Neeraj Goswami’s works are symbolic of his innate spirituality expressed through his meditative human figures. The canvas space reverberates with the shapes emerging and vibrating in a melodious manner. They emerge and evolve in space and together they vibrate to create visual rhythms and a unique musical composition, which can be felt visually through the eyes. Recently Neeraj displayed his solo show ‘Space Pageant - An Allegory of Love’ at the Sanchit Art. The gallery displayed some of his large format works that the artist had been working upon in the last 3 years, painting no more than 6-8 works a year. He speaks to Blouin Artinfo on his creations, his inspiration and what really fascinates him when he gives shape to his imagination.What really inspires you for your creations, what is creativity to you?Whatever stimulates me becomes an inspiration - be it good music, visit to the mountains or any natural surroundings, interactions with people, a thrilling read, movies, it could be anything, sometimes things which disturb me can also inspire me to create. A few lines, some notes of music, any happening. A particular moment, anything can inspire and create a gamut of emotions and images which when transformed through the creative process become a work of art, a painted canvas, a sculpture, an installation, so on and so forth. Whatever has a deep impact can trigger the process of creation. During my daily meditations things get composed, my interactions with the outer world create impressions and these get transcended during meditations. Meditations help me to connect with my true self the inner source which is the source of creativity and joy. Creative process involves assimilation and transcendence of impressions and its manifestation. It involves active participation and activity on canvas space. Evolution from the initial point of creation and arrival at an unknown state which enriches you gives you endless joy, elevates you to a higher state of attraction, close to your source, the inner true self. This elevated state you arrive at through creativity is beyond body mind and senses so it can be called a blissful spiritual state. An enlightened, liberated state which completes you as an individual.What is your idea behind ‘Space Pageant – An Allegory of Love’?When I close my eyes, there is space - an endless vast expanse. This becomes the playground for my imaginations, the subtle vibrations felt within take form in this space, these forms are then manifested on the canvas space, thus the inner and outer space becomes one. Pageant is the colourful procession of these images which have a source deep within me. Images which appear in my mind's space are at a nascent stage, they evolve on canvas space, creating rhythmic musical symphony, felt visually through the eye. It could be described as an opera of visual sounds and rhythms. The Form in my work is not physical or material but astral or spiritual. I have titled one of the works as space pageant, where a boat like carrier moves in space on a journey towards the unknown ,the spheres of enlightenment, states of endless joy. The canvas space is divided into two, the upper half is filled with flowing dancing figures and the lower half carries a boat like shape, figures with raised heads watch the drama taking place above. Boat also becomes a part of this colourful procession. The reverberating forms on canvas space, is a manifestation of the soul - A "Leela"- a spontaneous spiritual activity.What fascinates you when you are giving shape to your imaginationWhen I give shape to my imagination, what fascinates me is the process itself, the way things take birth on canvas, from subtle vibrations to a concrete form. It’s like unravelling the unknown part within you. Through the creative process I give form to my essence. I am able to look at what I felt within me. Things happen on the canvas which were beyond imagination, it’s like a journey into the unknown, to go where you have never gone before. You feel the air but you can’t see it, but if you give it a form, what a fascinating thing it would be. An emotion of love, is to be experienced but if you can give it a form on canvas, you make it eternal you could always feel that love by looking at its form on canvas. It’s a two way process-giving form to what you feel and experiencing what you gave form to. This way a work of art enriches both the artist and the connoisseur.What is your contribution to the society as an artist?A true Artist is involved in his search. He is neither a reformer nor an activist. He just creates as he cannot live without it. Creativity being an integral part of his individuality. Art is his lifeline, it inspires him, fills the void, helps him to realise his true self, he creates and shares his struggles, his achievements, his sublime moments with the rest of the world . He does not think that he is going to change the world but his ingenuity, vision, innovations and creative spirit influence the society as a whole. He is like a hermit who dwells alone meditates in his own space and goes through the creative process shedding his ego becoming one with the essence within. He arrives at hitherto unknown realms of aesthetical experience, states of perpetual bliss, manifests it and then shares it. The way he is transformed through his search and creativity his work transforms others also, who appreciate his art. This way a gradual change takes place among the people and the society as a whole. At a larger perspective the whole nation can be transformed through various forms of art and the world can become a better place to live in. A civilized world full of art, culture and higher vibrations and finer emotions, a humane and sublime environment where life pulsates with positivity. Beauty always has been an inspiration for life, a beautiful landscape, a beautiful face, sunrise, sunset - all have a spontaneous effect. Art has more depth and strength, to transform, than the natural beauty we see around us. It unravels the essence behind everything, it manifests the source the soul. Creativity and Art reveal something which cannot be seen through the normal eye, it uplifts and elevates the viewer to a higher plane, takes you to higher states of attraction within you. It can take you beyond the mundane to an evolved higher spiritual plane thus making life meaningful and worth living. Positivity and creativity go hand in hand and enrich the society, nation and the world.What are your future plans, or upcoming events?Presently I am working on a series of bronze sculptures for my upcoming show in Shanghai. I plan to do large public projects in future where a large number of people can interact and appreciate it. Art should not be for a select few, but for a larger audience. Creativity and art are nature's gift to mankind - to be shared and appreciated by one and all. In the process the whole mankind can be uplifted to a higher state of awareness, knowledge and joyful existence.Follow@ARTINFOIndia
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