Aquarelles, a solo exhibition by Rajat Subhra Bandopadhyay, celebrating the quintessential watercolour medium opens at lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi on October 4. This is Rajat’s fifth solo show in Delhi. This exhibition is an exemplary showcase of watercolours that defies the traditional surface of paper and gets bolder on canvas.
Displaying more than 100 works in various sizes, Rajat has been experimenting with canvas for watercolours since last several months. The solo show includes various dimensions of Rajat’s artistic process that is divided into two extraordinary sections, canvas and paper created, especially for this season.
When asked about his experimental watercolours on canvas Rajat said, “Walls being the main window to showcase my works, I decided to grow nature on the wall. This passion led me to carry out a provocative challenge on canvas surface which is loved by everyone! I am glad my brave experiment is being appreciated and is ensuring an interaction with watercolours in a way we have never seen before.”
The vivid color palette and emphasis on the spectacular creations of nature in Rajat’s works makes Aquarelles an affordable show for a variety of buyers and admirers. Adds Maria Pia Cappello, an art critic based in Paris, “In Rajat’s watercolours on canvas there is a superiority of imagination over the physical senses. He is a straightforward landscape painter because nature is openly and intensely depicted in each watercolour that bursts spontaneously and irresistibly from the soul.”
An arts graduate from Govt. College of Arts and Crafts, Kolkata, Rajat has participated in more than 40 group shows, select solo shows, art camps and workshops in the last four years both internationally and in India. He has been chosen among top 10 watercolourists of India by the International Watercolour Society.
Rajat was an advertising professional till 2011. That’s when he decided to pursue full time painting and had a burning desire to ‘revive’ watercolours in India. Often considered as a relatively easy medium, watercolour is one of the toughest mediums to work with and Rajat has well mastered this and is now experimenting it on canvas. Canvas and watercolours is one of a kind and Rajat is a pioneer in this field. He considers it to be challenging and a beautiful expression that will add rich value to the art of watercolours. Watercolour remains his forte and he likes to capture the nature, landscapes and environment at its best through his work. He wants watercolours to be established as an iconic medium in arts.
Rajat Bandopadhyay adds, “Appreciate nature, because no one can take the credit of creating it! Nature has everything one can ask for. Therefore I decide to devote every work of mine for nature.” He ensures associate with charity and fund raising activities for NGOs each year.
He works out of his residence cum studio in Dwarka, New Delhi.