Art is about perspective. Through it we all see the world in different ways, which is a testament both to the complex nature of the world and the complex nature of seeing. The domain of art is the space that falls between recording an image with the eyes and interpreting it; between seeing how things appear to be in the world; and seeing how things really might be. Artists inhabit that space; abstract artists aim to occupy it in ways that are not quite obvious. Madhuri Bhaduri, an abstract artist, lives in just such a floating world.

It was 25 years ago that Madhuri embarked on the journey to arrive at her vision of the world. When she began, she focused on the tangible. Landscapes and portraits and other familiar things rendered well. With time, her perspectives changed and her style evolved to incorporate an imagined, fantastical imagery portraying village belles and rural romanticism. The colors and forms she used morphed outside the immediately apparent.

Today, her pursuit is beyond the obvious and sensory. She searches for what is beneath the surface of everyday things, the textures and lines of commonplace objects like rooftops or fabric, the vicissitudes of seas and boats, ancient places of visit like temples and ruins, or pure abstractions like memories, aspirations and hope.

In her work, the mundane and the overlooked take on a new life. On a two-dimensional surface, Madhuri shows us visions we would not otherwise see. It is at the behest of an artist’s acute sensitivities and an ability to enhance a visual experience that mundane and everyday occurrences receive a fresh perspective.

Some of the canvases in fiery reds and crimsons burst in celebration and cheer. There are others in white, greys and greens that are more serene, quiet and contemplative. Yet others are passionate and darker like those where the colour black plays a dominant role. The gamut of imagery she may be inspired by stretches from the dark corners of a mountainous caves, the rising sun, edifices, to the bright clear skies, clouds, waterfalls, hills, houses, waterbeds and so on. The inspiring imagery comes from her memory. The subject’s physicality is not important to her. What interests her is the feel of the subject, the fundamental form, the colours that give it a fullness and life. Likewise, while interpreting these observations she focuses on the treatment of the subject rather than its photographic exactness. For instance, she may attempt to depict the lightness of the clouds rather than its recognisable shape.

Madhuri engages with the concept of space. She creates spaces and explores how things shape space and vice versa. Perception is interpretation of space and time. It is not absolute. The circumstances, the time and the vantage point shape perception. Images collected consciously or subconsciously stack up in our memories. Our imagination is made of those series of images. An intuitive artist knows how to discerningly present some of those pictures to the viewers.

Madhuri’s collection of images result in deftly painted joyous, contemplative, reflective reviews of what touches her five senses. The experiences meld into one another and the memories overlap to create an endless series of rich scenes. This collection of paintings is like going on a drive on a steep winding path up lush hills or snow-capped mountains and stopping by to explore nooks and corners. In these compositions you will see what looks like mounds and flatbeds, essence of bright sunlight, a stormy evening on the sea, a placid green field or a rugged mountain. There is an anticipation of encountering a blissful moment and the mystery of finding some hidden truths. Hope every viewer of her works embarks on this journey.

Jasmine Shah Varma is a Mumbai based art writer and an independent curator.

Jasmine Shah Varma. 2011