Works that stand out

Artist Sumanto Chowdhury on his 2D works, his love for detailing and his eye-catching art

There are artists whose paintings catches your attention, then there are those whose work both literally (and figuratively) stands out. Clearly, artist Sumanto Chowdhury falls in the latter category. And if proof is needed, his art show at Park Hyatt — You Will Find Me — will satiate all doubts.

The show houses prints, 2D artworks and a number of sculptures. His 2D works are simple, just like any other artist, who creates a foreground and a background in his work, Sumanto too is no different, except here the images literally stand out. “I found inspiration in pop-up-cards. I noticed children using a pop-up-card and saw how happy it made them. I wanted to create something that would make everyone, including kids happy so I started working on this process,” explains Sumanto. “In most paintings, an artist creates a foreground, background and highlights certain aspects. I do that with this pop-up method. The important object stands out in the foreground and the background adds details,” he adds.

Primarily a printmaker, it doesn’t come as a surprise that most of his exhibitions has at least one print. “I learn from the very best printmaker — Laxma Goud. Every day we, Laxma sir and I, practise in my studio, printmaking is something I have always loved and so it plays a prominent part in my exhibitions,” he says. The show-stealers, however, are the 2D works which have become Sumanto’s trademark. His works are so promising that eminent artist Suryaprakash, after looking at them, decided to work with him on a huge mural in the city. “When I started working on 2D paintings, I used a wooden board to create the image that stands out. Then I realised that wood on paper would mean mixing two mediums. So, later I started working on foam board, it is light and works well with all sorts of paints,” he explains.

Sumanto works on many mediums, but, one thing that is common is his love for details. Take for instance the sculpture of an autorickshaw. “On closer inspection you will find that the insides of the auto has paintings of the landscape of Hyderabad. I love the sights and sounds of Hyderabad and that is what I have translated into my work,” he explains.

Tapping the vibrancy of the city, with its hustle and bustle and vivid colours is what makes Sumanto happy. He says, “I love to capture everything I see. From the cows that are decorated during Sankranti to a simple every day chores, you will find glimpses of Hyderabad in each and every work of mine.”