Lands of Reverie and Dreams

Sumati Gangopadhyay

What one finds in most of Nilima’s works is that there is a pronounced undercurrent of lyricism which connects these works with a joyous riot of colours, all magnificently held in an aura of serenity, despite the tumult, drama, and exuberance, of the happenings within the space of the paintings. The viewer is compelled by the arresting visuals to stop, study and understand the details,and at the same time, enjoy the richness of the iridescent colours present in the paintings.

Over the years, I have observed that Nilima Sheikh began with painting exquisite landscapes, and moved on to a definitive narrative mode, all beautifully expressed in her work ‘When Champa Grew Up’. Apart from this work, she has done a large number of works depicting domestic scenes and everyday life, changing seasons, garden, and mountain scapes. One such painting by Nilima titled ‘My Children In The Garden’ (oil on canvas) carries a subtle touch of tenderness enhanced by her nimble brushwork, exquisite colours, and a sense of quiet contemplation.