A nude male figure sits artistically on a chequered floor juxtaposed with urban settings in the backdrop--captured my attention. It gives an impression of a man lost in an alien city, alone in a crowd, assertive and submissive at the same time. The changing of the inner dynamics, in the process, he also becomes an instrument of change. I was reminded of a famous Hindi movie song: Ek Akela Is Shehar Mein, Raat Mein Aur Dopahar Mein Aabodana Dhundta Hai Aashiyana Dhundta Hai (one alone in this city, in the night and during the day, is looking for place to live, to create a home…).
I get the feeling that he’s fairly sure of himself despite these uncertain times—that’s because he has the confidence to live life on his terms. And he’s done well. And is not perturbed by new found attention. It matters little to him what people have to say about him or his friends. This is a deep-rooted wisdom in this shallow demonstrative world.
The artist: Sawan Taank, a young charming man, is a bright star in Delhi's art world. He and his work embody a fresh energy as he explores ‘a wide spectrum of masculinity, delving into themes of effeminacy, homosexual desires, and homosocial interactions.’ His art is a reflection of his times, experiences, and a testimony of his own evolution as a person and an artist. Sawan’s work to me has a strong emotive and engaging quality. It seems to grow on you.
Sawan sat across the table in a café to talk, and we hit it off immediately. The first few minutes were revelatory. An amiable man who understands where he is placed in the larger scheme of things, has sort of arrived in life. There’s acceptance, vulnerabilities that become empowering and also inspirational. He has ambition, tools, talent and the right attitude to make it big in the art world.
Sawan hails rural western UP, Baghpat to be precise, known for belligerence of few dominant groups as a popular culture that is often reflected in misplaced bravado. He was, and remains, a notable exception. A soft-charismatic-cute person, yet, one realises in just a few minutes of interaction, with iron resolve, a perceptive mind and a pragmatic approach to life.
He isn’t open to gossiping about people, the common friends—which came as a bit of a surprise. “I form my own opinion depending on how people behave with me, and not what others have to say about them,” he says firmly and then adds with a smile “Good or bad, I thank them all. They have helped me reach where I’m.”
I get the feeling that he’s fairly sure of himself despite these uncertain times—that’s because he has the confidence to live life on his terms. And he’s done well. And is not perturbed by new found attention. It matters little to him what people have to say about him or his friends. This is a deep-rooted wisdom in this shallow demonstrative world.
Sawan grew up in an environment where was made to feel an odd one out yet remained comfortable in his own skin—this quality is so admirable. Sawan pursued his passion to be an artist. He did bachelors in painting from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan and masters in fine arts from the Government College of Arts, Chandigarh—was a rank holder.
This was the phase of honing his talent, also experientially rich and liberating. A contrast to his growing up years. Perhaps, he got to understand his longing, desire better—acted as a fountainhead of inspiration. Yet, he’s connected to his roots that gives him the confidence to be himself. “I like to draw male figures,” Sawan says, “that gives me joy and satisfaction.”
His mentor Satadru Sovan, a Fulbright Scholar is a multi-disciplinary artist, saw potential in Sawan and helped him hone his talent and showcase his work, and connected to the right people. Myna Mukherjee is one, John Connolly is the other amongst many more.
Sawan came of age and spread his wings. His work featured at the Gallery Sree Arts, Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Queernocopia, Art Junction at The Lalit Hotel—New Delhi, the Indian Art Fair to mention a few. The list is growing with every passing year.
There’s a business part of selling art, much of it is perception driven. The art and the artist grow together. Therefore, both must be seen. At the recently held art fair in Delhi, I was overwhelmed by the artworks in the hundreds. Many artists in the way they presented themselves, which has a lot to do with their attire, was arty. In many cases, artists themselves were their best artistic expression.
It’s not a surprise, therefore, that artists tend to present themselves in atypical ways bordering on the bizarre in normative sense. They are obliged to stand out. Sawan stands out for a very different reason: his simplicity. He is not keen to announce his sexuality, or the fact that he’s an artist in the way he carries himself, mostly wears his quintessential printed shirt and a beige trouser.
He’s stable when there’s a lot happening around him. He keeps in touch with his inner reaches despite the dazzle outside. He’s desirable, humble, approachable, and yet has an element of enigma. “Many straight men approach me." he informs. His charm is contagious and he's desirable to many but his heart is with a person who lives overseas and he has never met him in person.
Sawan is proud of his humble origins, wears it as a batch of honour, while he makes it big as an artist. It was a heartening for him when he managed to sell a painting for a paltry Rs 500. Now his works are sold for lakhs of rupees.
Oxymorons describe Sawan well: he’s alone together, a friendly fire and an advanced beginner.
Comments