An Interview With Sekhar Roy - Meet An Artist

Hello Friends

Today, it's an interview special...and the artist featured is one of the most renowned contemporary artists particularly with regard to Indian mythology. He is from the rich artistic heritage of Kolkata. A self-taught artist who has established his name and his signature style without a doubt. His works can be found in Fine Art America, Indian Art Collectors and the other prestigious art platforms. He has also exhibited in prominent galleries and exhibitions in India and abroad. Let me introduce - Sekhar Roy (SR)!

Sekharji, Let me begin by once again confessing that I LOVE your Krishna, Radha, Romantic Couple, Gopiyan series as well as your Ganeshas and Durga. I think I left out nothing!!! I am extremely glad to have you here in Hues n Shades.

HnS:  Give us a brief background about yourself (Education, family, work) When did your artistic journey begin? What/who was your inspiration?

SR: I am the youngest among my other siblings. I was born in Bangladesh in 1973. We came to India when I was only 6 years old. Due to several political and economical turmoil of those days, we were bound to be the immigrants and settled in India. There was a lot of struggle we have faced during those days but my family specially my mother supported me a lot to establish my career to become an artist. Unfortunately, I lost my mother so early. Somehow I managed to maintain and have been trying to stable my feet on the ground as an artist. I got married and have one daughter. I am getting a full support from them. They are always pushing me up by their criticism and enthusiasm. I am a self taught artist enriching my qualities through the day to day life. Academically I am graduated in commerce.

As a self taught artist, the journey was not so smooth sailing. At the beginning, each and everyone wanted to know that from which art collage I passed out. It was as embarrassing as I had no answer except to show my works only. But I overcome and conquer that awkward situation and establish my recognition through my works.

HnS:  My observation after going through your works is that it is mythology that has inspired you the most. Am I right when I say that? Most of your works revolve around Lord Krishna. Any specific reason?

SR: I started my journey through my art works with not only the mythological characters but some other aspects of the social issues were also had a great importance. Gradually, shifted towards this particular field of Indian mythology. Love, emotion, sensitivity all these soft words have a great effect on me. I realize that all the hardness, brutality; cruelty can be removed by those soft feelings. This is why thousand years ago the Indian philosophers had emphasised on those issues and wrote epics on the ground of love. Love between Rama & Sita, Radha & Krishna, Shiva & Parvati and so on. I have chosen firstly the Krishna as I find the intellect and passion, the battle and emotion, the manliness and effeminacy, simultaneously exist in one character. So I liked him most. 

HnS:   You have a signature style with bold & distinct strokes and bright colours with which one can immediately associate your name, also there is the light and dark shading giving the central characters a glow…How did you develop your style? Was that intentional or something that accidentally happened? 

SR: Human is the best creation of the creator. The mixture of bravery & intellect by which they have approached and established their supremacy among others. This is my observation and I always put my strokes very distinctively and boldly to highlight the God’s best creation. By nature every human being is a combination of vibrant colours. It means the different shades of different moods. My intention is always to make them happy. That is why I like to use the bright colours to depict their happiness. 

HnS:  Out of all the art, I saw a solo Jesus Christ, what inspired you to paint the Lord? (Thanks for sending another picture as well)

SR: I have experimented on different subjects when I was going through a book on Jesus Christ’s life, it had a great impact on me and I was totally involved in that. I drew a lot of paintings on him. All except this one were collected by the collectors and galleries. I have a plan to make another series on him recently. 

HnS:   Kolkata being artistically a rich place with places like Kumartuli, Kalighat, Shantiniketan and many a famous artists like Abanindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy and the whole Bengal School of Art… How much do you think it has influenced you?

SR: Kolkata is not my birthplace but Kolkata has given me the all. I must appreciate the surroundings where I grew up and still growing. It is not only the Kumartuli, Kalighat but every corner of Kolkata has a great influence on me. Kolkata with its (beauty, history, love & acceptance, tolerance passion, politics, dirt and pollution, busyness, ups and downs) everything has been making my personality since my childhood. I feel very privileged to be an artist from the place of Abanindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy and so many great artists but I always try to build a new milestone with my works.

HnS:  Have you painted any other subjects other than mythology? Would you like to share a couple of pictures with us?

SR: I have experimented a lot on other subjects. Few of them are with me. I want to share some of them. 

HnS:  Which is your preferred medium? How long do you take to finish your big frames (eg: 42”x42” Romatic Couple or 48”x54” Ganesha) ?

SR: My preferred medium is Acrylic. Generally I take not much time to finish a big frame like Ganesha (48”x54”). It took maximum three days. But, sometimes it takes time as it depends on mood & circumstances. 

HnS:   Apart from painting, what are your other hobbies?

SR: Watching Movies, reading books and listening instrumental music (sanai, & flute) and sometimes vocals also. 

HnS:  Out of curiosity, are you often confused with the 1957 born another brilliant artist from your State with the same name? How do you feel about it?

SR: No there is no problem from my side due to this namesake issue. But sometimes people got confused earlier. Now this problem is also solved as I have established my style which is totally different from him. I respect him a lot as he is quiet senior artist than me. 

HnS:   Your words of inspiration/advice to the artists out there.

SR: I always believe in achievement and self satisfaction. Everybody should have the confidence on their ability and must know their own uncomfortable zone.

HnS:   I am lucky that I have had the opportunity to see some of your works in person in Dubai at two occasions - Arabian Ranches Golf Club by Art Zest and at Numaish, The Address Hotel. Where all have exhibited your work? (mention the most successful places)

SR: All the shows organized by Artzest, Artfiesta and personal galleries are successful. Some personal collectors also collect my works directly from me. My works are always appreciated by art lovers in Dubai.

HnS: Please share with our art enthusiasts any art tip that has helped you a lot. (that would help to improve one's art)

SR: If you are an artist, you should be emotional but intellectual, rational but sensitive, tolerant but not judgmental.

Thank you Sekharji for taking out your valuable time and spending it with us. Hope you enjoyed it as well as :)

And dear readers, for those who are interested in his art you can always contact him -
email id: rupsekhars1973@gmail.com 
mobile no.: +919831143548
http://www.indianartcollectors.com/artist/SekharRoy
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sekhar-roy.html

Dear friends, hope you enjoyed reading about Sekhar Roy. Thanks for visiting Hues n Shades. Please do leave your comments; it's the most valued :)

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