A passionate splurge of vibrant hues

The first thing that you will notice about Shailaja Gidwani’s paintings is the use of vibrant colours.

Vivid blue, green, yellow, orange — bright shades dominate the painting of this Bangalore-born artist who has been living in Hong Kong for more than 30 years now.

“I was always in love with colours — right from its use to the way it comes out on paper, everything about colours fascinated me. In fact, I developed the passion for painting when I was a child,” shares Gidwani, who is visiting the city of her birth for her first solo exhibition not only here, but in India.

Her formal training in the creative field began with Sophia College in Mumbai where she did a course on interior design and decoration. She had also studied lettering and typographic design at the St Martin’s School of Art, London. “All these courses have helped in perfecting my art works. However, formal training will teach you the technical aspects like, say, how to use a particular colour or the painting brush. But as an artist, you have to bring in your own thoughts and sensibility into your painting. This will lend individuality to your work,” says Gidwani.

An intuitive artist, Gidwani loves to experiment with water colours. “It’s one of my favourite mediums. But, I also use a lot of acrylics, collagraphs and monotypes, which lend a balance.” Ask her about her favourite subject, pat comes the answer. “It’s landscape — nature — that is my inspiration,” says Gidwani. “The place where I live in Hong Kong is flanked by rolling hills and the blue sea. It’s beautiful…such scenery inspires me to paint.”

Gidwani has also been teaching art to adults and kids for sometime now. “I don’t have much time now, as I am busy with workshops and exhibitions. But teaching gives me a lot of satisfaction. And the best thing is to teach kids, as they are very spontaneous. Even if you tell them to paint in one way, or use a particular colour, they are bound to experiment. Children play a lot, especially with colours. And sometimes the result is not only beautiful, but unique.” “So I’ve not only taught them, I’ve also learnt from them,” shares the artist.

Gidwani is also happy that art is getting a wider recognition today. “In comparison to what it was 10 years ago, I’ve noticed that people today are better informed about the art scene.” And this, “is an added inspiration for an artist,” she says.

When an artist paints a picture, says Gidwani, “He/she experiences a range of emotions — joy, sorrow, jealously and so on. If the viewer is able to identify and share even one of the emotions, consider your job done.”

Talking about commercialisation of art, Gidwani says, “Buying a piece of art is very subjective. If a person likes a picture and is even ready to pay a bomb, it is his/her call. Who are we to judge if it’s commercialisation or not?”