Ashish: What is the story behind you becoming an artist?
Kalicharan Gupta: When I was in 10th class, my headmaster Sardar Bakshish Singh wanted me to become an art teacher. Although my father was not interested in me becoming an art teacher. He put me in engineering line. Only after a year, I came back to art line and went to Jamia Milia for Teacher’s training. When we completed the diploma, I came to know that there is another art college but my father did not allow so I took admissions in the evening.
Ashish: What inspires you to put your energy into art?
Kalicharan Gupta: After finishing my degree from Delhi College of Art in 1974 and till today I decided to devote my life to ART.
Ashish: What materials do you use in your paintings?
Kalicharan Gupta: After passing the college, there were lots of challenges. I did my drawings for 16 years. The first show was in 1976 in Triveni Art Gallery. From there Dr, Sihare who was the Director of NGMA purchased my one drawing for INR 500 and after that, I started painting in oil colors up to 2005. When I used to go in workshops, then I started acrylics. Until today, I am working with acrylics. I have worked with Tribal people and Downtrodden communities for more than ten years. Recently in 2017 in the INDIA Art Fair, I had my solo show through Art Konsult Gallery Delhi.
Ashish: Who is/are your favorite artist(s)? And why?
Kalicharan Gupta: My favorite artists/ Bengal school. Senior A Ramachandran, Mr. Jaggubhai Shah, Dhiraj Chaudhary, HIMMAT Shah and internationally Picasso and others.
Ashish: As an artist, what do you think needs to be done in order to reach out to more people?
Kalicharan Gupta: Audience depend on the artists and their work, but there is a lot more to be done. We have not focused much on publicity. There is a huge difference between what we do in India and abroad.
Ashish: Is art limited to some classes in India? if so, what are the reasons behind it?
Kalicharan Gupta: Yes, it is total. There is a lack of art education in schools, colleges. We have only two art colleges in Delhi. In comparison to other countries like Korea, there is no college or school without an art subject. I participated first KWANGJU Biennale 1995 in KOREA.
Ashish: How do you see the economics of art in India?
Kalicharan Gupta: After 1994, things seem to be improving. There are many instances/events, which will substantiate my claim.
