Datti Kaur

Artworks

Maghar
Natural pigments and gouache on hemp paper
86 x 63 cm

Bhadon
Natural pigments and gouache on hemp paper
86 x 63 cm

Artist statement

Indian classical music and philosophy have intertwined themselves intricately into the very essence of my being, infusing my perception of existence, and my art, with a profound sense of depth and contemplation.

My artistic journey has been guided by the soulful melodies and philosophies innate within Indian classical music, leading me to deeply appreciate the detailed and sophisticated beauty of Indian miniature painting. Just as the Ragas (musical measures) evoke a myriad of emotions and narratives, I seek to create artworks that reflect Nature in its truest essence, weaving
together elements of the diversity within creation, inviting the viewer on a path of discovery and wonder that resonates deeply with the soul.

In my second-year MA project at The School of Traditional Arts, I have created two expansive paintings aiming to capture the essence of the Autumn and Monsoon seasons from the Barhamaha poetry, a rich tapestry of verses about the twelve seasonal months woven into the fabric of Indian literature. Specifically influenced by the Rejhastani school of miniature
painting from the book “Gardens and Cosmos”, my artworks encompass vibrant colours, intricate elements, and allegorical messages.

The Barahmahe poetry reveals The Divine as an omnipresent force, seamlessly integrated into the natural world and the human soul. Through its rhythmic pattern, it beckons us to contemplate the sacredness inherent in all existence. In my paintings I aspire to reflect the Divine as reflected in the diversity of Nature; a kaleidoscope of landscapes, flora, fauna, animals, celestial beings, cosmology, and seasonal elements are depicted. The aim is to try to ensure that the viewer sees The Divine solely through the primal beauty of the natural world. I seek to create a visually sacred realm where one can find solace, knowing that a singular life force is all-pervading on our journey through the world’s ever shifting landscapes. Each
season is a testament to the eternal dance of creation, sustenance, and dissolution, mirroring the harmonious interplay of masculine and feminine energies. In my interpretation, humanity also becomes a vessel of the divine; I demonstrated this by including two small figures within the landscape, acknowledging our minuteness as we observe the grandeur of The Divine’s
many forms.

Through my art, I invite viewers to immerse themselves in this sacred dialogue between humanity and nature, Drawing upon the evocative imagery and emotive language of Barahmaha poctry along with the principles of rhythm, harmony, and narrative depth found in Indian classical music, I intertwine layers of imagery and symbolism to construct landscapes that are not merely static compositions, but living, breathing worlds waiting to be explored. I seek to evoke the same sense of wonder, nostalgia, and introspection found in Barahmaha poctry, Indian classical music and Indian miniature techniques in order to experience the
timeless beauty of universal themes of love, longing, and renewal.

Biography

Datti earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia, Canada, before furthering her studies in High School Art Education, qualifying as a teacher in the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Growing up as a diasporic Indian in Singapore, and continuing her academic journey in Canada and now in London, Datti views art as a means of connecting with her cultural roots and personal history. Her deep passion for exploring her heritage led her to pursue a Master’s degree at the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, focusing on Indian Miniature painting. Influenced by poets of the Sikh, Sufi, and Bhakti movements, particularly the Barahamaha poetry, Datti’s artwork invites viewers to immerse themselves in rich landscapes and discover their own interpretation of the omnipresent Divine within nature and themselves.

Contact

Instagram @dattikaur
Email dattikaur99@gmail.com