CIMA Art Mela revealed another creative streak in Ayaan Ali Khan, who admitted to being “a painter... but a very amateur one. I just do it for myself”. Glancing at the paintings on display, he said he’s always had a fascination for sketching. “Since I was intrigued by Hindu mythology a lot, it had an impact on my artistic creativity. In fact in my admission test in school, I had drawn a Ganesha. I’ve had one or two painting exhibitions back in the day. They’re all of Ganeshas and of them playing the sarod. I do it only if it’s for a cause or for charity. I don’t think very highly of my work, but if it’s making some difference then I’m all there. Now I sketch for myself when I get the time and it’s turned a bit abstract but it’s a nice way of self-expression,” said Ayaan, smiling shyly.

Standing in front of Chandrima Roy’s canvases, the youngest sarod player in the family said: “The faces and expressions, specially of Ma Kali, are very powerful. They speak a lot about the devi and her shakti. You see very diverse sides of a woman. So many dimensions of who they are — the mother, a guru, a wife, a daughter-in-law — are expressed through these paintings.”

Ayaan was struck by Sadiqul Islam’s watercolours. “The watercolours are magical. The implementation and detailing is sheer genius. He’s just captured so much movement, what Calcutta is and its rhythm with beautiful use of watercolours. It’s poetry,” said Ayaan, as he went through the canvases one by one.

“I wish I was a painter but I see art through Ayaan’s eyes because of his keen interest. Painting is such a great way of expressing one’s own self, just like music and dancing. Paintings in a room give a certain warmth and positivity. I like that.... I don’t go by names but anything that is beautiful to the eye is a work of art. I’m amazed at the collection of paintings here and the price at which they have been made available. It makes the canvas very large,” said Subhalakshmi Khan.

The family browsed four small line drawings by Jogen Chowdhury and a painting by Ramananda Bandyopadhyay. “I like the subtlety and serenity in Ramananda Bandyopadhyay’s paintings and four of the Jogen Chowdhury paintings would look gorgeous together,” said Ayaan.

“It’s so nice to see so many beautiful paintings by young and old artists. There is always a very deep connection between music, colour, fragrance and I admire that. I like people portraits and scenery in paintings. Every painting has its own story and it is difficult to judge but I’m very fascinated and inspired by colours,” smiled Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, stopping by Shuvankar Moitra’s paintings while sipping on a bhaanr of tea.

The patachitra reminded Ayaan of the time “when Abba was conferred the Desikottam award. Some of these paintings were presented to him so we have a few at home. I think I’ve seen these in Santiniketan also.”

His next pick was Goutam Khamaru. “Very abstract, very unusual and very beautiful. Just look at the creativity! A painting such as this reminds us of the fact that we are in Bengal, the Mecca of creativity,” said Ayaan.

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Mainak Bhaumik and Riya sen loved the blending of modern and traditional

A Marilyn Monroe painting by Asim Pal stopped Riya Sen and Mainak Bhaumik in their tracks. “This block is quite unique! Nice,” smiled Riya. “In any visual space, Marilyn is an eye-grabber. This image of hers is iconic and its deconstruction in this painting is fascinating,” said Mainak. “The Art Mela is a really great opportunity to present variations of work to the public. Every year the new collections come like a revelation. I hope this continues the way it has and spreads more awareness about art,” he added.

Subhalakshmi Khan introduced Riya to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in between browsing paintings. “Are you and Raima twins?” quizzed Subhalakshmi. “No, but a lot of people think so,” smiled Riya.

“Is Moon Moon here?” asked Subhalakshmi. “No.... Mummy is in Delhi. She has to attend a few sessions in the Parliament,” said Moon Moon’s younger daughter.

Pictures: Rashbehari Das and Pabitra Das

CIMA Art Mela is on from November 28 to 30, 11am to 8pm, at CIMA Gallery, Sunny Towers, 43 Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue