The gripping print matrix of Kavita Nayar By Saswati Chaudhuri

Kavita devoted four decades of her life innovating new methods, never believed to be static and moved on to novel ideas of visual expression in the process of self discovery handling diverse materials. Her concepts are mostly from life experiences which she lived through that are realized in the form of creative fantasies like ‘Aquatic Energy’, ‘Whirlpool’, ‘Mauritian Waters’, ‘Sublime’ and so on. She blends abstract with romantic forms. Her most significant concepts are ‘Sublime’ of 2005, ‘Woven Dreams’ of 2007 and ‘Seeds’ of the time period between 2009 and 2016.

Initially in India printmaking was used for commercial purposes and  record keeping until during the 18th Century several European artists visited India who used printmaking for artistic presentation. Later in the 19th century it was introduced in Visual Art schools for students and by the 20th century it was developed into a fine art technique known as Graphic Art. Since it was not a favoured medium among the connoisseurs in India, lately to bring awareness and to popularize the methods ‘Indian PrintMakers' Guild’ was formed by 12 printmakers for which Kavita held the position of Vice President from 1990 to 2000 and now it is continuing as 'Multiple Encounters' for which Kavita is actively involved as its secretary. To add her expertise in this initiative she has curated many national and international printmaking exhibitions showcasing the prints of Indian and American artists under this banner.

Kavita contributed to academic level for a long period as a visiting faculty of College of Art, Delhi, South Delhi Polytechnic, NIFT, Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Mauritius, Jamia Millia Islamia University and many other institutions. She conducts workshops and takes part as jury member at various organizations across the world. IGNCA, New Delhi produced a documentary film on her as an artist for Doordarshan in 2001. She has been a role model for women who aspire to shape an identity for themselves not compromising on work as well as keeping a balance in the family as wife, mother, daughter in law and a daughter. She believes in working with determination and dedication in mind, heart and soul. Kavita’s artistic sensibility has been enriched by travelling to France, UK and other places around the world. Visiting a number of museums was a vibrant exhilarating experience as she stood in front of all the original works which she studied through books in the library. During her stay in France initially working in a college like ambience and later working as professional artist provided her diverse experience and learning opportunity.

Since her youth Kavita found herself spiritually inclined besides being an artist. She started reading J. Krishnamurthy’s writing at the age of 17 and attended meetings to follow discourses. This enabled her to bear the pain when she lost her 23 years old daughter Sakshi in 2008. She seems to be glowing with enthusiasm when she narrates her work stories connected with her daughter Sakshi, how her ‘Woven Dreams’ oil on canvas series came into being where Sakshi’s image beautifully merged with woven textures amidst fluid forms and the ‘Seeds’ collection were originated. She says, “A seed is buried in a womb and nourished by the mother;  I often think the process of creating each one of my works has been like giving birth.” No one knew Sakshi would leave suddenly but Sakshi’s portrait is distinctly visible in many of her works since 2006. Kavita says it started with a simple sketch while Sakshi was asleep; then serigraphy and collage series ‘Sublime’ was born. Sakshi’s departure was the genesis of ‘Kala Sakshi Memorial Trust’ that was founded in 2009 by Kavita and her husband Pawan Nayar to take forward Sakshi’s passion for art, who was an artist and well-known DD Bharti anchor for the programme ‘Meri Baat’. The trust assists the deserving aspirants recognizing young talents. Kavita found Sakshi’s presence in empowering youth, delivering mentorship and encouraging students to follow their dreams as artists.

http://www.kavitanayar.com/

http://kalasakshi.org/

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