We, a collective of seven individuals, form a diverse group: Sukanta Hazra, Goutam Debnath, Laltu Kar, Soumyadip Manna, Tapas Naskar, Chandra Bhanu Pal, and Raja Paul. Allow me to commence with Soumyadip Manna, whose artistic endeavors delve into the urban fabric of our society.

Hailing from modest middle-class backgrounds, we philosophize upon the transient nature of existence; the inevitable demise orchestrated by the hand of nature itself. Our intimate understanding of middle-class life intertwines with political nuances, shaping our perception of impending destruction. Soumyadip’s oeuvre reflects this sentiment, drawing inspiration from the very essence of our existence.

Transitioning to Goutam Debnath, his artwork embodies a distinct watercolor technique, akin to printmaking quality, manifesting in abstract forms derived from nature’s intricate designs. Through meticulous contemplation and relentless practice, Goutam dissects reality, transforming it into abstract representations that intrigue and provoke contemplation.

As for myself, Sukanta Hazra, my artistic exploration navigates the urban landscape, encapsulating the essence of middle-class domiciles. Light and shadow dance harmoniously across my canvases, echoing the perpetual passage of time that permeates my consciousness.

Now, let us delve into the realm of Laltu Kar, whose artistry transcends the boundaries between humanity and nature, enveloped in a smoky impression of watercolor. Through his hazy depictions, he unveils the delicate interplay between man and his natural surroundings.

Chandra Bhanu Pal, a native of Goa, finds inspiration amidst the mundane routines of local train journeys, immortalizing the essence of daily life on his canvas. Despite residing in the tranquil confines of Nandapur, his artistic gaze extends to the bustling streets of Kolkata, capturing the essence of urban existence.

Tapas Naskar, employing transparent watercolors, delves into profound themes of life and death, intertwining human existence with the eternal rhythms of nature. His diverse subjects serve as a testament to the multifaceted nature of existence itself.

Finally, Raja Paul, a sculptor of abstract forms, breathes life into wood and bone casting, transcending conventional boundaries to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in the beholder.

Q: How do paintings resonate with your personal experiences, emotions, or perspectives?

A: In the realm of artistry, paintings unveil themselves as ethereal whispers emanating from the depths of the human spirit, each brushstroke a conduit for the essence of emotion and the boundless realms of imagination. They transcend mere pigment and canvas, serving as portals to realms unseen, where the mundane converges with the mystical, and where silence speaks volumes of untold truths. With every stroke, a heartbeat resonates, pulsating with narratives waiting to be unfurled beneath the scrutinizing gaze of the beholder. In their serene stillness, these masterpieces pulsate with life, immortalizing transient moments of profound beauty and undeniable verity.

Paintings become windows to the human soul, inviting us to embark on an introspective voyage through the intricacies of our existence, offering solace amidst the enigmatic poetry woven through the kaleidoscope of color and form. Through them, we find ourselves immersed in a timeless dance, where the language of art whispers secrets known only to the heart.