natasha preenja volume 2, 2006, #028

natasha preenja is an artist/illustrator from india. in 2005 she completed a MFA at the college of art in new delhi. she is interested in fashion, textile design, printmaking, silkscreen and digital art, and has exhibited her work in the sub-continent and elsewhere. she says that she wants to "go through life by [her] art works, which is the most amazing mode of expression" … it all seems to be going to plan, given that by her own admission she presently spends every day of her life painting.

1. how would you explain 'art' - in 19 words or less? art is anything that stems from human's creative side.

2. what is the first work of art you ever loved? i was strongly influenced by the 'the kiss' by klimt. i love his work and they are very interesting.

3. how important is theory to your art? behind every piece of art there is a thought process and logic. it is then a connection is made between the artist and the artwork. to understand this connection theory is very much important.

4. describe your ideal art workspace. a beach-facing huge studio with large windows, white walls, wooden flooring, my stereo (music non-stop), a futon (to relax when i am tired), a well-equipped kitchen, computer, and all my art material.

5. describe your current art workspace. studio on the seventh floor with a balcony, futon, stereo, computer, a well-equipped kitchen, all art material in a wooden cupboard, and a wooden low-rise table.

6. if you could be placed in suspended animation and safely reanimated at some time in the future with the sole purpose being to see how history treated you / your art, would you do it?
well it sounds exciting to know what's in store in the future, but at the same time it's scary as there is always positive and negative to a situation. so i'd rather let it be a surprise! however, if given a chance i would like to know how my art is judged, treated.

7. who are some of your favourite artists (contemporary or canonical)? william morris: i am highly inspired by this amazing pattern designing and for bringing about a revolution in the design world. gustav klimt: 'the kiss', one of the best-known and loved decorative paintings in the history of art - it's a unique combination of ornaments, realism and sensuality, and leaves me spellbound. indian contemporary artists whose work i appreciate include a.ramachandran, t.vaikuntam, suimr tagra and jiten thukral (amazing stuff, canvas filled with small icons of animals - visit www.thukralandtagra.com), chitan upadhyay …

8. tell us about a gallery (online or physical space) that you think rocks, and why you think it rocks. i think one can get to view some rocking art works at www.bosedkdesign.com ... must check out this site as it's based on abuses, they have t-shirts, shoes and much more coming up. also their other site www.thukralandtagra.com - these young artists are producing amazing paintings. www.visualartgallery.com showcases india's contemporary artists and has an amazing and huge gallery space for exhibits. www.mattersofart.com is one of the most informative online art galleries for the latest updates of indian art. www.yenmag.net promotes young female illustrators and artists from all over the world - even i was apart of it in 2004 (the only indian to participate in curvy). www.semipermanent.com, www.diesel-new-art.com, www.empty.mag.com, www.smooch.com.au ... all of these online galleries provide a chance for artists to showcase their works online and to view artworks from different parts of the world.

9. would you choose the baked bean jaffle or the caramelised pumpkin and red onion tart with crispy radicchio and hazelnut salad with apple vinaigrette? i would choose the caramelized pumpkin for its sweetness and red onion tart with crispy radicchio and hazelnut salad with apple vinaigrette for its flavours, aroma and bright colour combination which would certainly increase my appetite.

10. finish this sentence: "the work of art can / cannot be considered separately to the artist because ________." the work of art cannot be considered separately to the artist because the work of art is the creation of the artist's subconscious mind … it comes from somewhere within, symbolising certain emotion such as love or hate, jealousy.

contact natasha at: natashapreenja[at]gmail[dotcom]

exquisite-3, acrylic, pen & ink on paper, 2006

masquerade-4, acrylic, pen & ink on paper, 2006

enchantment-5, acrylic, pen & ink on paper, 2006

enchantment-7, acrylic, pen & ink on paper, 2006

exquisite-1, acrylic, pen & ink on paper, 2006