In Conversation with Jatin Das

The maestro talks about his solo exhibition, evolution as an artist and love for painting

Q What are you working on?

A A solo exhibition will open on May 11 at the India Habitat Centre. As always, I have worked with human figures. There are watercolours, ink drawings on rice paper and some work with condensed carbon. But most of my energies are now taken up by my foundation in Bhubaneswar—the Jatin Das Centre of Art—which will support tribal, folk, and contemporary art. Then, there’s my pankha (fan) collection. The 5,000-plus collection has already travelled to London, Zurich, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi and Kolkata.

Q What do you hope to achieve with your work?

A Nothing. There is either a lot of purpose, or no purpose at all. I just enjoy the process. I paint because I love to. When I paint with watercolour, I let the water flow and smudge the paper. I enjoy the process allowing the unexpected to enter and govern. That’s the beauty of painting, indeed, of life for me.

Q Where do you work?

A Now that I can afford it, I work in my studio.

Q How have you evolved through your work?

A How can anyone answer this? We all evolve and grow.

Jatin DasJatin Das Centre of Artpankha collection