Tarab, an eminent artist is known for her dramatic and panoramic paintings, which she describes as a condensation of her little universe. Holding a master’s degree in Economics and being a published author with Bloomsbury, Tarab is a speaker and collaborator for social initiatives, a panelist at forums, and a facilitator of sessions and workshops for B-School students and MNCs. Currently residing in Hyderabad, she has two upcoming books.
Q 1: You recently celebrated 11 years on your journey as an artist. What has the journey been like for you?
Over these captivating 11 years, my journey has resembled a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I’ve had my fair shares of success and disappointments, and what I’ve learned in these years of artistic pursuits is that art is neither coherent nor finite. Instead, it’s a universe where you encounter pockets of light and dark matter. To navigate this abstraction called the universe, one needs to be playful, adventurous, and sail with courage, building a treasure box by collecting those pockets of light. Mind it, invariably, one will encounter dark matters too, and it’s a journey, and I am on it.
Q 2: Can you share the key influences and themes that shape your artistic style and the messages you aim to convey through your work?
Art, to me, is a vehicle for storytelling—a narrative woven between the internal hemisphere of the mind and the external reality. It’s a dynamic evolution that unfolds by navigating these two hemispheric orbs. Within this artistic journey, fictional stories, mysteries, realism, and imaginations burst forth like a supernova. It spans from ancient myths and fictional tales to real-life stories and the untold imaginary narratives of the future. Allow me to provide two instances as examples. In my series “At the Gates of Talbosh,” I delved into the theatre of my mind to create mystical stories on canvas. The second reference is my painting of Lucy, inspired by William Wordsworth, which ventures into the external realm—the world of realism.
Q 3: How does being both an artist and an author influence your creative perspective and approach?
Well, to me, writing stories serves as a parallel form of artistic exploration. The process of storytelling augments my ability to convey narratives, emotions, and concepts visually. It adds a layer of depth and resonance to my art, contributing to a more nuanced and multidimensional artistic practice. I believe that immersing myself in a sea of stories is a valuable experience that magnifies my sensorial stimuli, enriching my artistic expression.
Q 4: Can you describe any interesting encounter in your journey as an Artist?
Absolutely! Working primarily on children’s books, conducting workshops for little ones is always a joy. In one instance during a pineapple-themed workshop, a child painted the entire canvas in dark blue. When I asked about the absence of the typical yellow pineapple, the child responded with curiosity, saying, ‘I painted the pineapple at night.’ I believe it was a very refreshing and imaginative perspective that only children bring to art. I have many such delightful incidents to share.
Q 5: What in your opinion, are the key attributes of being an artist?
Being an artist involves a unique blend of creativity, curiosity, unwavering resilience, and a constant pursuit of intellectual quests. I believe it demands a nuanced ability to articulate thoughts, weave narratives, and tell stories visually, all while continually evolving both technical prowess and conceptual outlook.
Q 6: How do you perceive the role of digital tools in your artistic journey?
As we’ve all witnessed this transformative shift, the digital world has undeniably reshaped the art landscape. The instant connectivity and virtual showcasing have given rise to a dynamic online art community.
While some artists may be skeptical about this change, personally, I see the digital realm as a liberating space. It allows me to explore various forms of creation, such as digital collages, animations, and storytelling.
Rather than considering it a replacement, I view it as an additional tool that adds a new dimension to my creative palette.