Colours of Russia

Ludmilla Chakrabarty is an accidental artist. That’s not to take away from her art, but only to say that she didn’t train to be an artist. Born in the Russian province of Tver, Chakrabarty studied languages and taught English briefly, before marriage brought her to India. It’s in Delhi, where she’s been living for 12 years now, that her art has flourished, taking on new directions. “The bright colours and themes of India have obviously crept into my paintings,” Chakrabarty says over coffee at the Barista outlet in Khan Market.

Yellow, red, orange, blue — Chakrabarty’s canvases are a play of happy colours. Indian motifs such as the Warli stick figures, abound and there’s also some text in Sanskrit, but her paintings mesh these with an ineffable European quality. For instance, the figures in her upcoming show, remind one of Russian dolls.

A Point of Touch
Open Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road (August 30-September 5, 11 am-5 pm)