Featured CIS News

August 5, 2008

Art of the Human Predicament

A renowned Indian artist, philanthropist, and cyclone relief worker speaks in Chicago.

Internationally recognized artist Jatin Das shared his artistic and philanthropic ideas as part of a July 28 presentation and discussion at the Around the Coyote gallery. The event was cosponsored by the Center for International Studies and the South Asia Language and Area Center.

A painter for over 45 years, Das studied in Bombay at the oldest art school in India. His works include paintings, drawings, sculpture installations, and murals.

“I am influenced by everything,” said Das, as he scrolled through slides of his oil paintings, drawings, and water colors. The majority of the pieces the artist showed were of human images, bright in color and exploding with feeling.

“If we combine our artistic talents in a holistic way, our world will be beautiful.”

Das warned of comparing his works to those of other artists whose books typically occupy coffee tables in the common home. He said, “If you love something, nobody needs to convince you that it is wonderful. There is no need to classify art into a certain movement.” He explained that the opinions of critics and curators must not come between artists and their audience.

The audience was particularly intrgued by Das' slide show and commentary on pankhas (hand fans). Das has collected more than 6,500 pankhas from around the world, many of which have been exhibited previously in both Indian and international museums. Das has dedicated the collection to the nation of India, and expects to eventually house it in a National Pankha Museum in Delhi.

Among other philanthropic activities, Das currently devotes time and energy to the creation of the J.D. Centre of Art that he is founding in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. The center will house and support a range of traditional and contemporary visual and plastic arts. In addition to gallery spaces, Das plans a sculpture garden, an open-air auditorium, archives, and conservation and research units.

Individuals interested in learning more the J.D. Centre of Art project should visit the artist's website at JatinDas.com.

For more information about this event and other CIS outreach events, contact Jamie Bender at jbender@uchicago.edu.