My works do not describe any event. They are not traditional. The paintings are my thoughts, I think through colours,” says the 30-year-old Delhi-based artist, Dhara Mehrotra. Each of her forms mirror a new understanding of the universe. Dhara’s essence of simplicity revolves around minimalism and tranquility. Her works are spaced between spirituality and nature’s imagery. On the verge of art, her art pieces pulsate energy and increase complexity through chaotic layers. Her investigations on self-reflexivity weave dynamic unity underlying some metaphysical principles. Having completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees (Paintings) in College of Arts, Delhi University, her paintings denote artistic appreciation on natural elements. According to the artist, there has always been a connection between nature’s building blocks and her acrylics. Dhara has done an entire series on the spring of joy, moss and rocks. “When I say moss, I would not exactly paint the moss but I would introduce strokes with the pen adding colour strokes – and ultimately the brush becomes the weapon,” she explains.Dhara adds that paintings are titled for an identity but that is not the end of the conceptual thinking. Man has occupied more space than that of natural elements – this concept is seen throughout her works. The painter changes her format by different shades of thick impasto to paint. Dhara’s single bougainvillea speaks for her love for bright shades of colours, which represent her strengths through artistic eloquence. Ultimately she puts in, “ I also believe that there are many good things parallel to the bad. I try to be a normal human being in depicting things without making my work complicated.”She finds pleasure in gathering material for her works and is keen on focusing on any one segment when it comes to painting. The artist believes in simplified paintings. In contrast to the other artists, she says, “I like only semi-abstracts and abide by its intellectual content.” Her depiction of ‘reach out’ is a perfect tone that embeds eco-friendly environment. Interestingly, the artist admits she has nothing to deliver society-related messages through her works. Dhara’s ‘Kalpavriksha’ and ‘blue butterflies’ are synonymous with beauty. Drawing being the most pleasing hobby, Dhara was always determined to become an artist since her childhood. Working as a visiting faculty in IB Visual Arts programme, Baccalaureate, Dhara has taken one-and-half years to complete her works and says she is concerned about the quality of works and not the time span. “I like to intensify the density, concept and execute with consistency. In general, art works confuse the viewers. I won’t leave any room for misconceptions,” she exclaims. The artist has driven inspiration from her last two years of life, observing photography, researches, in-depth reading and documentation. Till then she was fascinated by landscape, where she interprets her own equations, treading the impressionistic path. She takes root in pain – be it personal experiences of an artist or the collective ones. Dhara believes in homework. Talking on the clarity of her works, she informs, “To me the form should be clear. Unless viewers and I sit together and discuss, the intention will not be fulfilled.”The exhibition is on till August 25 at Prakrit Arts, RA Puram, between 11am and 7pm.
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