Wonders of Nature have been a relentless supply of inspiration for senior artist DP Sibal owing to a childhood spent amid Nature and his ecological concern. The pandemic could have confined the 86-year-old artist indoors, however artwork has saved him going. “Painting during lockdown is a kind of mental tonic; it helps to soothe nerves and make peace with circumstances,” says Sibal over a name from Delhi. The artist has additionally created some work together with his grandson. “I plan to display our works,” he shares.
Born in Sargodha (now in Pakistan), Sibal’s journey in artwork started at 5 when the household moved to Dinga (now in district Gujrat, Pakistan).; there, he was enamoured by the plush inexperienced countryside and stargazing“The night sky dazzled with billions of stars and one could see the milky way,” he recollects with child-like enthusiasm. From partitions of his home to pages on train books… all was a canvas for the little boy’s medium of expression.
After Partition, because the household moved to India, Sibal’s creative pursuit continued and took him to London and Europe the place he was launched to works of masters.. From the Louvre Museum (‘where I saw the Mona Lisa’) and the Moulin Rouge (‘I could feel the works of Henri de Tolouse- Lautrec in the foyer’) in Paris and the Tate Gallery in London the place John Hay Witney’s assortment of work have been exhibited within the early ’60s, created a long-lasting impression. “I paint in a way that everyone understands my themes, appreciate Nature but also preserve it,” he says.
Music additionally performed a major function within the artist’s life as he drew inspiration from listening to western classical musical carried out by Thomas Beecham, Malcolm Sargent and Otto Klemprer on the Royal Festival Hall, London. He recollects his interplay with Bertrand Russell on the streets of London the place he noticed Russell carry a ‘Ban the bomb’ placard; that decided he would paint Nature and Environment. “Experiencing the beautiful countryside and mountains of Ireland and Switzerland made me think about peace and environment which I express through my artworks. Balance of Nature has to be maintained; development without destruction should be the aim,” he provides.
Sibal’s canvases are a medium to boost consciousness of Nature and the setting. Besides designing the emblem for ‘40 years of Development’ for UNDP, his artworks have been adopted by WHO, Indian Council for Child Welfare and Thalassemics India for greeting playing cards. Art displays his love for Nature and his focus now could be to unfold the message of preserving it for future generations.
He had digital exhibitions for the current World Environment Day and took part in artwork webinars. Reflecting on COVID-19 he says, “The lockdown period was stressful especially for senior citizens but painting worked as a stressbuster. People’s appreciation is also inspiring. I feel young at heart because of my love for art,” he indicators off.
