Ajmer-born artist Ashok Hazra has always been fascinated by Lord Krishna, and that is why Krishna becomes a muse for many of his works. Inspired by Krishna's adaptability, statesmanship and courage, Hazra paints him on the canvas. Fifteen years and many series later, the artist still continues to find inspiration in Krishna.
“Krishna's flexibility inspires the artist both as a person and as an artist and that's why I give him a different look each time. He has an impact on me. The spontaneous thoughts provoke me to paint him. Lord Krishna relevant for the contemporary world because despite troubles, he emerges as a warrior, lover and a pillar of strength. He is prominent in urban and rural life,” Hazra says.
It is out if this unending love for Krishna that the 72-year-old artist is back with another solo show in Delhi titled Krishna - The Enigma. In this show, the artist showcases his muse amidst natural surroundings.
Explaining his latest project, Hazra says, “My current solo show is inspired by the Srinathji form of Krishna in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. It includes textures, flora and fauna. I have given it a different background and a mood. I have painted Krishna in subtle shades to recreate the dark coloured icon, surrounded with cows gazing at him with soulful eyes, plants, trees and pond.”
The show that kicks off at Gallerie Ganesha from March 23 includes 21 small and big paintings created in acrylics on canvas. “I have used rhythmic brush strokes, forms and textures, lines and dots and layering of colours. Each frame reflects the immense soul-searching that has gone into giving a body to the enigma of a god. These artworks are different from my other works because I have added him around the natural surroundings, playfully surrounded by plants and animals. In my earlier works, he was seen in a sitting position inside a boat.”
Hazra loves changing forms and themes as a part of the process in his paintings. The artist refuses to stick to a school of thought or style and is inspired by mood and surroundings. “I neither follow the Bengal school, nor the Rajasthani miniature style. I have worked with many mediums like pencil, water colour, oil, water-proof ink and acrylic and I like including nature in my works," he explains.