His first experimental work was a landscape, done with a pin, though the light-and-shade effect was not what he wanted. Barooah then used a blade instead of a pin to scratch the bromide. It worked, and he has since been successfully using this technique to “create anything that comes to my mind”.

Barooah’s choice of canvas is the glossy paper that is used to print photographs. “As the surface is black, the effect of light and shade can be easily played up by scratching in a variety of strokes. Though it apparently looks easy, it is difficult to give shape to an object or figure without any sketch work. The slightest error can mess it up and one has to start afresh.”

The young artist’s notable creations include Jyotiprasad, Bishnu Rabha, The Apple, The Journey and Nach Meri Bulbul. He has held six exhibitions so far — in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Guwahati.

Barooah works for a Mumbai-based private firm and is settled in Guwahati. He plans to go abroad for “greater exposure” and has approached minister of state for culture Pranati Phukan for help. “The culture department has responded very positively to my request and I am looking forward to their cooperation,” he said.