Charismatic Chiaroscuro by Meena Chopra

Charismatic Chiaroscuro by Meena Chopra

(44 Poems, 80 Art Images, 78 Art Video Films through QR codes)

My artistic essence intertwines nature’s beauty, mythology, traditions, and history with the modern, fast-evolving world. I revel in the interplay of light and darkness, celestial mysteries, and contemporary landscapes. My abstract creativity thrives on dissolving boundaries—old and new, traditional and modern, myth and reality—balancing static and dynamic forces of life.

Many poems in this collection draw inspiration from my digital artworks and life experiences. Each featured image includes a QR code, linking to video art for a comprehensive, interactive experience. The digital art originates from my oil-on-canvas works from 1987, showcased in my second solo exhibition at Gallery Aurobindo, New Delhi, in 1988. Through digital manipulation, these pieces merge past and present, offering a fresh perspective on timeless themes.

In April 2023, Prof. Sukrita Paul Kumar, a renowned poet and literary scholar, encouraged me to write poetry inspired by my paintings. Initially hesitant, I embraced the challenge, crafting poetry that complements but does not describe my art. This experiment sparked a new creative journey, blending two artistic expressions while preserving their uniqueness.

Shadows have fascinated me since childhood in Nainital, a hill resort nestled in the Himalayas. I was mesmerized by shifting silhouettes of trees, hills, and houses reflected in the tranquil Naini Lake. This natural chiaroscuro profoundly shaped my creative vision. Light defines darkness, and darkness lends depth to light—contrasts that echo through life, revealing myriad shades and nuances.

Like any artwork, life’s canvas relies on the balance of negative and positive spaces. Through poetry, static digital art, and video art, I explore this dynamic interplay. Subtle personal experiences add abstraction to my work, creating a hybrid of artistic expressions infused with lifelong influences. This immersive, multisensory journey fuses words, pixels, and imagery into a seamless shadow play, capturing life’s multiplicity.

Meena Chopra

Art has been both my diagnosis and remedy, guiding me through moments of joy and sorrow. Shadows whisper secrets to me, offering solace in their mystery. True healing demands embracing darkness alongside light. Art’s role is to illuminate the hidden and foster reconciliation—not just personally but across civilizations and generations.

My digital and video art emerged through playful experimentation with Gimp, VSDC, and other apps, leading to moments of aesthetic ecstasy. Words and colors interwove organically, sometimes poetry inspiring images and other times the reverse. This embryonic process transported me beyond myself or grounded me in deep detachment, blurring the lines between thought and creation.

I am delighted to present this intimate, multimedia collection, inviting you to explore the interplay of light and shadow within Charismatic Chiaroscuro. May you uncover the hidden depths of our shared human experience within its pages.

Website: https://www.meenachopra.art/

Author’s Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/119307501464053/

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Setu, February 2025