How do you prefer to decipher a painting? An attempt at contemplation or marvel at the intricacies of the masterfully done canvases? For Sweta Das, her canvases reflect deep into the subconscious of the human mind and nature while at the same time encouraging the viewer to be wonderstruck by the beautiful complexities of colour and texture. Having harboured a passion for painting since childhood, Sweta Das never indulged in getting a formal art education, completing her political science graduation from Scottish Church College.
“I had an artistic upbringing, with my father, Swapan Das, being a high-calibre artist; therefore, my passion for art was always there. My mode of painting is abstraction, and how human psychology connects with nature has always been a point of interest for me,” comments Sweta Das. The recent exhibition titled ‘Dynamics’ that concluded a few days ago at the Convention Foyer, India Habitat Centre in Delhi saw her exhibit 28 pieces of her magnificent works. Through her exhibition, she delved into the interconnectedness between inner psychology and human nature. One of her core pieces in the exhibition ‘Voice of Minds’ portrayed three layers being dominated by varying shades of colours and textures, symbolising an individual’s subconscious mind and the multifaceted layers it is surrounded by. She loves to work with an array of mediums, including oil, acrylic, charcoal and pastel. And her favourite artistic element? “Black has a vibrancy that has always captivated me. Apart from that, green and blue are a few other colours, while a spatula is probably my most favoured tool,” she adds excitedly.
According to Sweta, her biggest accomplishment through this exhibition was breaking the barrier of the stereotypical notion that one had regarding abstract painting when she witnessed two children getting enthralled and inspired by her paintings. How do you handle criticism? “I work with a medium where criticism is part and parcel. And I personally feel that any form of criticism has actually helped me shape myself as a painter and expand my way of thinking. And, just like my father always emphasises, being loyal and dedicated to your art form is your responsibility, and the rest will follow,” she adds.