The City's Pulse
Urban sketching offers a dynamic way to immortalize a city's living essence, as seen through the meticulous pen and ink work of artist Avidip Kundu. His
process involves translating fleeting moments – a tram gliding past, historical structures like Laha Bari standing tall, or even a festive car parked along Bidhan Sarani – directly onto his sketchbook. This method captures more than just the visual landscape; it encapsulates the palpable atmosphere and the very rhythm of Kolkata. Kundu emphasizes that this form of art inherently absorbs the environment and the temporal context of its creation, making each sketch a unique snapshot in time. The artist's dedication stems from a deep-seated passion for his subject, believing that true artistry flourishes when fueled by genuine affection for the place being depicted.
A Lifelong Muse
Avidip Kundu's artistic journey began with a singular focus: Kolkata, rendered through pen and ink. His formative years in North Kolkata provided a rich wellspring of inspiration, drawing from the charm of its verandas, the iconic tramlines, and the venerable architecture that defines the cityscape. He finds that the rustic, vintage quality of Kolkata resonates beautifully with the deliberate strokes of pen and ink, often enhanced with subtle watercolour washes. Kundu shifted his dedicated focus to the city around 2007-08, a period when live sketching of Kolkata was less common. His artistic exploration has since expanded beyond celebrated landmarks to encompass the subtle, often overlooked details that contribute to the city's distinct character. He is driven by a desire to document these heritage elements, many of which are gradually fading, preserving not just buildings but the intrinsic spirit of Kolkata, including its trams, rickshaws, narrow lanes, and traditional verandahs.
Sketching in Motion
The practice of urban sketching fundamentally differs from studio-based art due to its immersive, live nature. Kundu describes it as a fusion of the subject matter and its surrounding environment, acknowledging that each city possesses its own distinct milieu – Kolkata's urban tapestry differs significantly from Mumbai or Delhi. Capturing this environmental essence presents a unique challenge, especially within the bustling energy of Kolkata. A significant hurdle for artists is finding adequate and comfortable public spaces to set up and draw, often necessitating work within considerable limitations. Nevertheless, this immediacy is precisely where the medium's strength lies. The artist's time spent at a particular location becomes intrinsically woven into the fabric of the artwork, imbuing it with the authentic reflection of that specific moment and its surrounding atmosphere. For Kundu, this entire endeavor is a personal act of devotion to Kolkata, a city he deeply loves and feels compelled to contribute to through his art.
The Unfolding Reality
Urban sketching authentically captures a city in its immediate state, incorporating elements like shifting natural light, the movement of tramways, and the constant ebb and flow of daily life directly into the artwork. This practice compels artists to engage in close observation, noticing details from balconies and tram tracks to the energetic rhythm of pedestrians navigating the streets. Each completed sketch serves as a vital visual chronicle of a city in transformation, safeguarding the nuances of neighborhood life and architectural features that might otherwise be lost to time. However, creating art outdoors demands flexibility, requiring artists to adapt to the city's dynamic pace, contending with crowds, passing traffic, and the presence of curious onlookers. Working within confined spaces and under ever-changing conditions, artists must rely on speed and spontaneity to translate their observations effectively.
