Reverberation from Nirakar Aakar by Nikheel Aphale
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
What does a stunning work of calligraphy evoke in you? For most, it’s an admiration for the artist’s creativity and sense of aesthetics, however for artist Nikheel Aphale, it is usually a medium to convey increased ideas of humanity, spirituality and divinity.
The Bengaluru-based artist who makes use of the Devanagari script in his work, says when he first started dabbling in calligraphy he would use Latin as properly, since these have been two languages he had learnt in school. “After attending a few exhibitions and international events, I realised Indian scripts are so beautiful and we are blessed to have a spectrum of languages. The world knows of Japanese or Persian calligraphy, but not about Indian scripts. That is when I decided to focus solely on Devanagiri so the world could know its magnificence,” says Nikheel.
Nikheel Aphale
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
According to Nikheel, there may be a lot we will find out about life from Indian scripts. “I corelate concepts such as humanity and unity in diversity with our use of grammar. For example, there are no silent letters in Devanagiri, which tell me everybody has a voice and a right to their opinion. Second, there are no uppercase or lowercase alphabets — everybody is on the same level — denoting equality,” he says.
“Finally, the jodakshar or joint alphabets show a symbiotic relationship where we help each other form a meaningful word,” he provides.
A detailed have a look at Nikheel’s work reveals a world within words. “I believe in going beyond what is usually seen and presenting this script in a contemporary manner,” he says, elaborating on the title of his present, Nirakar Aakar (Formless Form). “There are a few concepts which are difficult to describe so I try to depict or give form to them with my art.”
The Big Joint Family from Nirakar Aakar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Divinity and spirituality are two different ideas Nikheel presents on this present. “Everyone’s understanding of the divine is different. My perception of gods and goddesses stem from the stories I heard from my grandmother. Using just letter forms I have created what Ganesha is to me, while another piece titled Anjani Suta is my idea of how Hanuman as a child wanted to catch the sun thinking it was a red ball.”
Yet, these depictions should not apparent, says Nikheel, except one is searching for them. His sequence on Spirituality are in regards to the common message of compassion, freedom and concord, he provides.
Though the 34 items on show have been particularly created for this present, “They are a continuation of my ongoing practice,” says the artist who not solely makes use of calligraphy ink, brushes and instruments, but in addition improvises with “scotch brite, tooth brushes and coconut husk” amongst different issues to specific himself on paper.
Parikrama by Ganesha from Nirakar Aakar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Such gravitas was not at all times a part of his work. The former graphic designer immersed himself in full-time calligraphy in 2010 as his cross time grew to become a ardour. “It began when I used to doodle to while away time when I was working in Delhi. I was living away from home and practising calligraphy as a hobby.”
“I started posting my work on my blog; the positive feedback and responses from a few international calligraphy artists encouraged me to keep working on this,” he says, including he quickly started placing his expertise to “functional use” by decoratively penning content material for household and associates.
“It was wonderful to see my letters take on different forms. That is how it all began,” he says, including his inspiration comes from the script itself. “I am obsessed with the form of Devanagiri letters.”
Nirakar Aakar might be on show at Bangalore International Centre until April 28. It can even be on view on-line on www.artisera.com till May 12, 2024.
Nikheel Aphale
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
In Tune from Nirakar Aakar by Nikheel Aphale
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Navigating Challenges from Nirakar Aakar by Nikheel Aphale
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement