“Through my work, I try to address the issues of drastic socio-cultural and economic changes that have happened at different stages in history. My work is also, eventually, an outcome of human crisis.  Issues like migration and displacement, alienation and insecurity are deep factors that influence my body of art.”

I incorporate images of sculptures, buildings and places from different eras in my paintings. Putting together these combinations is reminiscent of the past as well as a reflection of the present, drenched in concern for the future. The places I visit and the people I meet on my travels, their lives and surroundings are often part of my paintings. And I do not distinguish between rural and urban areas in my works, rather I try to transcend the boundaries of different eras and countries by merging them with elements of contemporary events.

Currently I am working on a series of works titled ‘Little Dreams’.  Images of small sculptures have become part of these paintings. Originally these sculptures were created by my son during the Corona lockdown period. He was six years old at that time. After making each sculpture, he would ask me to draw it. Sometimes, these sculptures are placed in the kitchen, balcony or under the plants even in the bedroom and many other places. I started painting those sculptures for him and later they became part of my paintings. I felt as a child, full of joy while drawing the small figurines of the cartoon characters he made. These sculptures remind me of those days of lockdown, with limited freedom and confined to the interior of a room. They are the reflection of the sickness, fear, hunger, survival and isolation of that time as well as small joys and hopes. – P.P.PRADEEP