A multifarious artist, a visionary art strategist, an innovator of designs and a soulful motivational speaker, Delhi based visual artist Neerajj Mittra is an inspiration for young and senior artists alike. Read this excerpt of a heartful tete-a-tete with Neerajj Mittra.
Neerajj Mittra
Visual Artist, Art Strategist, Design Innovator & Motivational Speaker
What inspired you to become an artist?
I was lucky to be born in the family of artists. My father graduated from College of Art, New Delhi in 1950s and I joined the same college in early 90’s. My mother was a self-taught landscape painter had an art school in Karnal where I also used to go with her often. Brushes, clay& colours were my childhood buddies, I was born in the environment of art. In other words, I was born in the world of inspiration.
How have you developed your career as an artist?
Being an artist is very challenging and on the other hand a rewarding one too. My success mantra an artist is to keep flowing, be spontaneous and have a spirit of ‘Why Not’. Come whatever may, continue creating, one has to be continuously in touch with the art world, artists. Open dialogues with oneself and communication with the fellow art fraternity help you nurture your own creativity, enhance your vision and also given you strong rooted ground to grow as an artist.
Artist and Curator both.. Tell us your secrets!!
There is no secret as such, just be in tune with what you love to do. Art is my whole being, my soul and curation is my passion and I love to support the art fraternity especially young creative geniuses.
What is your basis for analysing the artwork?
Originality,concept, treatment and story behind the creation and artist’s journey.
As a curator how do you promote artists ?
I design the show by knowing the artist first, his or her strength, and weakness. I try to understand their struggle, their inspiration, their vision and the journey of art. My curation has a personal touch, from curatorial notes, to directing the digital films and graphics I involve myself at each and every stage, and I personally design and monitor the display of the art works in the gallery with the help of team. Social media and technology arevery powerful tools of 21stand I use them a lot to reach out to art lovers, artists and art platforms all around the world.
What inspires your creativity when planning an exhibition?
I connect with the art and artistand I strongly believe that the art needs to be take to the masses and this feeling motivates me, it inspires me a lot. I love the feeling I get when an artwork is appreciated be it mine or of my fellow artists.
Do you see the global appaeal, the potential to be displayed in exhibitions worldwide in the artworks on Nawras portal?
There is a saying, that talent never goes unnoticed. Yes, definitely I feel that the way Nawras is providing the platform to showcase good artworks by many talented artists on board I am optimistic that it’s just the matter of time when these beautiful artworks will be cherished by the art lover around the globe.