30/09/2024
IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder... At some point in our lives, we've all been in some way lured by this idea. But how rarely did we mean to apply this in our everyday lives? Not all, but artist Tulika's vision certainly embodied this thought. Growing up in Kolkata and amongst people who have forever inspired her artistic inclination, Tulika's journey is indeed an example to be remembered. She often mentions that she is a homemaker. But from what her imagination shows, and from what we can witness, she is much more than that. As an eco-artist, her artworks convey her thoughtfulness, displaying her ability to use discarded foliage to create stories that are inspired by Nature. And through this, she finds a way to pause and reflect on the world around us, to recognise the potential of the forgotten.
Like any other homemaker, her day usually starts early, tending to her household chores. But unlike most, it doesn’t end there. She immerses herself in her art, transforming her living space into a sanctuary of creativity. Her tools? Fallen leaves, dried flowers, twigs—things that others would sweep away without a second thought. It's like Nature herself gifts her with a vibrant palette, urging her to dig deep and bring out the best of her creations. Tirelessly, Tulika collects, arranges and weaves together from Nature's castaways a symphony of art that speaks volumes in its quiet simplicity.
Moreover, not only for herself, Tulika's art
has become a source of renewal for many older women, offering them a creative outlet they never knew they needed. Through her gentle guidance, they find joy in crafting something meaningful from the overlooked, just as Tulika does. In a way, she’s not only preserving nature’s beauty but also helping others rediscover their own—proving that creativity, like life, has no expiration date. And perhaps, most importantly, she shows us that art is not something apart from life but woven into the fabric of everyday existence, waiting to be found.
Story of Tulika Bandyopadhyay
Written & Clicked by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo Edited by Abhishek Av