Synergistic spirits

Artist Neeraja Kongara’s series of paintings titled The Tree of Life at the Alankritha Art Gallery celebrates the innate rhythm of nature in an energised and florid stance. The works imbibe strong influence and inspiration from oriental and traditional Indian art forms. The colour palette is vibrant, luminescent and strong throughout the picture surface. The line is rhythmic and swirls deeply to create immensely decorative and charged forms which are intricately rendered.

Stylisation is unanimous and the artist attends to each form with equal attention and importance. A single form of a tree is often juxtaposed in the centre along with plenty of flora and fauna.

The imaginary and ornate compositions are infused with multiple forms and processes. “The theme of my work revolves around natural elements and womanhood. Both are equal in their strengths and sublime spirits. One cannot imagine a world without either. Through my work, I have tried to bring forth the potential energy and life giving powers of prakriti and stree,” says Neeraja.

Talking about her inspirations, Neeraja says, “My work is based on my personal observation of diversified and iridescently hued forms of nature. My visual language draws inspiration from Kalamkari and varied folk and traditional art forms from India, like the Madhubani style of painting.”

She adds, “I grew up in Srikalahasthi and saw Kalamkari work being done around me. So I started working in the traditional Kalamkari style when I was only ten years old. I am also very strongly inspired by the artistic journey of my maternal uncle, Ramesh Gorjala. My very first introduction and exposure to fine arts was through him and his paintings. When I decided to become an artist, my family supported me completely and I studied fine arts from JNAFAU. This is my first solo show and I look forward to many more in the coming years.”