Interviewer:
How did your alma mater, The College of Art, New Delhi, shape your artistic journey?
Hemraj:
My time at The College of Art, New Delhi, was truly transformative. I had the privilege of being taught by renowned artists such as Mr. Jai Zharotia, Mr. Vijay Mohan, Mr. Dhiraj Choudhary, and Mr. Rajesh Mehra, among others. These gurus deeply influenced my artistic development. When I first entered college, I wasn’t particularly strong in drawing and painting compared to my classmates. However, by the time I graduated, I received the prestigious Pt. Ravi Shankar Award, which was given to the best student of the college. It was a testament to the growth I experienced during those years.
Interviewer:
What inspired your transition from representational art to abstract art?
Hemraj:
I didn’t consciously choose abstract art; it was a natural progression, a reflection of my artistic growth. Initially, I was captivated by realistic and figurative painting. But as I mastered these techniques, I found myself gradually shifting towards abstraction. It wasn’t a decision I made; it was more like the art itself evolved within me.
Interviewer:
Your work has been exhibited globally, including at the Bill Lowe Gallery in America and Galleria Müller & Plate in Germany. How do you perceive the international response to your art?
Hemraj:
Displaying my art internationally has been a remarkable experience. Exhibiting my work around the world, especially at prestigious galleries like Bill Lowe in America, where they sold many of my paintings, has been very rewarding. In Munich, my paintings are still displayed in several homes. It’s a great honor to see my work resonate with people globally.
Interviewer:
Winning the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi is a significant achievement. How did this recognition impact your career?
Hemraj:
I was ecstatic when I received the news from Lalit Kala Akademi in Delhi. It was a wonderful moment, but I’ve made it a point not to let this recognition go to my head. I believe that allowing such accolades to define me could lead to complacency, and as an artist, that’s something I must avoid to keep growing.
Interviewer:
Your solo booth at the India Art Fair 2014 was a milestone. Share your experience and the response to your work.
Hemraj:
When Mr. Uday Jain approached me about having a solo booth at the India Art Fair, I was thrilled. It was a significant experience, and I even created an 8’x6’ painting live, in front of viewers. I also gifted a few paper works to those who attended. The interaction with the audience and the immediate response to my work was deeply fulfilling.
Interviewer:
Your art encourages viewers to move beyond intellect and find stillness. Can you elaborate on this philosophy?
Hemraj:
Absolutely. My compositions are designed to captivate the viewer, to make them lose themselves in the painting. The goal is for them to find a moment of stillness, to become one with the art. My paintings are more about the experience they create, rather than just being visually appealing.
Interviewer:
How do you respond to critics who seek to interpret or decode your abstract art?
Hemraj:
My paintings are challenging to decode because they aren’t meant to be intellectually analyzed or critiqued in a conventional sense. If someone tries to interpret or criticize my work, the essence of the painting might just disappear for them. My art isn’t about decoding; it’s about becoming part of the experience.
Interviewer:
Your artistic process involves layering and textures. What inspires this technique?
Hemraj:
This technique is inspired by memories from my grandmother’s home. The walls were made of mud, and they had this thick, textured surface that always fascinated me. I’ve incorporated that texture into my art as a way of connecting with those early memories.
Interviewer:
Do you believe your art conveys messages or emotions, or is it an exploration of the unknown?
Hemraj:
During my college years, there was a strong emphasis on art having a specific message or emotion. However, I’ve moved beyond that concept. My paintings are created from a place that transcends both mind and heart. They are an exploration of something much deeper, something that cannot be easily articulated.
Interviewer:
How do you see your contribution to the Indian contemporary art scene?
Hemraj:
I’m not certain about my exact contribution, but I know that my art is created for the human soul. It aims to have a detoxifying effect on the soul, which I believe is a significant contribution to contemporary art.
Interviewer:
Your recent doodles on paper continue to explore abstraction. What prompted this new series?
Hemraj:
These aren’t just doodles; they are real art. When I’m exploring something new, I tend to work extensively on paper. It’s part of my growth process, a way for me to experiment and evolve artistically.
Interviewer:
How do you balance creativity with the commercial aspect of the art world?
Hemraj:
I don’t think about the commercial aspect when I’m creating art. If I were to focus on that, my work wouldn’t have the same authenticity. My priority is always the creative process, not the commercial outcome.
Interviewer:
Who or what influences your artistic expression?
Hemraj:
I’m regularly inspired by both contemporary and tribal art. These forms of art have a profound impact on my work and continue to influence my expression.
Interviewer:
How do you envision your legacy in the art world?
Hemraj:
My art doesn’t belong to this world alone; it encompasses all worlds. My art itself is the legacy I leave behind in the art world.
Interviewer:
Any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’d like to share with us?
Hemraj: Currently, I’m planning to exhibit my latest sculptures. These works are deeply connected to the concept of space, blending into it as sugar dissolves in water. It’s an exciting new direction for me.
