A Lyrical Journey Into Natures Primeval Beauty

The very first gaze at Shampa Sircar Das work tells us that we are about to enter a serene and sublime world with a profusion of emotive images from nature And then begins a flow of these images intertwined with the characters and elements drawn from Puranic mythological tales and traditional lore Soon we realize that these images are not just descriptive ones but carry an essence in their lightness of being which is enlivening and soothing at the same time 

In fact the host of images is painted in such a way that the flowers, ponds, vistas, the open and clear skies that are stored in our memory start unfolding in a new light. And we feel that with their inspiring presence, they are trying to revive and retrieve a world, which we have lost where manifestations of nature and its forces exist in their primeval  pristine forms 

A world which has been so vividly described by poets like Kalidasa and has found a place in ancient classics such as Vikramōrvaśīyam. The visuals here are reminiscent of sacred groves filled with thick clusters of verdant foliage, flowering creepers, tranquil lotus-filled ponds the startled eyes of a deer rich hues of the peacock fanciful curved neck of a swan 

The works are thus heart pleasingly replete with visions symbols and motifs related to the bountiful beauty of life and the earth. Two of her sculptures, done in fiberglass and painted all over with minute details of the imagery are also reflective of nature. Yes, we need a feel of this world, today even more And no wonder the imagery created by Shampa charms us as we become one with the lustrous beings in these images 

The Purusha and Prakriti concept exemplified in our traditional classical sculptures in various texts makes its way beautifully into the works of Shampa and seems to enrich her visual vocabulary. The works appear to dwell on the relationship of Shiva and Shakti who present as a driving force of the universe.  The faces in the paintings convey meditative calmness.  There are figures that depict Lord Vishnu’s ten earthly incarnations Daśāvatāra This is pertinent in a time when ethnic heritage cultural mores and traditional beliefs are in flux

Referring to her inspiration for work Shampa recalls her trips to South India and also east rural Bengal Where you see the villages with banana treesshe says Karnataka Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh  the rural landscapes are replete with such trees Yes it happens with art and artists where one can refer to certain sources and influences. But that is not all. It s in the artist s mind that a churning takes place of the things seen and imagined. And that churning is important 

Her journey to Ladakh and Spiti are also weaved in her memory where she says she has traveled for 8 years, imbibing the detailed drawing patterns from Tibetan Thanka and frescoes In Shampa  worksother influences are also quite distinct While looking at these paintings  the depiction of nature in miniature paintings also comes to mind. But Shampa has given them a more lyrical  floating treatment 

The serene quality of Shampa work comes from its delicate intricacies softness and  details. Looking at her works  we don t feel any pressure or a feeling of fixing our eyes on something instead we feel that our eyes keep traveling with the details lightly smoothly and enchantingly 

The role of the white is noteworthy in Shampa  works You’d find finely stippled white transitioning into many hues that are vibrantly alive. This device of hers is able to make imagery unfold in itself in a half blooming stage suggesting the viewers to see it enjoy it  and also imagine them to be in full bloom 

We find that the works have a rhythmic pattern built into them. And we again are reminded that in their silence and stillness these works have a musicality as well. Yes, the calm and peaceful atmosphere having a deep quiet inhabiting Shampa works helps us see what is behind The nature inspired cerulean, teal and sky blue vivid red and other shades bring a certain warmth and depth that suit her compositions well  Our inner eye our every gaze is awakened as we seem to bathe in the calmness of these images And the chorus hidden in them starts touching conversing with our hearts in all its sweetness and sensitivity  In this way Shampa works are a fascinating reflection of nature in all its unspoilt splendor Also  there is a tryst with traditions as well as an exploration of the cosmic union of consciousness and energy stillness and transformation weaved through a dreamy sequence of visuals that anyone can engage with and enjoy