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Scouting Unique Artists in Bangalore: Ragini Chatterjee

Ever wondered about artists in Bangalore?
Ragini Chatterjee transcends one’s expectations and the universal need to put her art out for people, she lets her soul paint
Ragini Chatterjee

I’m always in search of unique art and now that I’m back in my home city, I wanted to explore the world of artists in Bangalore.

I found Ragini Chatterjee in the depths of an Instagram stalking session on a page that promotes young artists in the city.

I was blown away by her ability to not only make me wide-eyed at her work on first glance, but also draw me into the intricacies of her art.

Being away from home and in the UK for a couple of years sidetracked my memory of the rich talent that exists within my own people. I’m so glad my stalking, I mean, research skills led me to Ragini’s mind palace, one that seems to hypnotise me in an instant.

I still can’t stop looking; I had to know the heart behind this enigma. And so I asked her some questions to get know who she is for you and for me.

When did you first recognise your talent? What was your first ever painting?

I’m not sure if it was “talent” or simply my overactive imagination that led me to painting. I spent most of my classes doodling, but my first “proper” drawing, one I remember being proud of, was a sketch of Aang from The Last Airbender. I think I was around 9 years old.

What does your art mean to you?

Art is how I process the world around me. Whether it’s a book, series, or movie I’m captivated by, expressing my excitement through art brings me peace. On a deeper level, art allows me to visualise insights about life that resonate with me. Sharing these pieces is fascinating because others often interpret them in ways that reflect their own experiences, creating a unique dialogue between the viewer and the work.

If you could vouch for other artists, what would your message be to the world about the importance of self-expression?

To anyone who feels deeply—whether you’re an artist or not—self-expression is vital. Whether through art, music, fashion, or dance, it’s a natural outlet that should be embraced. Suppressing this instinct can feel overwhelming, and letting it out often creates something beautiful. In today’s fast-paced world, self-expression serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity.

A portrait called ‘Mommy’

There’s an abundance of extraordinary talent such as yourself in India. I’ve come across many who feel overwhelmed by the competition in the creative industry and settle into different industries to survive. What are your thoughts on this? Does survival overrule passion? Or does it depend on how one perceives it?

I feel fortunate to create for myself, but I’d be lying if I said recognition didn’t motivate me. However, I wouldn’t describe the creative industry as “competitive.” This perspective probably stems from my choice not to pursue art as a full-time career. By separating my livelihood from my art, I’ve been able to enjoy the process without the pressure of survival, allowing my passion to thrive independently.

Who or what has inspired you to create your pieces?

Life inspires me—everything from a captivating colour scheme to an idea I need to visualise. For example, I painted Behind the Kitten to challenge the misconception that cuteness equates to weakness. In college, I explored the myth of Icarus to reflect on self-discovery and freedom. During the pandemic, I delved into Pandora’s myth, and more recently, I created a piece about self-care inspired by the idea that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Explain the creative process behind your work. Is it a cathartic journey? How does it make you feel?

My creative process begins with a need to express something—whether it’s an idea that’s been simmering for weeks or an immediate fascination with a book, movie, or series. Once I find a reference photo, I dive in, spending anywhere from half an hour to a week on the piece. While creating is cathartic, I’m often preoccupied with achieving aesthetic beauty, which makes it challenging to feel fully satisfied with my work.

What do you wish for people to experience through your work?

I hope my art evokes a sense of connection and invites viewers to appreciate its aesthetic qualities.

Tell us about a response you’ve received about your art that made you feel happy or seen.

There isn’t a single comment that stands out, as my satisfaction primarily comes from how I feel about a piece. However, I enjoy hearing reactions like, “Wow, that’s so pretty.” I also love when people share their interpretations of my work—it’s fascinating how their perspectives differ from my own.

You’re currently in Paris. Has the cultural shift played any role in the expansion of your vision? I believe life experiences can elevate one’s art. Tell us about your experience.

While my surroundings have changed, my art remains influenced by similar themes—my life experiences, books, movies, and shows. The cultural shift has enriched my perspective, but I wouldn’t say it has drastically changed the essence of my work.

How can someone find you, your work, and reach out to you?

I have a website where people can leave messages, but the easiest way to connect with me is through Instagram or email.

