Vimmi Indra, a visionary artist seamlessly merging imagination with reality, crafts evocative masterpieces that pulse with the essence of her journey through India’s diverse landscapes. Her artwork captures the rhythm of life across towns and cities, weaving together the vibrant threads of culture and tradition. Each painting is a luminous interplay of fantasy and realism, where ethereal figures float effortlessly against dynamic backdrops of bustling urbanity and serene nature. Her canvases radiate an inner vitality, resembling jewelled tapestries imbued with expressive forms and an electrifying palette.
Her early series, Citiscapes, explored the confluence of imagination and reality, offering a vivid reflection of India’s ever-evolving environments. Shifting her artistic lens in recent works, Vimmi ventures into a dreamlike realm marked by minimalistic ornamentation and meditative depth. These lucid compositions invite viewers into a parallel universe, evoking echoes of a forgotten world while revealing profound insights.
Deeply anchored in her keen observations of everyday life, Vimmi’s art navigates social complexities with both warmth and introspection. Her unique perspective and exceptional talent earned her a place in the esteemed Rashtrapati Bhavan art collection, following accolades from an artist-in-residence camp hosted by the President of India in 2019.
Recipient of the Utthan Samiti Award (2018) and the IBN 7 Guru Shishya Award (2012), Vimmi is not only an accomplished artist but also an inspiring mentor. She actively conducts workshops, encouraging students to explore art as a meaningful career path. Beyond her exhibitions across India and internationally, she curates with passion and engages in philanthropy, frequently contributing to charity auctions while nurturing emerging talent. Her artistry continues to captivate, offering audiences a transcendent blend of imagination and reality.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the inauguration of the Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery, Vimmi Indra sheds light on her unique painting style and chronicles her artistic journey. She also reflects on her most celebrated works, and shares profound insights on Gandhi’s philosophy and its enduring relevance to liberation. Here are the key takeaways from her inspiring dialogue.
Q: What style or genre of painting do you specialize in?
A: My artistic journey revolves around reimagining cityscapes, transforming them beyond their conventional appearances into vivid expressions of my imagination. These cityscapes are not mere reflections of reality; instead, they emerge as dynamic forms shaped by my personal vision. The essence of my work lies in my exploration of form, where my unique interpretations become the centrepiece of every creation. This process allows me to infuse each piece with individuality and character. However, the tonal quality holds paramount significance in my practice. It serves as the binding force, enriching the composition with imagination, depth, harmony, and emotional resonance that captivates the viewer.
Q: How do you perceive and approach your journey as a painter?
A: This creative journey is one of continuous exploration and refinement. It is not a process that can be completed overnight, nor is it as simple as thinking today and painting tomorrow. It is a slow, deliberate journey that unfolds over time. For the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to working on a subject, letting it develop organically. My initial thoughts grow and evolve, leading me to explore which elements resonate with the core of my vision. It’s a meticulous process of trial and error, allowing my understanding of the subject to mature gradually.
As I progress, I become more comfortable with the form, eventually finding a way to express it that feels authentic and true. Once I’ve mastered this form, I begin to explore its flexibility, using it in various ways across different paintings. Each work is a new iteration, a new-fangled imagination, a fresh perspective, yet all connected by the same underlying rhythm.
Q: Which of your creations do you consider the most popular and the most beautiful?
A: Choosing a favourite among my paintings is a challenging task, as each piece carries immense personal meaning. Yet, one painting stands out—created during the emotionally charged period surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. This work, which explores the theme of liberation, was deeply inspired by the events unfolding at the time. The emotional attachment I feel toward it is profound, as it encapsulates not only a pivotal historical moment but also my personal connection to it. The painting now resides in Rashtrapati Bhavan, a place of great national significance, making it especially precious to me.
Q: How do you interpret Gandhi’s philosophy in the context of liberation?
A: Gandhi and liberation are not separate concepts; they are intrinsically linked. His life’s work embodies the very essence of freedom, and the ideology he championed has remained unchanged for centuries. There is no dividing line between them. Liberation is, in fact, Gandhi’s true identity, and his name is synonymous with the ideals of freedom, justice, and nonviolence. His unwavering commitment to these principles shaped his philosophy and actions, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Gandhi’s legacy continues to serve as a powerful reminder that the struggle for liberation is timeless, universal, and deeply interconnected with his name.
