Technique helps to enhance the painting: Raj More

One look at artist Raj More’s paintings and you will be stunned by the bold use of colours and imagery. Rudhra Kapoor, the owner of Treasures of India, where More’s latest exhibition is being held, too, was struck by the power-packed dynamic paintings and was reminded of the famous wrestler, The Rock. Hence, the show’s title – The Rock Show! 

Raj’s fascination for urban cities comes across through the works and as he tells us, every soul has a different soul. In a little chat, he fills us in about his current exhibition and the technique of Impasto, where paint is laid on an area of the surface in thick layers. Excerpts...

What is the fascination with urban cities and their various aspects? When did you start drawing such paintings? 

I have lived in Bombay for 10-15 years and the city always inspired me to do something. I wanted to talk through my art. It’s rightly said that Bombay is not just a city, it is a feeling. All my works have a social political message. For me, it’s not about looking at a particular object and enlarging it. In 2006, I had also done a solo show called Salaam Bombay. I always think of my paintings in a contemporary way. My latest show says it all. It talks about different issues such as demonitisation, migration etc and that’s why I’m so fascinated with urban cities.

The colours are bold and the paintings are really striking. So, what aspect are you trying to highlight?

Yes, my way of putting colours on the canvas is very different. My paintings talk about social problems and my technique enhances that aspect. For instance, when I draw a slum, you feel you’re there. In my opinion, more than the technique, it’s about the thought process. Technique just helps to enhance the painting.

Why do you use the technique of impasto for your works? How different do you find it from regular methods?

Many artists from the West use this technique. But my work is very different from theirs. I am from a village called Akola where it is very hot. And my boldness talks through these paintings. I have not learned this technique in one day. It’s a matter of 10 years where I have practiced and perfected this technique. I don’t use only one type of knife. If I work on a painting, I make sure I use small as well as big knives. Sometimes, I even take a bottle of paint and throw it and it creates a different texture which is why it is very different from other techniques of art.

Rudhra Kapoor of Treasures of India was reminded of The Rock when he saw your paintings. Now when you look at your works, do you agree with him?

Not only Rudhra, but a lot of people who look at my art are reminded of The Rock, the wrestler. Everyone thinks I’m a sculptor. As a person, I’m quite bold and this comes across in my paintings.