Different Mediums

Shoba Brootas solo exhibition after six years brings with it work of five decades. We meet the artist,mother and teacher.

Shoba Brootas solo exhibition after six years brings with it work of five decades. We meet the artist,mother and teacher.

Shobha Broota,at 70,is vivacious. An oil of her younger self from the 1960s,the earliest work at her solo Vesture of Being is one of the many on display at the India International Center. With work spanning five decades,this exhibition after six years,gives a glimpse into Brootas art from knitted patterns pasted on canvas to her affair with the tantric dot.

You were more of a figurative artist but later you moved towards abstract.

Story continues below this ad

For me,art is intuitive and one phase leads to another. I have no clue what my next set of work will be.

Weve seen you work with wool,staple pins,threads over the last two decades. What has been your experience?

It was challenging initially,but one gets used to it. Some things stay with you,and some others dont work at all. I think if one is unsatisfied,the work should just be destroyed.

You taught at Triveni Kala Sangam for almost three decades. How does teaching add to your experience?

Story continues below this ad

Its a way of sharing. I too have learnt in the process. I see my art in my students work but thats a stepping stone. Eventually,they will develop their own language.

How important are interactions between artist and audience to you?

Its as important as showing your work. One needs to understand the audience perspective,and explain yours. But,nowadays,that interaction is reducing.

Do you recall your first solo?

Vaguely. It was at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society,in 1965-66. I had some self-portraits and some others of sitters. I dont remember if I sold any work. I was nervous,I still am.

Story continues below this ad

You are a family of artists daughter Pooja Iranna,son-in-laws GR Iranna and Arun Kumar HG is there a lot of discussion on art at home?

Little,as there are several other things to discuss. But we do take feedback from each other,at times. If we think that a work is not up to the mark,we may not say that in so many words,but might suggest it.

The exhibition is on till March 17 at IIC. For details,contact: 24619431