Free strokes: Expressions of the soul
Self-taught artist Rashmi Sikand Yadav on her love for acrylics, charcoal, ink and freehand movements.
3 min read
Artwork by Rashmi Sikand Yadav.
Unbridled thoughts rage across the canvas, ideas splashed, melding with each other with dynamism so intense that it consumes the onlooker. In another, the pastel shades are almost comforting, drawing you in. But as distinct as these pieces might be at first glance, the common thread is that certain free-spiritedness that comes across even in the strokes that attempt a bit of refrain. The energy radiating from the paintings by self-taught artist Rashmi Sikand Yadav is almost palpable and all-consuming.
For the Delhi-based artist, her work is an imagery filled with an intensity of atmosphere where she would like the viewer to be an insider. Her pieces attract and make one want to know more of where it started, and where it’s going. “Since it is about my emotions, I never let it block in one frame, every piece is open-ended, where the viewer’s curiosity and imagination to draw it further.”
This is what viewers will find, walking through Ascension 2015 — a solo painting exhibition of Yadav’s works, which are an amalgamation of abstract acrylic paintings that explore expressive linear gestures, mark-making, unique textures and layering. All of which is geared to create an illusion of energy, movement and space.
Guided by her instincts 11 years ago, Yadav — juggling the roles of a mother and wife — found expression through art. “While I was looking for what actually attracted me, I realised that art was something that I could relate to and it was the only medium to convey my thoughts,” she says. Experimenting with oil, dyes and acrylics, the 47-year-old finally decided on canvas and acrylic as her media of choice.
Though, in this collection, Yadav has tried to use ink and charcoal along with acrylics. “It is an attempt to diversify my area of work and bring more elements and expression that could not be expressed well with any other medium.” Yet another deviation from her usual style of using the palette knife, brush and other tools, is the use of freehand for a majority of the 49 canvases on display. “I wanted to let thoughts flow on the canvas — without the hindrance of any tools — and the best way to do that was through my fingers,” she says.
For inspiration, Yadav draws from her travels — ideas and connections buried in the subconscious that manifest on the canvas. An avid traveller, the mother of one has left clues to the places she’s visited in the form of ticket barcodes, flight numbers and other symbolisms.
Talking about the essence of collection Yadav continues, “Rhythm, pattern and process are a fitting description for my paintings. Each of my abstract acrylic paintings explores expressive linear gestures, mark-making, unique textures and layering, which often create the illusion of energy, movement and space.”
Ascension 2015 will be on display during November 25-26, 2015, from 10am to 6pm at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
rishabh.raj@expressindia.com
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