To reach out to Ragini, email her at raginichatterjee99@gmail.com

Follow the link to view her website https://insidethepaintbox.netlify.app/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYbgVU2RrKp4XRHM-w8vq9OSBRCDhJUyi2Ep1Q7Q-mp8yMnyc1sRepMUFA_aem__fVFYF95PY6venhGW_kShA

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Cinzi Lavin: “I made bread out of straw”

Cinzi Lavin, an award-winning musical dramatist and writer
Cinzi Lavin, an award-winning artist from the States reached out to 2Shades to tell her story

When I read about her, I was shocked to find out how she isn’t better known for her contributions. But that wasn’t the point, Cinzi’s calm yet captivating approach to life is a distinct voice that 2Shades is honoured to provide a platform for.

Here’s how Cinzi’s journey with life has taught her a great deal about the unexpected turns it might take, and how you can make it easier for yourself, in her own words.

“Everyone’s success story is different. As an award-winning musical dramatist and writer, my work involves telling stories, so I’ll gladly share mine in hopes of inspiring others.

I’ve seen life from many angles: as a child growing up in a wealthy Manhattan suburb and as a young woman eking out a living as an impoverished musician. I’ve been a New Yorker and a Texan. I’ve been an actress, playwright, educator, and lifelong student (and may I never graduate!).

My career path, if it were printed out like an EKG reading, would look like someone having a coronary seizure. Far from straight and uneventful, it included forays into multiple fields in every direction. However, all the paths I followed—from journalism to teaching to performing (and more)—played a crucial role in developing the skill-set I use today.

Early on, I wanted to do amazing things, and I was good at writing and had an ear for music. I took piano lessons for a few years with a neighbor-woman, and I was her worst student. A few decades later, I’d created and produced three full-length original musical dramas and performed by invitation at the White House.

The short answer to the question of how I achieved this is that I made bread out of straw—I created something out of nothing. Circumstances dictated that if I wanted to enjoy success, it would take more than hard work, luck, ambition, or even talent: it would require my humanity, my creativity, and my ability to recognize that obstacles are only illusions.

Here are my three crucial components for success:

1.) Helping Others – There is much to gain by the intentional, systematic, unselfish, and abundant donation of your time and talents. Imagine someone putting a teaspoon of vegetable seeds in a hole in the ground and returning to discover a football-field size crop has grown from it.

I’m a huge proponent of volunteering, because it represents an opportunity to learn valuable skills in a supportive atmosphere, boosts confidence and self-esteem, and encourages networking which may lead to furthering your goals. Additional ways of helping others include always striving for a win-win scenario and mentoring others in your field.

2.) Thinking Creatively – Particularly when you start with nothing, creativity is a powerful way to optimize your talent. Always do things the way you think they should be done, even if it’s not how everyone else does it. In addition, don’t be afraid to utilize unique or unusual ways of promoting your work, such as lecturing in local clubs or libraries.

3.) Ignoring Obstacles – My artist’s statement is as follows: “As an artist, my two most valuable tools are my index fingers; when someone tries to point out obstacles to my dreams, I place them firmly in my ears and say, ‘La la la! I can’t hear you!’ It works every time.”

One of my favorite stories involves a young man who took a job selling encyclopedias door to door many years ago. On his first morning at work, his employer provided him with six sets of the heavy books; he put them into his car, and set forth. Around noon, he returned, saying “I’m ready for the next six sets to sell this afternoon.” His boss and his fellow salesmen were shocked. Nobody had told him that the six sets he’d received that morning were intended for him to sell during the upcoming month. Thinking the six encyclopedias were his morning’s quota, he didn’t suffer any preconceived failure.

As for success itself, I recommend that anyone aspiring to greatness not only define what they want but why they want it. For example, if you want to make a lot of money, it’s not the pieces of paper or the multi-digit numbers on your bank statement that you actually want—you want something the money represents, whether that be financial security, power, or the freedom to do whatever you wish with your time.

I highly recommend practicing economy in your career—not necessarily of money, but of everything good that comes your way. Envision a pathway to success where not a scrap is wasted. During America’s Great Depression in the 1930s, when money and resources were scarce, there was a popular saying: “Use it up, wear it out; make it do, or do without.” People did what they could to make the most of whatever they had. They even created a recipe for a delicious dessert called “Water Pie”!

