Close Window

Vijaya Bagai

"Civilizations are built stroke by stoke, line after line, color upon color, brick over brick, wall along wall, house to house. Civilizations don't die, they re-invent themselves, opening up new avenues and bringing hidden perspectives into focus.

"My name is Vijaya Bagai and I was born in Bihar, but I grew up in Mumbai where I did my schooling and college. I had a keen interest in painting ever since I was child, and I remember my teacher would often put my work up on the board to encourage the rest of the students. This really gave me confidence, and I wanted to do more and more painting. But I had no intention to take it up as a profession, since my parents were not very keen on my decision to opt for painting as a career.

"I received a BA and Master's degree in history. However, while I was in the university I enrolled in Nwotan Kala Art School to satisfy my love for painting. I studied art and its many facets for two or three years. It was inevitable for me to be separated from painting. After I got married, I shifted base to Delhi, and this is when I decided to enter a prestigious school of art. Here I learned composition and all the technical methods of painting. In the early 1880s, I sold my first painting.

"My favorite subjects are historical and architectural. I love structures and am always trying to give life to the old buildings you see in most of my work. My academic background in history helps me understand more about my subjects. I often take inspiration by visiting sites and monumental ruins. The moment I start putting my hand to the canvas, I feel the canvas starts talking to me and the journey begins. I become lost in the world of my painting. The color scheme depends on my moods. I also sometimes feel my creativity comes from my mother, who in her day had a good hand in fine embroidery.

"Today, I am a satisfied person. I have a loving and supporting husband, as well as two beautiful children who constantly encourage me. My only hope is that my art continues to grow and develop."