Revati Gangal grew up in Mumbai and earned her Master’s in Fine Arts (specialising in portraiture) from the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art. She currently lives in Bengaluru after spending a few years in Dubai. Besides India, her paintings have been displayed at art galleries across the world’s major cities including Paris, London, Brussels, Dubai, Muscat, Doha and Manama. In the past, Revati has also worked as a set/graphic designer and has been a lecturer of visual art at the SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.
“My paintings are based on my daily experiences; I seek to interpret the human and objective form through the emotional and visual ‘patterns’ associated with it. The inspiration to paint is triggered by visual patterns, unique compositions and/or by interesting narratives of thought. I find the various colour transformations and the play of visual permutations of patterns quite interesting,” Revati says.
Why are you a Painter?
Right from my childhood I realized that I loved to express my mind and heart only through one medium that was painting. Ever since then I channelized my journey to be a professional in it. The passion that drives me to paint has not been affected or deviated at any point of time since then. Hence I cannot see myself doing anything else besides painting.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I have done my Bachelor’s in Painting and then Master’s specializing in Portraiture from Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai.
You have a distinct style of painting. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I gradually evolved my style of painting towards the end of my Master’s Degree, which is almost 11 years back. Since then I tried to make innovations and modifications in it to exploit it to the maximum.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I loved the execution of Tyeb Mehta, the rhythmic lines of Jogen Chowdhury, the patterns of (Gustav) Klimt and the expressions of (Vincent) Van Gogh, Edward Munch and Sudhir Patwardhan.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
There was no such personality in particular. Episodes from my life and the drive to express them in the form of painting was the whole and sole reason.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I work purely as an artist and it’s distinctly different from what an illustrator does. I do paintings and exhibit them in art galleries.
What made you decide to become a freelance painter? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising? Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I have done freelancing at one point of time in life, but was never content with it. Since four years I am purely into painting what’s on my mind and displaying them for the public.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit painting?
No, but I did teaching, graphics designing and freelancing for a period of four years to earn my living. Later I decided to give-up everything and paint only for the sake of art.
Have you considered turning your paintings into graphic novels?
If I get such opportunity in life, will definitely love to do so.
Any other Indian painters who you admire?
I like the work of Shivlal Saroha in recent times – it brings in memories of the artists that I love and who inspire me.
You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on painting as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Being an Artist/Painter is a long and tough journey. One needs to put in continuous hard work for minimum ten years before he reaps in the glory and success of it. So I would advise one to be patient and believe in oneself no matter whatever happens.
Tell us something of your personal projects.
All my paintings are my personal experiences. There is a very thin line between my personal and professional life. Work is always fun for me. I have a Solo exhibition of my paintings running currently at Artists’ Centre Gallery Kalaghoda.
Besides this I am looking forward to do some more exhibitions in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore in the coming years.
What is your dream project?
I would love to be recognized as an artist of international calibre and see my works displayed in all the nooks and corners of the world.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My husband – as our little daughter keeps us on our toes and gives us less time for such moments.
What’s on your iPod??
Mostly Indian and Western Classical – I find it meditative.
Mac or PC?
Mac. Its interface is intuitive.
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