Rajesh K. Singh's Page

Indian contemporary art scene has considerably witnessed a shift in trends through the last one and half decade and it has started to match the international standard. This has reorganized the artist’s view point with varying conventional norms. While one begins to understand the shifts and its reasons, the whole range of younger artists have wisely hold back to invent through creativity and effective elemental reinforcement. This has definitely instrumental in redefining the artistic sense. Rajesh Kumar Singh is one such artist from Varanasi, who is sincerely trying to mark the difference. Rajesh, a student of Applied art from the Hindu University, Varanasi, is slowly pushing himself in the context with his steady effort. His entry to the Taiwan Print and Drawing Biennial 2006 comes in just as recognition recently.

Drawing has been a venerable phenomenon and several artists have approached the medium differently in time. The significance of Rajesh lays in the sense of solid-void relationship carrying impeccable balance. His drawings define the sense of chiaroscuro and dynamic interplay in space; whether it’s a woman or a still-life, he mentally positions the form with lucidity, through undefined lines and treats them magically well. His organisation of form recreates the extraordinary from the common rendering thereby relocating the viewer through tonal qualities. Though the images are easy to evaluate as just another form, the daring white space juxtaposed with solid black marks an absolute relation. The brightness and the tones engage the viewer to carry the image into subtle infinity. This applies to his portraits too, where just a face or a bust explains the expressive mood with revealing space. The relation is meticulously designed with a supportive background that physically seems empty, while significantly balancing the composition virtually.

Rajesh cleverly uses the light without carrying it from any specific source and the shadows have been incorporated as an extension of the black body. The forms have been reduced to abstract defined by extended shades, while the effect of light emerging to spell out the outlines. The form essentially continues to carry the weight and seems earthy instead of being floating lighter, even after the voluminous representation. Often the subdued tonal aura continues after solid outline to make it aesthetically appealing and lend feast to the eye of the beholder.

The female figures of the variegated design allow the space intersect the form suggesting the human body with little emphasis. It seems as if an organic interface is achieved through straight or bent posture, signifying the body curvature with sinuous intent. The Heads are conceptually creative with their hair design rendered as pure elements while body has been pushed to the secondary position. The smoothness with which hair-do is rendered, it symbolizes a complete composition. The trade-mark of Rajesh, the intelligent application of light and shade, is also visible here. It makes us realize the convergence of the artist’s mind being selective of the subject.

The young artist has tried his hand at the regulated designs too, that impress the viewer through graphic representation. The computer enhanced drawings marks the patterned look, though his natural drawings standout being imaginative. Rajesh has inclinations toward photography too, and therefore, a meaningful interrelation could also be seen in future. Though my agreement is not absolute but the enthusiasm is note worthy. It would be interesting to look forward to his involvement with the changing situation. After all the dynamics of art has a challenging role to play beyond human because it’s about imagination and transformation in visual art, which matters.

Pradosh Mishra