Paramesh Paul’s life as well as art is driven by the pursuit of creativity that does not concentrate on mere pictorial representation of the objective world but instead seeks to symbolize his inner calling, harkening towards spiritual awakening and transcendence through the medium of art. Moreover, in his quest to express the timeless and transcendental through the language of form, colour and texture, Paramesh repeatedly reiterates how this pursuit of the artist becomes the soul’s pilgrimage to all that is beautiful, ineffable and profound.
His tryst with spirituality and mysticism began in the formative stage of his life. Being born into a traditional potter family in rural West Bengal, Paramesh molded many religious images and witnessed the ritualistic worshipping of the divine. As a perceptive and reflective child, Paramesh was fascinated by the fanfare of sensory experience, through textures, colour, sound and music.
The sensitive artist is greatly inspired by the mysticism wrapped under the day-to-day life in Benaras. He often spent hours at the riveting riverbanks engulfed by a vast sea of humanity. Paramesh paints Benaras in all its glory, infusing his works with a volatile energy that transforms the city it into a shimmering and almost breathing, beautiful creature on his canvas. In his works, the holy ‘City of Light’ shines bright, both physically and metaphorically. Viewing his works is like expounding the soul of Benaras. Worshipers taking dip in the river, the multitudes of small temples, the steps, the sadhus, the kamadul, the chhatris, the vatvruksha, the nandi and the narrow streets teeming with life and activity, stands a testimony of this place that has seen the legends unfold, world turn, tides change and generations of civilizations flourish.
Paramesh has been an exhibitor with various reputed galleries and Art Shows, prominent of these were The Jehangir Art Gallery, India Art Festival, Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery and Artist Centre Mumbai. Kalla Spandan Mumbai in 2016 and 2nd kashi National Art Exhibition in 2017 were his major recognitions.
Unveiling our rendezvous with Paramesh Paul
A. How many years you have been in the field of art and why?
I have been into this field from over 30 years now.
B. What media you have been using so far?
I am currently using acrylic on canvas but earlier I used a lot of oil on canvas.
C. What media you are planning to explore in the future?
I want to work on creating series in spiritual themed paintings like depicting Bhagwat Gita stories or from the Shiv Puran.
D. What kind of uniqueness you spotlight using your art?
My paintings are realistic but not real. The composition is imaginary, most of the times drawn from memory, constructing a slice of reality for the viewer. Various elements are composed using multiple viewpoints to create dense and detailed scenes that are reminiscent of nostalgia of the place. In my landscapes, I add narrative dimension by juxtaposing prominent humanfigures as well as deities against the backdrop of familiar landscapes.
Thanks Giving
The E Today is thankful to Paramesh Paul for his valuable time and even to Mr. Hiral Shah, The Chief Editor; who is currently promoting artist from every corner of India and, looking at creating a much needed platform to showcase every artist of the nation.