The Asian Art Gallery, a social enterprise with a mission to promote emerging and senior artists from South East Asia, is now exhibiting India’s legendary contemporary artist Dhiraj Choudhury’s works until June 5th 2016.  An opening reception was held on May 14th to release “Dhiraj - Empathy and Expressions - ISBN 978-0-9975419-0-8.

“Dhiraj Da's paintings exhibit two completely opposite realities of life. While the heart wrenching black and white canvases speak volumes about strife and suffering, the intriguing use of bright and vibrant colors over local crafts convey joy and mystique!” said Pratima Srinivasan, art enthusiast and collector. 

“It was a treat to meet this experienced, young at heart artist and hear what fuels his imagination, and inspires him to create such fabulous works of art! At 80, he is young with boundless energy...he is a brilliant artist with a social purpose best manifest in the Bengali couplet on his latest work - I will be at peace the day the agony of the suffering and tortured doesn’t reach the sky. “ 

“We are very fortunate to have had Dhiraj Da come to Boston and celebrate his 80th birthday with us,” said Santhana Krishnan of the first-ever solo show of Dhiraj in the US. “A large part of his time is now taken up by his creativity and concern for humanity project.  He is trying to bring together people from diverse background and expose them to art.”

Here are the details about the Spring 2016 Show which is open till June 5th, 2016:

Private Viewing Times: Please schedule at www.calendly.com/aag

Open to Public:

Sat, May 21st noon-6pm; Sun, May 22nd, noon-6pm. Sat, June 4th, noon-6pm. Sun, June 5th, noon-6pm.

RSVP: Please contact info@asianartgallery.org for more information.

Asian Art Gallery was founded by Krishnan as a social enterprise with a mission to promote emerging and senior artists and is the first gallery to present contemporary art of South East Asia in New England. To learn more visit www.asianartgallery.org.

Q&A with India’s legendary contemporary artist Dhiraj Choudhury

1)     In your talk on Saturday you stated that Art is a language and not art for art sake? Can you explain?

It is my personal wish that no one can define ‘Art’. Art for Art sake. Since I have a long association of teaching and interacting with the students, I strongly feel art is an instrument of education which communicates larger section of people and all kind of mass in any part of this earth.  Creation has no meaning if it is not connected with larger section of people. I have certain responsibility with humanity being a human. My existence in this earth will be fruitful if I can elevate the human values with the help of my language called Art.

2)     As an artist spanning so many decades, do you see your art evolve from early days to the current times? What is your daily inspiration?

When I joined college to learn about “Art” the first thing I wanted to learn was the techniques, to know about the history of art and how to create art through visuals. It was all a learning process and I practiced to know about the visual world. So each stage there was a change, in the process of thinking and application of the media. However social life, economical structure, evolution of science and technology changed the process. As we experience art, truth which is a change for a better concept has emerged. As I am getting old, my experience is more matured, so has my art.

3)     You mentioned that you are helping unskilled artists learn to present their work? How would you do that?

In my 37 years of teaching in the University and Art College, Delhi we had a prescribed syllabus. During teaching art in the institute, I felt that technically, Art education is not that important but to be a good human being to project visual ideas in a better way. So after retirement from the college, I started teaching people who could not join Arts College though they have interest in Art.  It is not necessary that all of us become an artist, but it is important everyone should have knowledge in esthetics and art.

My teaching and professional activities should be viewed by all over the globe who is interested in Art.

Similarly, I involved some village women to work with me. For them Art is far away from their daily routine since food, shelter and poverty is what they daily fight for. I taught them how to stitch cloth with needle in order to survive in this world.

I did collect those works, pasted on canvas and painted them. A new medium of art expression and a unique method between skilled and unskilled people. This will be new beginning towards a creation for necessity of lively hood. A creation with folk art with modern thinking and a joint project of creativity with humanity.

4)     As a senior artist do you have advice for emerging artists?

Honesty and hard work, will never deprive the young generation. These is no short cut in life, in this fast – food era. Surely time will answer all unanswered truths.  

5)     Finally share your experience on your Boston visit?

Boston - Boosted me.  It was a unique experience, my 80th birthday was celebrated by the art lovers and people of Boston which was organized by Asian Art Gallery.  I will never forget this remarkable event. Thanks to Santhana Krishnan, the founder of AAG who touched my mind and heart.