Pune-based artist Sandeep Chhatraband paints the ghats of Banaras with astounding colours and minute detailing. By Angela Paljor
Banaras in the rains. It gets dark and the whole riverfront looms up in a silhouette, stark and edgy. The clouds roll and the thunderclaps light up the waters but intermittently. Then the soft white and blue lights from the temple windows lend the ghats a dramatic effect. The streets are filled with water and mirror the people walking around, the swiftness in their movements frozen in a puddle. “This could be interpreted either as the swiftness that comes with the rain or the inner turmoil during the state of grief as the ghats are known for their cremation grounds and reckoning with the ultimate truth of life and death,” Pune-based artist Sandeep Chhatraband told us. He has put out an exhibition of the spiritual city of Banaras, capturing layers of enigma that still challenge interpretation.
Though we were drawn by the rather dark portrayal of Banaras, his series of acrylic on canvas brought forth vivid colours and highlighted the focus with a contrasting one. “I use a distinct colour for my focal point to gain the attention of the viewers, while the rest is a mixture of colour schemes. Using limited colours gives a sense of composure while an amalgamation of different colours often disturbs the viewer. I deeply feel that the person who is looking at the painting should feel a sense of tranquility,” Chhatraband said.
“I have been visiting Banaras thrice a year for the past 17 years to observe its mood and landscapes. To me, this ancient city has a human breath and is yet unchanging in its absolute truth. Not only that, it impacts the mind of the visitor, something which I have tried to scent out and project in my series,” he added.
The showcase not only comprises landscapes in various seasons but individuals, incorporating their spiritual attributes. “I believe I am preserving the essence of Banaras through my paintings, which is not easy to hold within the confines of photographic realism. I want the next generation to relish its beauty and sanctity,” Chhatraband said.
He started his journey in art with painting on road dividers, following which he attended The Kalangali Kala Mahavidyalay, Ambejogai. Here he was introduced to landscape paintings. “I had an interest in painting since childhood but due to our poor financial conditions, my mother was not able to provide me with the necessary tools. However, she would give me the pencils that she found while sweeping the classes of the school where she worked as a peon. My first international award in 2013 (The American Watercolor Society Award) boosted my career as an artist. Today, most of my paintings are spot work. I add textures only later,” Chhatraband shared.
Talking about the lethargic approach of society towards art and an innate inclination towards materialism, Chhatraband said, “It is disheartening to see the artists who have just entered the industry, running after money. They lack knowledge of realistic work and try working on abstracts. Austerity is the essential element in any industry, success will follow.”
(The exhibition is on at Art life Gallery till May 14)