Expressing Bold Impressions

It needed a little convincing before the cultivated voice on the phone agreed for a meeting. Clad in a flaming black skirt and black top, knotted hair and delicately smudged kohled eyes, a refined Rekha Rodwittya greets you and you just cannot miss the reaffirmation of joyful celebration that Rekha gives so much credence to. In fact, the beautiful sunflowers that line the sides of the steps that lead you up to her airy and psychedelic studio, prove as much a reminder of this 8216;celebration8217; that 8216;nurtures her thoughts8217;.

Once within the adorned interiors of her studio, Rekha speaks about her recent series 8216;Bye Bye Baby8217; reflecting on the challenges posed by the project. 8216;8216;I work on my paintings with the architectural assemblage of the exhibition hall in mind. In this light, the triptych effect gives it a sense of theatre,8217;8217; explains Rekha. The body of work, which will consist of 15 compositions that will be displayed February onward at Sakshi Art Gallery, Mumbai, is a series that portrays the breaking down of idealism in the political environment. 8216;8216;In a tongue and cheek sort of way, or at the obvious levels, the series might seem to be about my son8217;s growing up years or about the formative years of bringing up my friend8217;s daughter. But if you were to delve into it and look at it at another level, the works also reflect the anarchical situation that surrounds us,8217;8217; says Rekha.

Art has been Rekha8217;s means of struggle for a rightful existence, leading her to view her life and her art to be interlinked. She feels it necessary to experience life to be able to paint. She also does not believe in an 8216;8216;isolated artist8217;8217; situation. In fact, it is of paramount importance for her to react pragmatically to socio-political attitudes that surround her and this particular series is 8216;8216;a reflection of the lost innocence and sensitivity that has led to the growing schism in society,8217;8217; as the painter puts it.

These are probably some of the factors that lead to the seduction of bright colours in her works. The effort isn8217;t a deliberate attempt, says the artist, but in fact comes impulsively, making her works the more intriguing for it. 8216;8216;The colours bring about an optical association that further forges you into an association with the work,8217;8217; explains Rekha. 8216;8216;I try to visualise beauty even in the most trivial of things. Even if it is a dried flower stock, I try to arrange it in such a way that it acquires a distinct charm. The same is true for art. I believe you need to instill that fundamental appreciation within you,8217;8217; declares Rekha.

Ask her what changes have occurred in her works over the years and she is quick to correct you 8212; 8216;8216;You cannot call it change. Looking back, I now feel that my work has evolved. My work has evolved into a medium for the expression of my innermost thoughts.8217;8217; says Rekha. Her personal attributes of impeccable taste, intelligence and dedication that are reflected in her work and her lifestyle. 8216;8216;I never do anything half-heartedly,8217;8217; confesses Rekha. 8216;8216;The emotion with which you work becomes a part of your expression. I think total sustained involvement is of utmost importance.8217;8217;