One of my favorite films is Apollo 13. It recounts the true story of America’s 1970 mission to the moon, during which things went terribly wrong. An oxygen tank ruptured two days into the flight, endangering the crew members, whose life-support system was disabled. The film shows how the three astronauts, with help from NASA’s ground control workers, improvised a means of reestablishing the carbon dioxide filter system using various materials foraged in the tiny spacecraft.

The first time I saw the film, I was spellbound, watching the men in outer space—whose only hope for survival depended upon whatever they had with them that could be used to make the necessary repair. Suddenly, inconsequential bits of plastic tubing or similarly unremarkable items literally meant the difference between life and death. It impressed upon me the importance of taking nothing for granted, and of utilizing everything at one’s disposal even when survival isn’t at stake. Put another way, if those astronauts could save their own lives more than 200,000 miles from our planet with a few bits and bobs they collected in their space capsule, what more could I do here on earth with a wealth of resources available to me? (Not least of which is oxygen!)

In pursuit of your dream, waste nothing; treasure every networking connection, every professional invitation, and every promotional opportunity. I rejoice for those for whom success is within easy reach, but those who are starting with nothing are the ones whom I congratulate, because the world of possibilities opens before them.”

Cinzi is the author of three books, The Taciturn Sky, Nemesis of the Great and A Strand of Truth.

Be sure to check them out until Cinzi returns with another insightful column.

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ART ATTACK

Let the power of art lift you up in these troubling times.

Re print from 2022 by Steven Smith.

Read time:7 minute, 52 seconds 

Art is subjective; arguably anything could be described as art. It has been said that as long as an artist says “what I have made is art” then it is art. Pulling a partially burnt door from the rubble of a derelict building and hanging it on your wall, then spray painting it, could pass as art. In fact, that’s exactly what one artist confessed to me that they once did, and it sold for a good price. But what makes a successful artist? 

Experts in the art world often say that, unless you are represented by a prestigious gallery and have sold your pieces at one of the reputable auction houses for a hefty price, you cannot begin to describe yourself as a leading British or international artist. But in these days of spin and false news, many artists grandly describe themselves as just that – even if it is just on their own web page. That is why an artist being represented by a leading gallery is so important, it protects the consumer and cradles the artist. It is like good management for actors.

Your correspondent with actor and Loose Woman Denise Welch supporting her husband Lincoln Townley art https://lincolntownley.com

For me, if I walk into an exhibition and instantly see that an artist’s inspiration is another artist then I am not excited about their work. I am fine with artists being influenced by other artists’ work but if an artist recognisably channels legends such as Warhol, Bacon, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst perhaps they need to rethink …

Hearing a truly talented, unique artist’s voice call out from their work is what captures me. It can send goosebumps up my neck when a crafted artist’s work is powerfully on display.

Take inspiration from the masters by all means but when your art is the equivalent to an X-factor contestant belting out someone else’s song, and a poor version of it at that, a great artist you are not. You may well be on the path to becoming one as long as, like many in the craft, you dedicate yourself to finding your own voice.

This is usually my favourite time of year as Frieze comes to town and the best galleries from around the world showcase their finest artists. Held in Regents Park, you can submerge yourself in an orgy of talented modern artists. Along with Frieze Masters, it feels like Christmas has come.

Sadly, Frieze, like many other events has moved online, but has offered lectures and courses and hopefully further experiences for art enthusiasts. It is be back in its typical glory now when this is all over. 

The landmark Venice art festival “La Biennale” is still set to go ahead next year, with the British entry selected by the Hayward Gallery and British Art Council. Next year, we are represented by curators Manijeh Verghese and Madeleine Kessler, who are bringing a diverse range of art to the British tent. La Biennale shows every two years, with the last showing in 2019, represented by British artist Cathy Wilkes. It’s the cream of the art shows, and I was lucky to attend in 2017 as a guest of Israeli artist Michele Cole. I still get excited about my trip; it is a memory that will stay with me for life. It is well worth going.

