Of lines and strokes- Mallik Thatipalli, THE HINDU

What happens when one form of art inspires another? Is synchronization between calligraphy and poetry possible? In a world where everything is connected, a unique event held on the occasion of Women’s Day at Alliance Francaise brought together the varied streams of art, demonstrating that there are few boundaries, if any, when it comes to creativity.

Poosapati Parameshwar Raju’s singular pieces of calligraphy have long captured the imagination of art aficionados. His trademark red and white artworks showcase vivid imagery beautifully captured in eclectic strokes of varying thickness. His current exhibition, ‘The Nurtured Daughters’, celebrates the journey of a young girl to adulthood creating a fascinating picture of the passage of life. This exhibition has become the impetus for poet Iqbal Patni, who has penned four couplets that take forward the narration started by Parameshwar Raju’s work.

Tasveer ki awaaz is a unique fusion of art and poetry fashioned by Iqbal Patni; he has composed poems based on the works of artists Laxma Goud and SH Raza, amongst others. At the event, Iqbal recited four poems – Aurat, Teri kami, Badaland Ek nasha inspired by paintings of Raju. All the poems recited celebrate the woman of today and implore people to look beyond physical beauty.

With AR Rahman’s music as the backdrop (with whom Patni has collaborated earlier), the poems struck a chord and wove a modern narrative on the role of a woman in the society, her importance and contribution as well as her heroism. Delivered in Patni’s soulful voice, the syncretic setting of art with music and visuals, and his measured delivery provided the perfect platform for the coming together of poetry and painting,

Patni who confessed that he had never seen a painting based purely on calligraphy says, “That was the distinguishing factor from any other similar collaboration I have done earlier. This format is very difficult but his works evoke an entire new world which formed the inspiration for my poems.” Parameshwar Raju says that with Iqbal Patni’s poetry, he saw another dimension added to his work and adds, “My work is very simple, there isn’t much detailing and the imagery to my creations is usually added by the viewer based on his/her experiences. This recital added an emotional tangent to my work which made for a good combination.” Juxtaposing two different art forms against each other and producing an aesthetic pleasing end result is no mean feat, but the seamless flow of imagination and inspiration showcased that the fusion of paintings and poetry, if done right, can enrich the senses.

This format is very difficult but Parameshwar Raju’s works evoke an entire new world which formed the inspiration for my poems