Artist, poet and filmmaker Sangeeta Gupta creates a massive painting, Adiyogi Shiva: A Journey in Cosmic Indigo, to send out a positive message about sustainable living, clothing, textile art and our age-old natural dyes and colours. By Team Viva

A true revival means nothing less than a revolution,” Andrew Murray once said.

We are known for our rich heritage and culture. Handmade art and craft is intrinsic to these. But overtime, some of our unsung, hidden treasures such as dabu printing and indigo dyeing, are fading. They need slight propelling to come out in open and make their place. Artist, poet and filmmaker, Sangeeta Gupta, explores both the techniques to create a massive 606 feet painting bathed in Indigo — Adiyogi Shiva: A journey in Cosmic Indigo, as she believes we have to return to the basics if we want to survive peacefully.

How did you conceptualise the idea?

I wanted to create a positive impact about sustainable living, clothing, textile art and our age old natural dyes and colours, especially, indigo. During a visit to Jaipur in December last year, I had an opportunity to visit Ratelia Village in Sanganer, where I painted a fabric with natural indigo. It was exciting. Since then, I have been conceptualising this painting. I had made all related sketches in great detail before executing this project. I am an abstract artist and Shiv is pure abstraction. Therefore, I decided to work on the, Aadiyogi Shiv, who combines the masculine and feminine energies within himself as he is the Ardhnarishwar, (half-male and half-female) which I find unique and appealing as a woman and an artist.

What went into its making?

The theme of the painting is Shiv, as I am drawn towards Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Nirvana Shatkum composed by Aadi Shankaracharya. The text is painted in natural indigo and the 200 metres, of hand spun khaddar is painted with dabu, traditionally used by block printers of Rajasthan. After painting it with dabu, it was sun-dried. Post that it was soaked in drums of indigo dye and then washed and dried again.

I completed 185 metres in nine days at Sanganer and then had to return to Delhi in March because Coronavirus had started spreading in areas close to Jaipur. I will get this registered for a world record. Though it was not a conscious decision when I started. It happened while I was in the process of executing it on account of my passion for sustainable development. Art and literature are my lifeline. Both bring pure joy to me.

What does A Journey in Cosmic Indigo signify? Did you blend the native Indigo with some modern techniques?

We have to return to the basics if we want to survive in peace. Handmade fabric, natural colour and dye are environment-friendly and chemical-free. I have created this abstract, conceptual, minimalist painting through organic ways to promote sustainable living and natural indigo as this aims at its revival. I want to encourage this cash crop as a mass movement to make it a commercially viable venture for farmers, dyers and craftsmen.

How was it possible to create a 606 feet masterpiece joining 71 khaddar paintings in mere eight days?

We are on this planet to experience life in its entirety. Each one of us has our own share of struggles and challenges and it wasn’t different for me. But I faced it with grit and determination.

I was secretive about the whole process as it was pretty much about my endurance too. It was a challenge to my physical limitations because I had met with an accident in March last year when I smashed my right wrist. Though, I could paint and do all that was required but making a 100 metre painting at a stretch was my ultimate test. I was not competing with anyone or for any world record but was challenging myself to explore the physical and mental boundaries that I had.

It seemed that Shiv and the whole universe was on my side because to my surprise I found that I intended to paint 100 metres but went on to finish 185 metres. That just happened by accident. I kept on asking my workers about the measurements of the fabric. The same day I checked the world records and was amused to realise that I had created a new one by making the longest painting. That is the power of one’s spirit.

The painting depicts the various aspects of Shiv Shakti in a nuanced way. Did you do any research for it?

I have always been a spiritually inclined person but with maturity, my interest in the eternal cosmic entity — Shiv — became deeper. He is omnipresent, both inside and outside us. We are all connected and originate from one source, god.

It all started during my early childhood. My grandfather had a great influence on my spiritual upbringing. Kashmir reiterated my faith in the universal principle of Shivohum, while I was posted there for two years. I realised that the whole universe is Shiv, there is no beginning, no end. I believe in oneness of the whole, Ekam.

When an artist is at peace with herself, subject and medium merge. If you are experiencing love, compassion and bliss, the medium doesn’t bothers you. If you are connected with the universe, every thing unfolds before you. I just had to train my hands a bit to use dabu as a medium on fabric. When artists work they are in solitude, preoccupied with their creativity.

There is a growing concern that our ancient crafts are dying. What has been your experience?

Yes, it is a serious concern. Artisans and craftsmen need not only the support of the government but people too. Their creative ventures need to become commercially viable. This is one of the reasons why I took it upon myself to revive the age old techniques by making it contemporary and innovative.

Since there will be a rise in Indian brands in the post-pandemic world, do you think it will bring out more age-old techniques?

Yes, hopefully it should, provided, we make all the right moves and sincerely work for it. It will be a great revival of our rich heritage and the restoration of our creative labour too. Handmade art and craft is so intrinsic to our culture and abundantly available in our country. The intent to promote it in a big way has been lacking so far. However, I am optimistic and enthusiastic about it and shall do what I can for its survival and revival, both.