About the artist:
Anup Chitrak (b.1944). Ranked first in his class at Sir J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai & studied fine arts in the Nutan Kala Mandir under Prof Dandavate Math. He has worked in advertising and has had a number of shows in India. He is known for his paintings of myths & legends. This series has been inspired by the great Sufi poets Rumi & Bulleh Shah.
About Sufi Art:
A Sufi is someone who sets themselves on the path of self purification leading to enlightenment & union with God, through various meditative and spiritual disciplines and is therefore often popularly known as mysticism. In mystical painting, the artist cultivates a meditative state clear from thought, imagination and fantasy. From this clear state the images and archetypes are projected from the artist’s spiritual Reality. The mind needs to be at rest so that it will not subject the pure images to conscious (common) associations of “logical” color and form relationships. The result should reflect the realization that the source of all multiplicity of form, experience, thought and feeling in which we partake is found in oneness, in pure essence. When not done in this clear state the result is something which either appeals to the curiosity and wonder of people or which startles or intrigues the mind of the viewer.
Review:
The concept is fascinating. In the gallery, I am literally surrounded by whirling dervishes. Their white robes flowing as they dance. Some in the moonlight, the figures bright against the dark yet vibrant backgrounds. They are illuminated as they meditate with their inner glow, which reflects the moons rays back. A cosmic conection. One dances before a candle, one around a tree. God is everything. They are painted to blend in with their environment, not standing out, this is to show the oneness of all existence. They are meant to be in motion but each frame captures a pose giving a very 2D effect.
The artist has used mixed medium on canvas and all the work is framed & of a large size. Only the sketches are small. He has texturized the work beautifully and his technical skill is evident. The flowing robes done so delicately & the blissful expressions, even though their eyes are closed. Very well executed. I particularly like the few pieces where the faces are not characterized, this gives the viewer the space to explore.
The artist has explained the meaning of each work in beautiful Hindi calligraphy, which runs along the border. Personally, I would have preferred he didn’t. Sufism is about the mystical. The interpretation should be left to the viewer.
The sketches are fantastic, they appealed to me much more. But there are just a few on display.
What I would have really liked to see, is some more variety in the representation of the artist’s interpretations. Sufism is not only about whirling dervishes, it is so much deeper. Therefore it leaves me with a feeling of incompleteness. To me, the approach appears more commercial than spiritual.
Prices:
The sketches are priced around INR35,000 while the paintings are in lacs. The painting shown above is approx INR3.5lacs.
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