At the 2017 Biennale – artist Michal Cole https://www.meijler.com/michal

The arts have suffered grievously during the pandemic, with many galleries and exhibition halls still closed. It was a ray of light to be invited by LGBTQ+ international artist, Pedro Sousa Louro, to the opening of START at the Saatchi Gallery. His work received rave reviews when he showed at the Kunstmesse art fair in Germany. Pedro, originally from Portugal, resides in Chelsea and has a studio in Wimbledon. Pedro was educated at the Chelsea College of Arts in London. Among his army of fans are celebrities such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Holly Johnson. 

Holly Johnson (l) with Pedro Sousa Louro

Holly says of Pedro’s work “I like the fact that his art does not mean anything in particular. It is geometry for the sake of geometry “ 

Going into its seventh year, START showcases new and established artists, attracting international exhibitors, although the artists at START must pay to show their work. START gives voice to artists hoping to make a name for themselves on a global stage while providing the perfect platform for new collectors to discover talent that might otherwise have gone unseen. 

Included in this year’s programme is Korean Eye 2020, a teaser exhibition that gives an insight into the work of some of Korea’s most exciting young artists. 

START founders, David and Serenella Ciclitira, were determined to support artists and push ahead with this year’s show, despite many sceptics. They recognise the difficulties faced by the art world during these tumultuous times. They appreciate that many people are not ready to return to galleries amidst the ongoing pandemic. They have made START a world leader that combines both online and physical reality. The Ciclitiras are aiming to make START a leader in the ‘phygital’ world, which marries both the physical environment and the online digital world at the same time

‘Serenella and I are committed to playing our part in supporting artists and galleries, and in getting the art-world as a whole back open for business.’ 

David Ciclitira

2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least. It is a time when we must adapt and innovate; we must come together, united, for the greater good of all our fellow artists and galleries. 

The Saatchi gallery is one of the great London venues and brings a beautiful addition to the trendy Kings Road. My date for the open day was our Editor, Rob Harkavy. He was all suited and booted for the occasion. You can’t help but love the gallery the minute you walk in. For me, it is my dream home; it has been my fantasy to live in a gallery since I studied art as a teenager.

The celebrities were out in force. Anthea Turner was on hand to support David Bowie 20/20 Vision; a collection of photographs by Tony McGee, award-winning British photographer and friend of Bowie. This unique collection of never-before-seen images were hand-selected ‘on set’ by Bowie himself as a reflection of his own inner image, and are as powerful as they are poignant, beautifully capturing the essence of the shapeshifting, beguiling, enigmatic superstar. It blew me away. Anyone looking to buy me something for Christmas at £4k, one of these, please! 

Loose Woman and award-winning actress, Denise Welch, was chatting to people at her husband’s section, the former PR-man-turned-artist, Lincoln Townley. Welch’s son, Louis Healy (star of Emmerdale) was also in attendance. Michael Caine has previously shared that he is a fan of Townley’s work. 

The beautiful Gail Porter was also present and chatted to us. She was just charming.

START is well worth going to. The atmosphere is exciting, and there are one or two gems, depending on your taste. START also has a great bar on the third floor, where the Korean exhibition is, and there is some stunning work there.

Also open is the Brighton Museum; a hidden gem, but trust me, a must for everyone visiting the legendary gay seaside town. Among the exhibitions is Queer on the Pier. This community-curated display peers into local LGBTQ+ history. Celebrating the lives of the writers, artists, performers, activists and ordinary people who have made Brighton & Hove so fabulous, their stories are brought to life with film and photography, fashion and drag and oral histories. It is part of Be Bold, a series of collaborative exhibitions and events, programmed with Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities.

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Art and soul. Meet global art sensation Pedro Sousa Louro.

Steven chats over coffee with art sensation Pedro Sousa Louro

Pedro Sousa Louro is one of the most talked-about LGBTQ artists at the moment. The Portuguese born painter is exciting the art world with his blend of styles and fresh take on painting.

Educated at the Chelsea College of Arts in London, Pedro’s work caught the attention of many at the prestigious Kunstmesse art fair in Germany last year.  He is also among the headliners at the START art show this autumn at the Saatchi Gallery. Our very own art connoisseur, Steven Smith, catches up with him at his studio in Wimbledon. 


Do you remember the first painting you ever did and what made you want to become an artist?

I was fascinated by Greek and Roman statues, especially the beauty of the naked form and the stillness from an early age. It caused quite a stir when my first drawing at school was a statue, and some teachers were not impressed, though others thought it was great. Of course, my style at the time was hardly refined, and to some eyes, it may have looked like mischief-making. 

