Imagine an art form where each stroke is a testament to humanity’s rich cultural tapestry. This is the reality Bengaluru-based artist Nikheel Aphale paints through the time-honored tradition of calligraphy. With a deft hand, Aphale uses the Devanagari script, not merely to create pleasing aesthetics but to delve into the profound depths of humanity, spirituality, and even divinity.
At the outset of his artistic journey, Aphale found his muse in both Latin and Devanagari scripts, the latter being one he picked up in college. He recalls an epiphany at various exhibitions and international stages that aroused a sense of pride and responsibility towards his Indian roots. “The world recognizes Japanese or Persian calligraphy, but not our Indian scripts,” he reflects, having realized the untapped potential and innate beauty within the alphabets that lay waiting to be introduced to a global audience. Thus, he chose to dedicate his artistic endeavors to bring to light the magnificence of Devanagari script.
Aphale finds philosophical musings in the structure and use of Indian scripts. He draws parallels between the intricacies of grammar and life’s broader values. For instance, the absence of silent letters in Devanagari signifies the importance of everyone having a voice and respecting diverse opinions. He highlights how the script, devoid of uppercase or lowercase distinctions, encapsulates the notion of equality. Furthermore, he interprets the conjoint letters, or jodakshar, as a representation of interdependence and unity essential in forming meaningful relationships and conversations.
His current exhibition, titled “Nirakar Aakar” or “Formless Form,” pushes boundaries to depict abstract concepts through the art of calligraphy. Aphale’s art embodies those elusive ideas that are often felt deeply but challenging to convey through simple representation. Pieces like ‘The Big Joint Family’ beautifully amalgamate individual letters into a cohesive unity that offers a glimpse into the world residing within words.
The dual themes of divinity and spirituality are threaded throughout his collection, where each piece is a window into Aphale’s personal experiences and introspections. He recounts how childhood tales narrated by his grandmother inspired his depictions of mythological entities. In one piece, he captures Ganesha, not through traditional imagery but rather through an innovative arrangement of letterforms. Another artwork, “Anjani Suta,” represents a young Hanuman’s innocence in a narrative where he wishes to capture the sun, mistaking it for a bright toy.
Even as one stands before his works, Nikheel points out that the spiritual representations are subtle and beckon a viewer to venture deeper in search of them. His Spiritual series resonates a message of compassion, liberation, and concord, pertinent themes across cultures and faiths.
The thirty-four pieces showcased are a testament to his continuous exploration with calligraphy. Aphale embraces a myriad of tools, some traditional like calligraphy ink and brushes, and others more unconventional, such as scotch brites, toothbrushes, and coconut husks. This willingness to innovate is what enables his art to echo off the page and into the heart of the observer.
Deviating from his former graphic designer career, Aphale embraced his passion for calligraphy back in 2010. His casual doodles while working in Delhi transformed into a full-fledged vocation, with a blog and the international calligraphy community providing encouragement. His art evolved from personal projects into decorative content for others, ultimately igniting his love for the Devanagari script’s innate beauty.
Those who wish to immerse themselves in Aphale’s art can view “Nirakar Aakar” at the Bangalore International Centre until April 28th. Additionally, art enthusiasts from around the world can admire these works online on www.artisera.com until May 12, 2024. It’s not just an exhibition but a journey into the profound world ensconced within words, masterfully unveiled by Nikheel Aphale’s vision and artistry.
