Debanjaly Sen
Growing up in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, Debanjaly Sen was immersed in a rich tapestry of art, history, literature, and music. "Kolkata has nourished me with its rich cultural heritage," she reflects. This environment, combined with a family that valued and celebrated creativity, played a crucial role in shaping her artistic journey. "My mother, a creative soul herself—an educator and singer—has been the cornerstone of my artistic journey," Debanjaly shares. With a sister passionate about photography and a father who provided unwavering support, her family collectively inspired her to explore her artistic potential.
An Artistic Awakening
Debanjaly’s love for art was sparked during a childhood visit to an art gallery. "I remember walking in and feeling like I'd stepped into another world," she recalls. The vibrant colors, expressive brushstrokes, and emotional depth of the paintings captivated her. "Something just clicked that day. I found myself thinking, 'This is what I want to do,'" she says. This experience marked her artistic awakening and set her on a path to pursue her passion for creating works that move and inspire others.
Her formal education in art began with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in studio art in Kolkata. These studies laid a strong foundation for her artistic practice, but Debanjaly wasn’t content to stop there. She decided to push herself further by pursuing a second master’s degree at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, focusing on painting and drawing. "It's been quite a journey, and I’m loving every minute of it," she says, appreciating the blend of perspectives and techniques she’s encountered across cultures and continents.
Exploring Diverse Mediums and Themes
Debanjaly is an artist who thrives on experimentation. "I am always on the lookout for new things," she explains. Her artistic journey has taken her through various mediums, including cubism, ceramics, and stitching. Recently, she has been blending abstraction with figuration, pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression. "I believe that diversity is my artistic fuel, and it just pushes me to explore new horizons," she adds.
Her work often draws inspiration from nature and the experiences of women, with recurring themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. "Growing up as a woman in a developing country, I've faced my fair share of challenges—cultural restrictions, limited resources, and even legal hurdles," she notes. These experiences have become a significant part of her artistic voice, as she seeks to tell stories that often go unheard and to give a voice to the voiceless. "It's not just about putting paint on canvas; it's about capturing the complexity of life and identity in environments like the one I come from," she explains.
Influences and Inspirations
Debanjaly’s artistic approach has been shaped by a wide array of influences, both from her Indian roots and the global art scene. "Since my early years, I have found myself drawn towards the works of eminent Indian artists like Amrita Sher-Gil and Rabindranath Tagore," she shares. As her journey progressed, she began taking inspiration from Western artists such as Henri Matisse and Egon Schiele. Currently, contemporary artists like Marlene Dumas and Louise Bourgeois deeply influence her work.
These artists have encouraged Debanjaly to explore societal expectations of women’s bodies and the psychological effects of self-objectification. "Their work has given me new perspectives on expressing complex ideas about gender and identity," she says. Rather than mimicking their techniques, she is drawn to their conceptual approaches, which have inspired her to address challenging themes in profound ways.
A Creative Process Rooted in Reflection
Debanjaly’s creative process is a blend of routine and spontaneity. While she tries to stick to a schedule, she acknowledges that "art and routine don't always coexist." Before beginning her work, she takes a few moments to center herself, spending time in quiet contemplation and visualizing the process ahead. "It’s a small but important ritual that helps me focus and brings out the best in my work," she says.
Her surroundings are a constant source of inspiration. "My studio is filled with branches, flowers, pinecones, tree bark, and leaves I collect from nature," she explains. These natural materials often find their way into her artwork, adding unique textures and forms that create a tangible connection between her environment and her art.
Overcoming Creative Challenges
Like all artists, Debanjaly faces creative blocks, but she has developed strategies to navigate them. "I typically work on multiple pieces simultaneously," she explains. This approach allows her to shift focus when she encounters difficulties with one piece, maintaining her creative momentum. Taking breaks to engage with films or discuss her work with her partner and family also helps reignite her creativity.
One particularly challenging project was a large 40x60 inch painting she worked on last summer. "I hit a creative block and found myself stuck for quite a while," she recalls. To overcome this, she started a series of smaller pieces, which allowed her to experiment with new techniques and ideas. "Taking that break was crucial—it gave me fresh perspectives and ultimately inspired solutions for the bigger work," she says.
A Message of Strength and Empowerment
Debanjaly’s work often centers on portraying women as strong, active characters who push back against societal limits and embrace their own power. "My work draws a lot from the Hindu concept of 'Shakti'—this idea of divine feminine power that represents strength and transformation," she explains. Through her art, she seeks to capture not just the outward appearance of women but their inner strength and the challenges they face.
While Debanjaly does not seek to push a specific message onto her audience, she hopes her art sparks something in viewers, allowing them to engage with it in their own way. "I value the viewer's freedom to interpret as much as I value my own freedom to create," she says. For her, art is about starting a conversation and inviting others to continue it, bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the table.
Looking Ahead: Aspiring to Inspire
As she looks to the future, Debanjaly is eager to broaden her reach as both an educator and an artist. "I’d love to inspire more people in my community through my work," she says. Her goal is to make a real difference by nurturing creativity in the next generation of artists. "It’s about planting those seeds of artistic expression and watching them grow," she adds.
Currently, Debanjaly is preparing for her MFA thesis show, working on both a series of works on paper and a large-scale canvas. She’s excited to share the results of her efforts at her upcoming exhibition, where she will continue to explore and express her artistic vision. Debanjaly Sen’s journey as an artist is one of continuous exploration, reflection, and growth. Through her art, she captures the complexities of life and identity, inviting viewers to engage with her work in deeply personal ways. As she continues to evolve and inspire, her art stands as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of women, and the transformative power of creativity.
