Poetics of Precision

THE QUESTION OF whether an artist born into a prominent art-patronising family can truly forge an indepen­dent ingenious identity is a complex one. While the advantages of such an environment—access to resources, exposure to diverse art forms, and a rich cultural milieu—are undeniable, they can also present significant challenges. The constant scrutiny, the weight of family background, and the inevitable comparisons to the family’s legacy can be daunting. An artist emerging from such a background must navigate the delicate balance between acknowledging their familial heritage and establishing their own unique voice and vision.

The case of Aman Poddar, whose family is renowned for its patronage of the arts, exemplifies this challenge. While his early exposure to art undoubtedly influenced his creative sensibilities, his journey towards becoming a practicing artist was far from predetermined. After pursuing psychology and then ventur­ing into the family business, Poddar experienced an idea vacuum. This period of introspection led him to recognise his deep-seated passion for pottery, a craft that had captivated him since childhood.

A pivotal moment arrived when he met Viren Bhagat, a renowned jeweller and family friend, who influenced his artistic vision. This encounter catalysed Poddar’s decision to pursue formal train­ing in a comprehensive bench jeweller’s course, at the New Approach School for Jewelers in Tennessee where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the craft. His practice reflects a profound involvement with the meditative and contemplative aspects of jewellery making and design. His jewellery pieces, characterised by their elegant curves and meticulous craftsmanship, embody a sense of stillness and introspection. This focus on mindfulness and the process of creation distinguishes his work, elevating it beyond mere embellishments.

Poddar’s second solo exhibition Dve, ran at The Oberoi, Delhi, from February 7 to 8. The title, translating to ‘two’ in San­skrit, serves as a nod to India’s deep-rooted heritage of craftsmanship and its endur­ing history. The legacy of ornamentation in India stretches back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, evidenced by archaeological discoveries of jewellery crafted from vari­ous materials. Within the Indian context, jewellery serves not only as adornment but also as a powerful expression of cultural and social values. Poddar’s innovative approach honours this tradi­tion while at the same time, reimagining it for a modern audience. His creations effortlessly blend the roles of art and ornament, appealing to both established connoisseurs and a younger generation. His artistic exploration transcends mere aesthetics, offering visitors an escape from the relentless pace of the modern world, dominated by automation and over­stimulation. Dve invites viewers on an introspective journey, encouraging them to slow down and appreciate the ornate details of each handcrafted piece.

The show exhibits 33 works in total among which 24 are jewellery pieces (earrings), and nine are watercolour paint­ings. As one examines Poddar’s jewellery, the scrupulous attention to detail be­comes evident. Every stroke, every curve, and every engraving reflects a delicate relationship to the mundane, a testament to the time and dedication invested in the creative process. Poddar himself highlights this connection, stating, “Our lives, and the world around us, seem to be getting faster and more stimulating at an ever-increasing pace. Automation is taking over the manual, and stimulation is taking over silence. My work aims to go against this change. Each piece is an invitation to slow down and find pres­ence in the moment”.

Experimenting with mediums, Poddar’s series of watercolour paintings, Please Sit Still, presents an alluring visual paradox. Dynamic brushstrokes and flowing lines evoke a sense of perpetual rhythm, mirroring the ceaseless distractions of modern life. Yet, amidst this apparent chaos, a harmonious order emerges: a constellation of circular motifs, each a locus of tranquility. This juxtaposition encapsulates the inherent tension between the frenetic pace of our existence and our yearning for stillness. The series thus becomes a visual and conceptual dialogue, al­lowing viewers to contemplate their own inner turmoil and ultimately, to cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

Poddar’s watercolour works, attuned to the exhibi­tion’s ambience, immediately draw the eye. The subtle colour shifts within the geometric figures at the heart of each cir­cular composition are what truly hold the viewer’s attention. These delicate chang­es, triggered by movement and shifting light, offer a fresh perspective with every viewing. He explains, “Patterns have always intrigued me and stirred some­thing within me. It is hard to say why, but I like the repetition, and even more so if it has an organic quality to it—when it’s structured but there is room to play within it. Philosopher Alan Watts talks of ‘Li’, which he translates as organic order. It is the ‘asymmetrical, non-repetitive, and unregimented order which we find in the patterns of moving water, the forms of trees and clouds, of frost crystals on the window, or the scattering of pebbles on beach sand.’ This ‘Li’ is something that I greatly admire and naturally try to incorporate in my work—it comes about almost unconsciously.”

PODDAR SEAMLESSLY integrates natural elements into his work, evident in the organic structures, flowing designs, and intricate patterns. His deep immersion in nature provides a constant source of inspiration, allowing him to closely observe and introspect, translating his observations into unique and attrac­tive jewellery pieces. Drawing heavily from the natural world, each piece is a testament to his unique vision, with no two designs ever repeating, making them highly sought-after collectibles.

Witnessing the culmination of months of labour into a finished piece is undoubtedly a rewarding experience for any artist. Before transforming into a wearable work of art, each piece under­goes a rigorous process, encompassing stone setting, fabrication, and finally, the delicate art of engraving. Upon closer in­spection, one is often mesmerised by the enchanting interplay of light and shadow. As light falls on the surface of each earring from different angles, it bounces from the engraved curves and facets, creating an enthralling effect of brilliance and depth.

While art connoisseurs often cham­pion the accessibility of art, a funda­mental paradox exists: tangible art often discourages physical interaction. The hushed reverence of gallery spaces and the ubiquitous ‘Do Not Touch’ signs cre­ate a barrier between the viewer and the artwork. Paintings, sculptures, and instal­lations are frequently confined to the four walls of museums or private collections, further emphasising the lack of interac­tion and engagement from everyday experience. This physical distance can create a sense of detachment, limiting the audience’s ability to fully connect with the piece. Dve, however, actively chal­lenges this paradigm. His art transcends the traditional boundaries of the gallery, inviting not just visual consumption but also tactile character. This shift develops a unique sense of ownership in the viewer. It is not merely about possess­ing the artwork physically, although that is sometimes possible with his work, but about a deeper, more personal connection. Poddar’s jewellery pieces encourage touch, draw­ing the audience to explore the artwork with their hands as well as their eyes. This physical experience breaks down the traditional distance between art and audience, fostering a sense of intimacy and understanding. Instead of being passive observers, viewers become active participants, shaping their own experience of the artwork through physical interaction. This participatory element democratises the art experience, making it more accessible and relatable. It allows viewers to connect with the art on a visceral level, forging a sense of owner­ship that extends beyond the confines of the gallery and into the realm of personal experience. The art, in a sense, becomes theirs, not just to admire from afar, but to engage with, to feel. This tangible affinity, this feeling of ownership, is what also sets Poddar’s work apart and makes it so significantly impactful. Poddar’s work cleverly bridges the gap separating adornment and art. The jewellery pieces are designed for both wearability, offering a palpable and personal experience, and display. When not worn, each piece can be showcased in a custom-designed, wall-mountable frame and self-standing frames, transforming it into a work of art.

While Poddar’s family background undoubtedly provided him with unique opportunities and a rich context for his development as a visual arts practitio­ner, it is ultimately his own dedication, his exploration of personal expression, and his unique artistic endeavours that define his identity as an artist. His journey underscores the crucial role of individual passion, perseverance, and the courage to forge one’s own path, regardless of one’s familial lineage.

adornmentAman PoddarartAutomationcreativitymanualstimulation