Vinita Vasu


Vinita Vasu is a self-taught woman visual artist and designer in Delhi, India. She directed a short film, Beaming Blossom which, at the Children's International Cine Festival in 2016, won a 'Special Festival Mention Award'.

Introduction

In a career spanning over a decade, Vasu has worked in paint and varied media. She paints on walls, on fabrics, on canvas, paper, fiber-glass, on bottles and boards, and even on pebbles and stones. Born in Kerala, and brought up in Delhi, – Vasu won all the art competitions she participated in, during her school years. However she could not pursue a degree in fine art education. Her untrained expression also lends her art a distinctive freshness and purity. As Vasu herself explains: "In my works colours, shapes and patterns are used to celebrate the journey of life." Each of her creations emerges from the depths of her soul, her inner consciousness. "Although my consciousness is the fundamental source of all my creations, it reflects the phenomenal visual experience of body, mind and soul."
Vinita Vasu’s rendition of women dwells on the face – and the woman characters never cry, never give up, never complain. Vivid with positivity and brimming with passion, they seem to convey happiness and hope. The colourful pebbles narrate their own story; as do the black-and-white pen-and-ink renderings. The coloured pebble stones thus are seen in a smaller arrangement that works as a tealight holder, while getting composed into a large and beautiful panel for a space separator. The monochromatic pen-and-inks are thought-provoking expressions of Vasu’s mind and soul represented in an abstract format.
Stylistically, Vasu’s art is contemporary, and is defined by a combined expression of abstract and figurative compositions. Very active on the Delhi art scene since 2006, Vinita Vasu has exhibited her work in solo and group shows, conducted workshops, and carved a niche for herself in the world of contemporary Indian artists.

Woman in Vinita

Vinita Vasu explores the subject of womanhood, with much passion. In a series of themed paintings called ‘Feminine Fables’, a woman is depicted as a pillar of strength and a beacon of positivity, who conquers many challenges and emerges victorious, battling against all odds. Her multifaceted role in contemporary society sees her bringing forth a fresh perception into life and living. And that is the spirit Vasu celebrates.
Even the women with their heads covered by the traditional ghunghat do not represent their subservience, according to Vasu. "The ghunghat is not only a form of giving respect, but the woman who wears it also commands respect. These are women with hopes, desires and dreams of their own." Of course, there are restrictions and limitations for women in society, and even today we have not been able to set ourselves free from the shackles imposed by society. "There are bondages of various kinds that women everywhere face. In Delhi, where I come from, women cannot walk free at night without fear. But I look at the positive side, at the hope that these women bear rather than dwelling on the dark side." Therefore, the women in Vasu’s paintings despite being seen in domestic settings and enclosed by walls, depict a powerful, sensuous personality.

Exhibitions

Thy Mistike Shi, solo show at The Capitol Lounge, Hotel Ashoka, Chanakyapuri, 2011.