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Poorna Rajpal

Born in New Delhi, Poorna Rajpal had her formal education in fine arts from Edexel (Distant Learning) UK and took her graduation in visual arts from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore in 2006. Poorna experiments with a variety of mediums and her installations done in acrylic cast brought her critical acclamation. She makes three dimensional paintings using written language as her imagery. She writes and over writes words and sentences using thick acrylic paint and later remove the base so that the thickened paint can stand on its own. In her drawings, she deals with spaces using graphic lines. Currently she lives and works in Gurgaon, a satellite town of New Delhi.

When did Poorna Rajpal realize that she had an artistic bend?

I am told by my parents that very early in my childhood I displayed an inclination towards the creative field. In school the teachers encouraged me when they saw my potential. This along with the satisfaction and enjoyment that I got on creating art pushed me into pursuing art as a main subject in school and then graduating in the same.

Who initiated her into serious art?

I would say that my teachers during college as well as my parents played a vital role in reinforcing my decision to pursue art seriously. There have also been shows that have blown me away and left me in awe and fascination, urging me to create.

Where did she study art and how was training like?

I completed my graduation from NAFA, Singapore. The learning experience there was immense. Art history as well as the contemporary art scene was an integral part of the training.  Apart from the various techniques and media that we were taught, the in depth research, vast exploration and experimentation involved during the creation of works was something that I personally found enriching.  We made educational trips to various countries which helped in widening my perspective.

How does she explain her works done during the BFA?

My works during BFA reflect my growth as a person and as an artist. Each work, each drop of paint has been an integral part of not only my progress but also has played an important role in giving birth to a new piece of art.

How did art history influence her?

I find that art history helps create a strong foundation. To know what has been done, the various movements and developments over time, subconsciously gives a structure to our thoughts. It is inspiring and is also a source of reference.

How does she explain her current practice?

My works are essentially conceptual and text based. I incorporate a lot reflective and automatic writing in my works. The plasticity of acrylic is the source of my current inspiration. My works are centered around testing the limits of the medium.

What does she think about art market?

The art market is a boon to the art fraternity. It has brought about art awareness and has also created resources for artists, allowing leverage for experimentation. There is greater exposure and the talent of many is being recognized. But I also think that ones spirit to create should not get curbed and what one creates should not be confined by the idea of “saleable art” or “trend”.

Where do we see Poorna Rajpal in the coming years?

I would like to make a mark in the contemporary art scene. Enjoying the process of creating and exhibiting.