MIRRORING THE WORLD

Contemporary artist Jaideep Mehrotra on his first ever special collection of abstract art titled Reflections in Mercury.

One of Mumbai’s most notable contemporary artists, Jaideep Mehrotra is exhibiting his collection of abstract art titled ‘Reflections in Mercury’ starting September 23. The artist has used a combination of metal, paint and other materials on canvas for the unique collection which will be displayed for a month at the Tao Art Gallery. He talks to us about this special collection of abstract art, which marks a first for the artist.

I believe the technique you have used took seven years of experimentation and research.

Yes. After many attempts and trials, I was finally satisfied with the outcome, which led to this current body of work. To get this liquid metal effect, I’ve used a combination of metal, paint and mixed media on canvas. The elements come together to forge a highly reflective fluid-like surface. Both the technique and materials have never been used in contemporary paintings, adding intrigue to the outcome.

Does using different mediums fascinate you?

What is truly exciting to me is the act of challenging myself. So yes, using different mediums definitely fascinates, and over the years I have experimented with several non-traditional mediums as well. When I introduced the digital medium as an art form 25 years ago, people were sceptical and critical of it, saying it was not a traditional method of making paintings. However, today a majority of the younger artists are using it as their primary medium. I’m always trying to innovate and find mediums that would transform my ideas into reality.

What are some of the ideas you aim to bring with this collection?

I believe that art is a “reflection” of its surrounding culture, and I was tempted by the idea of creating a work of art that would be physically different for every person looking at it. There are no “laws of beauty” involved. One is prompted to think about the nature of art, of looking at art, of humanity, of our times, of ourselves. I think we owe every work of art as much thoughtful and empathic attention as we can afford to give it.