Neena Singh's smooth transformation from IRS to artist

Neena Singh, an artist based in Mumbai and Pune, was in the Capital for an exhibition to showcase her work at the Bikaner House this month.

She spoke to www.thedelhijunction.com about her herself and her art. Excerpts from the interview:

Q. Tell us about yourself, how you picked art and who inspired you?

A. I am Neena Singh, a contemporary artist currently based in Mumbai and Pune. My art practice spans over more than two decades. ‘Echoes of Becoming’ is my 15th solo show, and my second in Delhi after a gap of 15 years. I have been drawn to art since childhood, but destiny initially led me down a different path. I joined the Indian Revenue Service and served the nation for over three decades. Simultaneously, I followed my passion for art relentlessly and in a disciplined manner which gave me immense strength and kept me focussed. There is no one particular inspiration but I like works and thought processes of many abstractionists like Hoffman, Gaitonde, Joan Mitchell, Kolte.

Q. The defining theme of your works in the current exhibition.

A. The defining theme in this exhibition is constant transformation, transmutation, transcendence of human experience, always evolving and expanding as human beings. These paintings express these moments of becoming.

Q. What is the one colour you can't do without in your works and why?

A. It’s white. I can’t do without white colour as I use it to create tonality in different degrees of tonality. I also use white to create light in my painting which is not just a painterly fascination with light but also a metaphor for my search for light. It also gives me joy to be able to show that light we carry within to project on my canvas.

Q. How has been the response to your exhibition?

A. The response to ‘Echoes Of Becoming’ had been absolutely overwhelming. Delhi has given immense love and respect to my art. A total of 50 works were on display. I have already sold more than half of the works, for which I feel deeply grateful. The love, engagement, and enthusiasm from Delhi have made this exhibition exceptionally special, and I am truly thankful for the support and recognition.

Tags : Neena Singh, Painting, Artist, Bikaner House, Mumbai, Delhi