Either way, art captured my imagination from an early age and creating images was something that excited me. So, becoming an artist was something that has always been at the forefront of my life.

Who in the art world influences you?

Francis Bacon and Picasso, as well as Dame Rachel Whiteread and Robert Rauschenberg. Art is always a personal thing, and these artists really speak to me. When I am looking at their work, it moves me and inspires me to create.

What training did you do to become an artist?

I graduated with an Arts degree from the Chelsea College of Arts in 1998. Two decades later, I graduated from the Kensington and Chelsea Art College in Abstract Expressionism and Abstract Vision. 

Your work has been shown all over Europe, and you are appearing later this year at START in the Saatchi Gallery London. Can you tell us a little about START and do your audiences differ from country to country?

It is my first time exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery and START Art Fair in London. The timing could not be better. It is an honour to be a part of this prestigious event and a chance to network with new artists as well as established ones. The fair is a global gathering of artists and gives new talent a chance to show their work. 

Last year my work was shown at the fifth Kunstmesse art fair in Leipzig, Germany. I do not think that the audiences differ. In every show that I have been a part of, people have been enthusiastic and inspiring. 

https://www.startkx.com/exhibitions/

What advice would you give to a young artist starting out?

It is not easy at all to be an artist seeking recognition, especially in these modern ages, where social media platforms are making a colossal and gigantic difference in the careers of artists. I’m one of them! I want to be recognised by the public and by the established art scene. I want my artwork and my abstract visual language on our new modern living expressionism to be taken seriously as another important artist legacy and statement. The advice is only one. Don’t stop working even in times when it seems you aren’t going anywhere. If we don’t stop working, we’ll arrive somewhere, and that is inevitable. If you don’t stop creating you will arrive somewhere – a good place or a not-so-good place – but you’ll arrive somewhere!

How do you think COVID has affected the arts and LGBTQ community in general?

I have seen artists, where I have my studio, for instance, leaving their studios because they cannot afford the rent or because they have lost their other jobs, the direct income support of their lives. It is unfortunately sad, but on the other side, I have seen so many artists making sales over the internet and on social media platforms. Some of them did exceptionally well. 

Do you think that with apps like Grindr and Scruff being so popular, romance is dying?

Inevitably, yes. The technology of these sex and social apps on our phones completely eradicate so many vital personal elements of each one of us. From educational factors to responsible factors and so on, this new way of interaction between us has changed so profoundly that romance has become an old-fashioned item, not even vintage!     

Some of our best British artists have been LGBTQ, from Francis Bacon, David Hockney to sculptress Maggie Hambling. How much does your sexuality influence your artwork?

I have heard so many different views and opinions about my work being too connected with my sexuality. There are people from galleries from the art world itself, saying that it is 100% related to and influenced by my sexuality. I just let them talk and say what they want. 

I would say between 50% to 70% is undoubtedly associated with my sexuality. But there are quite significant elements which come from my art studies and the art research that I attach to my creativity.

How does your family feel about your work?

My parents still live in Portugal. My dad is the silent type, and my mum is vocal about her love of my art. They are both proud. My sister lives in Oxford, and she is a huge fan, I am hoping she will be at START. I am one of six children, and we are all proud of one another.

What would you like to see happening in the art world in the future?

I would like to see myself happening more, actually. I would like to see myself coming out as a more established artist, flourishing and gaining recognition worldwide. Yes, it’s all about me! Well, why not? 

QUICKFIRE ROUND

Your favourite restaurant in London?

Right now, Sexy Fish in Mayfair. Amazing Asiatic food.

The one thing you find to be a turn off in others?

Their selfish, cynical side that makes them think they can always get away without doing the work. 

The most romantic place in London?

I think London is a very romantic city, but for me, Chelsea Embankment is a more private environment. It is so romantic. 

What is one thing you would change about London if you were the mayor for a day?

As Mayor of London for just one day, I think I would want to make all galleries and transport free .

What is your favourite film?

Well, I used to have a favourite film, The Bridges of Madison County with Meryl Streep, but now I have so many. So, now anything with Cate Blanchett for me is a good movie. She is my new obsession! 

www.pedrosousalouro.co.uk