BIG, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL: COLOURFUL WORLD OF ANJINI PRAKASH LAITU

From abstract interpretations of cities that left a mark on him, Anjini Prakash Laitu has a penchant for sharing delightful stories, whether on canvas or on any other surfaces. With his warm personality and passion for art, Anjini Laitu has, over the years, become an eminent figure in the UAE art scene, and his modernist abstraction artworks have made their way into many exhibits, including solo, local and international shows at many prestigious art galleries, and art fairs.

"Smile comes with Colors."​That has been his moto since the time he started painting. His paintings, which he calls ‘Colors’, are generated from the vibrations of Positive Energy, which he wishes to pass on to masses through his canvases.

Interview with Anjini Prakash Laitu

Q1. Can u tell us a bit about vision from your abstractions?

A1. From my childhood, I was fond of going to galleries and watching large colorful paintings. I developed liking for M.F. Hussain to whom I had been meeting in, Delhi – Coffee House or Dhomi Mid Art Gallery. This was the period when I bought some of his paintings on portraits, enlarged them using square technique and painted them on canvas, the copying and recreation continued for some time when I joined Sharjah Art Institute. I realized that copying any painter’s art is not giving me the satisfaction I needed. I developed the same feeling for copying from photographs, nature, landscapes, human figure etc.…I wanted to create something which is new and can call it my creation. Creation, which is made by me, which no one can call copy. Accordingly, I started experimenting with colors, forms and compositions with still, speed, motion etc.… Here I realized that this is what I wanted to satisfy my inner soul. After that in never looked back.

Q2. Your paintings are mostly abstract, but where did this imaginary come from?

A2. I do not start my paintings with any theme or direction. I love colors and begin putting them on the canvas. These colors on canvas create some type of relationship with me and they guide me to develop further. My brush, knife, fork, squeezy etc. make the canvas more dramatic.

Q3. How would you describe your style of artwork?

A3. My style is abstract, which is not directed by some guidelines and theories.

“I love bright colours, I believe they carry a lot positive energy and bring good luck,” says Laitu

Q4. Your pieces are incredibly hands-on. What is your process when making a painting? Do you have a structured plan for compositions, or do you work instinct?

A4. Sometimes I prefer playing with start lines or shapes like rectangles or cubes which are in flow, segment or show speed. As I say, when I paint, all is not in my control. Some divine power guides me and I feel myself only as an instrument.

Q5. Your work has been described as “Colors”, and they are incredibly complex and energetic. Would you describe them as emotional? And if so, do they reflect your own emotions?

A5. I do not think my paintings have any other emotion other than JOY and Happiness, that is why I call them “COLORS’ of joy. My paintings must create relationship with you, give you positive energy, bring joy to you and if it does not, I have not done my job properly. Purpose of my colors poured on canvas is to bring happiness, happiness, and happiness only, nothing else.

Q6. Why is painting the best medium for you to explore your idea and concepts?

A6. From my childhood during late forties and early fifties, I was given impression that dance, drama, music, paintings etc. were not a welcome proposition in decent educated families. Painters were often translated as signboard painters. As we developed as an independent civilized nation things changed. My earlier urge to become a painter materialized after my retirement in 2001 – 2002 when I decided to join art institute for a 3-year course in Sharjah. After that course, I got encouragement from Ministry of Culture, Sharjah when I did my two one man shows in their cultural club. There were widely covered in then cultural management and Sharjah TV.

Q7. What does it feel like to exhibit your work in several gallery settings and have people interpret it?

A7.I do not name my paintings. They all are known as colors. I feel, in abstract theme is a pleasure of seeing the paintings acc to your personality and translate it. I do not think it is wise to force your audience to enjoy the work as per the painters wish They must be free to enjoy the pleasure of colors the way they like.

"It’s moments of COLOURS like these that the artist lives for; moments when his art becomes a source of joy. Anjini Laitu - Continuing the Legacy ."- says Jesno Jackson