Works explanation by Sanjib Kundu
Artist Statement of Painting:
In my view, my art has always been a reflection of life itself. Life, with its eternal nature, the complexities of society, and the diverse facets of nature, holds within it a multitude of mysteries. These mysteries weave the textures of various feelings and emotions, often in the simplest or most intricate ways imaginable. My artistic journey has been a quest to unravel these mysteries through various means.
The subjects and forms in my paintings adopt a fresh approach, encompassing the nuances of a wide array of emotions. Through this innovative approach, I have sought to move forward, forging new paths and breaking down existing ones. I aim to reveal myself in this creative exploration, which traverses both realistic and abstract realms.
The majority of my work is executed using oil and acrylic on canvas, occasionally incorporating charcoal for added depth. My paintings are characterized by their harmonious blending. I place great emphasis on technical and conceptual value in my artistic endeavors, ensuring that the layers of my paintings remain subtle. The form, lines, and composition rhythmically interact within the given space. Colors are strategically arranged to complement the subject matter, enriching the overall narrative.
I hope that this technique enhances the visual impact of my paintings, allowing viewers to engage with them on multiple levels.
With gratitude,
~Artist Sanjib Kundu
*Sculpture "Victory of 'Durga' – Auspicious Against Inauspicious":*
My sculpture is inspired by the Hindu Puranas, specifically the mythology of 'Mahishasura Mardini,' the incarnation of Goddess Durga. Durga, the embodiment of power and strength, represents the auspicious and virtuous. She is the vanquisher of evil and inauspicious forces, symbolized by the demon Mahishasura.
The sculpture captures the moment of Durga's triumph as she defeats the fierce Mahishasura with her ten mighty arms and formidable weaponry. Durga, bedecked in jewels and golden armor, exudes a sense of power and divine grace.
The concept behind this sculpture stems from the eternal battle between auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, a theme deeply relevant to our contemporary world. The sculpture is a representation of this timeless conflict, where goodness ultimately prevails over evil.
In creating this sculpture, I employed a combination of materials that best conveyed my artistic vision. Geometric shapes such as circles, half-circles, triangles, and both horizontal and vertical lines were used to form an abstract yet symbolic representation. Colors were applied with symbolic intent, and the lines played a crucial role in establishing a connection between mass and dimension.
Much like the protective nature of Durga herself, the monumental quality and size of this sculpture offer a sense of safeguarding, symbolizing protection from evil and inauspiciousness.
~Sanjib Kundu (Sculptor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Sculpture "Inside Outside Conflict of Mankind":*
This sculpture represents the internal and external conflicts within humanity, stemming from intricate psychological complexities. These conflicts are symbolically expressed through a combination of geometric and organic shapes. The sculpture employs appropriate materials to convey its inner meaning, emphasizing the psychological mystery that underlies human struggles.
While the inner self may be plagued with turmoil, the outer appearance often shines with a deceptive glaze. This conflict results in a state of persecution for mankind, reflecting the dichotomy between what is experienced within and what is perceived from the outside.
~Sanjib Kundu (Sculptor)
Dated: 08/11/2015
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Sculpture "The Cannibal King – Like 'Ravana'":*
My art has always been a reflection of life, and in this sculpture, I aim to depict those individuals who possess great power but use it in an inauspicious and oppressive manner, much like the archetypal villain 'Ravana' from the Indian epic 'Ramayana.'
The sculpture portrays a king with ten heads and many arms, symbolizing voracious, experienced, and relentlessly expanding malevolence. This king preys upon the innocent crowd, representing a fear-inducing and dangerous force for the future.
The sculpture's form is highly symbolic, representing the idea it embodies. The use of lines and planes in space, created through various materials, establishes a rhythm and unity of design. Colors are applied with symbolic intent. The pedestal is inspired by medieval Indian and Southeast Asian stone and bronze sculptures, aligning with the sculpture's theme.
The Cannibal King, seated on his ostentatious throne, symbolizes the vanity of power. His voracity is represented by the wide-open mouth, and transparency in his body suggests a concealed inner motive. His external attire, crafted from copper wire, conveys an air of aristocracy. His waist portion is adorned with a girdle, symbolizing the possession of the nectar of immortality.
The scattered iron pins and small iron balls symbolize the destitute crowd, who become fodder for the Cannibal King. Overall, this sculpture reveals the madness of desire for worldly pleasures and the exploitation of the innocent.
~Sanjib Kundu (Sculptor)
