Lyrical frames in art’s imaginative realm

In the world of musicians, it’s common to visualise rhythm in everything around. Expressing this lyrical essence through art is Kamal Devnatha, whose works will metaphorically play some mellifluous tunes at the upcoming exhibition, Beyond the Frames.

“I was born in Kolkata and raised in Uttar Pradesh, so it was only natural for me to have an affinity towards culture and the arts,” recalls the 49-year-old self-taught artist. “While growing up, I watched my elder brother paint, and that’s how I picked up the brush.”

Devnatha believes that the lack of formal education in the field has enabled him to explore limitless possibilities. “I portray my character on canvas; I see myself within... In some canvases, I’ve experimented with patchwork, and in others, I’ve used bold strokes. Regardless of the technique used, nothing restrains my imagination, which takes precedence over the subject and assists me in creating art that transcends its limited physical frame.”

Fantasy flows as a strong undercurrent in Devnatha’s painting style, primarily utilising acrylic and oil with occasional mixed media elements. However, what predominates is the “rhythm” that drives him and the majority of his 55 works to be displayed at the show.

“I’m a drummer and proficient in playing the saxophone, violin, and to some extent, the guitar... That’s why the rhythm of music resonates in my canvases,” reveals Devnatha, explaining how the drummers of Maharashtra influenced his painting, Madmast, where the drummer’s arched back takes the spotlight. In other paintings, such as

the one named

Sakhi — depicting the grace of three female figures, each holding a musical instrument — there’s a cadence. “I chose to depict female forms in this one because the female body structure also has a tempo, a softness that is noticeable. It’s this rhythmic quality that I’ve endeavoured to capture through my art,” he concludes.

(Clockwise from top left) Artworks Madmast, Buddh and Sakhi by Kamal Devnatha