The world of abstract is vast and Pathak’s attempt

There’s ‘Symphony’ and ‘Symphony 13’ on tarpaulin. Abstract art is still catching on with people who prefer figurative paintings as they find abstract art "tough" or "unrelatable".For artist Abhijit Kumar Pathak, abstractionism is a way of life. Life has good as well as bad moments. But Pathak deftly manages to manoeuvre colours and fabric through it to lend coherence and liveliness. Inspired by Ellora’s stone sculptures, the artwork plays a vital role in Pathak’s endeavour to experiment. If tarpaulin gives freedom, a hard substance like wood will limit it. Or I could associate it with my childhood memories of scribbling on the walls of my room with a pencil. "I particularly liked an untitled painting which was mix media on wood. Then there’s "Musical Notation" — mixed media on tarpaulin — which is, again, layered in bright yellow colours. The challenge was to turn wood into a piece of art. The works embrace you, almost making you listen to the music. Pathak emphasises that nature, our daily lives and the din of the modern world are very much a part of us and that’s what is reflected in his works.

The world of abstract is vast and Pathak’s attempt to go beyond the obvious is worth your time. She or he would see why a tree exists.. A black circle on a white canvas could mean darkness and gloom or an ominous sign while it could also be construed as tratak meditation method, a popular yoga technique. The paintings are lyrical — created almost to the rhythm and beat of music. Everyday objects and the life around us are all open to interpretation. He usually listens to instrumental music while painting. Pathak uses his affinity with music to take the viewers into a world of harmony and symphony. If you are sensitive, the same will reflect in your works… unknowingly we relate to sound in different aspects of our lives and this is what I am trying to do", says Pathak. In today’s art world, abstractionism is bound by limited thinking. So in abstract art one line could also have a meaning," explains Pathak. The paintings are mostly in mixed media. Pathak’s doing tremendous work with various mediums. "Abstract art forces people to get involved… that’s the success and power of the abstract," he smiles. "If you are stuck in a traffic jam in the summer and you are asked to draw… the heat, the irritation of being stuck on the road and the tension about having to reach your destination on time all manifest in that drawing.Abhijit Kumar Pathak’s solo exhibition ‘Mosaic of Mysteries’, curated by Uma Nair, will be showcased at the Lalit Kala Akademi from March 24-30. 

The exhibition will showcase 13 paintings of Polyester stretch fabric Company the artist, each different yet in complete harmony with one another. "My paintings are like a collage full of fabric, colours and pigment… tarpaulin gives me a textual surface and is more durable," he explains. One needs to take new challenges or risk being too repetitive," quips Pathak. This partly has to do with Pathak’s affinity towards classical music. "Drawing with a pencil on a canvas could be very different from using clay on canvas, as clay will be more difficult to handle. Among Pathak’s artworks is ‘Musical Notes’ which is mixed media on paper with lot of layering. The use of tarpaulin is equally fascinating. However, Pathak differs. "You see a tree, a mountain as is… but an abstract artist could transform it into something you may not have seen. The artworks have a child-like innocence as if they are still growing and on a path to expansion. "I am continuously trying to make people find themselves and their own meaning in my works," says Pathak. A few other paintings are untitled. It is a conscious choice as Pathak uses multiple layers and fabric in his works. To take abstract art a step further, Pathak is all set to unveil his solo show ‘Mosaic of Mysteries’, which is curated by Uma Nair, at Lalit Kala Akademi from March 24-30