Uttaran De: freeze time or flow with it

It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.

In this short article we present Uttaran De, a young talented photographer from India.

How did find out about Whistle project and why did you decide to participate?

I found a post announcing this project in Facebook. I have always been fascinated with the abstraction of life and human mind. ‘Whistle project’ had the sides of life that strike my inner mind. Working with fear, superstition, vulnerability had always been my dream. This one seemed to be a good opportunity.

What intrigued you?

The abstract and vague nature of the theme was something that I was interested in. Moreover, it is about visual art, and its a project with no creative restrictions. The open field of exploration this project has to offer was certainly intriguing.

What was your workflow?

I never maintain a defined workflow in any of my work. In the case of photography, the first and foremost thing for me is the frame to be appealing. Having the subjects in my subconscious, I start shooting. Many shots were taken and edited in the process until reaching the final vision, I had in mind.

What was your artistic style, any influences? 

I always try to stay honest to my aesthetics. The way I think of my surroundings, the way I visualize my feelings and most importantly, the way I interpret myself; have been my approach to this. I am very much influenced by World cinema. When it comes to visual art, the first name that comes to me is Andrei Tarkovsky. He is the person I am mostly influenced by. Also, Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dali, is where I introduced myself to Surrealism. 

Do you believe in superstitions?

I personally don’t believe in superstition, but pose a kind of fascination about them. Throughout the history of mankind, superstition has been a thing that defines human behaviour. The boundary of a flesh and blood, our incapabilities, our beliefs and rituals make us humans, all marking the differences from one person to another. Superstitions may be unscientific, illogical, irrelevant; but no doubt, if they didn’t exist, the world would have been massively different.

What do you want people to see in your works?

Nothing. I honestly want the viewers to "see" my works on their own terms. I would rather request them to try and connect their feelings to the colours, tones and compositions. I believe, my works will create diverse opinions.

Can you make a comment on the idea of collective storytelling?

People are born in different places and situations. They grow up in different cultures. They experience things differently throughout their lives. Eventually, all of them have a unique mindset, a different point of view, contradicting opinions and personal aesthetics. Why do people find art interesting? They simply want to express themselves. The medium doesn't play a crucial role. Some like to freeze time, some try to flow with it. Different visuals trigger different emotional and hormonal effects to different people. That is what makes visual storytelling so fascinating. It has a collective nature, but unique in details. The story remains the same, expression changes.

Why should people support this project?

Whistle project is a great initiative. It connects all forms of visual art in one thread which is very important. People will learn many things about the forms of art and how all arts are the same thing, only dressed in different avatars. Art enthusiasts should also support the project.

Why go to the exhibition?

Nothing makes you more rich than witnessing the work of others. Going to the exhibition will expose one to various visuals and ideas. Constructive criticism and appreciation of artworks will help everyone grow, both as an artist and a human being.

Tell us a few words about the work you submitted to Whistle. How it is related to the story?

I don’t see my submissions as discrete artworks. All of them mostly project the fear and dark side of our world. They also have some elements hidden but with no further references. None of my work is firmly related to superstitions but they pose a sense of darkness within.

What is visual art for you?

For me visual art is a medium through which I can express myself to my satisfactions. It’s sometime delightful, sometimes distressing, but always appealing to me.

Why did you become a visual artist?

I found visual art to be the best way of presenting the inner self of mine. It gives me satisfaction and I love to work as well. That’s why learning and growing as a visual artist.

All the works created for WHISTLE project by Uttaran, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.

Uttaran De is a visual artist mainly working with film and photography. His fascination towards colours, tones, composition and abstraction is what influences his works. The nature of human mind and abstraction of world is what I cherish to work on.

Find Uttaran on FACEBOOK