A work by Ashutosh Panigrahi. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sapna – A tribute to those who dare to dream at Ananthyam Art Art Gallery in Hyderabad symbolically represents the life of artist Ashutosh Panigrahi. More than 25 of his works on the theme of dreams are displayed as part of his solo show at the gallery – testament to his ability to transform disability into strength, and a testament to the power of his perseverance and flights of imagination.
Born with a disease called syndactyly, with fused/fused middle fingers on both hands, Ashutosh works as a government fine arts lecturer in Delhi and is the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest indoor mural (2005 and 2018) are also. ,
strong opinion
Ashutosh Panigrahi at Ananthyam Kala Art Gallery | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ashutosh celebrates nature in his works. In fact, nature has been his inspiration for his artistic career spanning 35 years. ,There is nothing in the world more beautiful than nature (“There’s nothing more beautiful than nature”), he says. The compositions in a vibrant color palette depict the natural world with birds and animals as well as some abstract forms and female figures.
The 48-year-old artist’s creative process is intuitive and he uses oil and acrylic paint to add texture to the canvas. Later he intuitively paints shapes using brushes on this textured background. “When I exhibit my work, people think I’m doing magic; No matter the size of the canvas, I can fill the texture in just 20 minutes,” says the expert who knows what hand movements can create a specific texture.
‘They needed opportunity and representation’
Jyotsna Kumar, co-founder of Ananthyam Kala art enterprise, looks back on her chance meeting with Ashutosh Panigrahi to discuss a project unrelated to the gallery. During their conversation, they discovered his unique abilities, his tireless passion for creating art, and the realities that influenced his development as an artist. Despite his obstacles (both physical and financial), ridicule and difficulties, Ashutosh did not give up on his dreams.
On how the dream show started, Jyotsna says she was convinced that she wanted to support the artiste. “He needed more than just interest; They needed opportunity and representation.”
overcoming ridicule
A work by Ashutosh Panigrahi. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Growing up in Kamakhyanagar, Odisha, Ashutosh remembers being made fun of by his relatives for his condition. “Their taunts about whether my life was worthless or whether I should run a grocery store hurt me a lot,” says the artist. The turning point came in 1986 when Ashutosh was in the sixth grade when he took up Fine Arts for the Arts. Won an Academy Award. This award boosted his morale and helped him develop a positive mindset. “I can turn a limitation into a strength and use my hands to create unique art that can’t be copied by anyone else but me.”
on stage
A work by Ashutosh Panigrahi. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Versatility is Ashutosh’s specialty; he also paints Rangoli On the floor and there is a theater actor and director. Founder of Spirit of India, a theater group for children in Delhi (also his banner for social service), Ashutosh has performed in over 600 plays so far. Balancing his work and passion, he hopes to continue creating unique art. ,these hands keep moving like this (Let my hands keep working).”
Ashutosh Panigrahi’s solo show Dream will run till February 2 at Ananthyam Kala Art Gallery.
published – January 16, 2025 12:20 PM IST
