AVIGYAN BHATTACHARYA

MUMBAI | INDIA

Between Abstraction and Realism

Art is a journey that unfolds through passion, exploration, and deep introspection. For Avigyan Bhattacharya, an artist who merges photorealism with abstract expression, this journey is a continual exploration of the human psyche and emotion. Shaped by a rich cultural heritage and childhood in Oman, as well as the guidance of his family and mentors, his artistic vision reflects a profound fascination with the contrasts that define the human experience. In this interview, Avigyan shares how his background, early influences, and constant drive to push creative boundaries shape his process, revealing how he captures the essence of emotion through a fusion of realism and abstraction.

Could you take us back to the moment when you first felt that art was your calling? How did your initial steps in the art world evolve, and how have you managed to infuse emotions into your works over time?

I don’t think there was a single moment when I realized I was meant to dedicate myself to art. It was more of a quiet recognition, a sense that I had a natural inclination for it. That awareness drew me to explore how far I could go, to understand my limits, and, more importantly, to discover what truly resonated with me and to keep refining my craft. I have always been deeply fascinated by human emotions that arise from struggle or ambition. When I begin a new piece, I seek references and subjects capable of carrying those emotions onto the canvas.

You are known for successfully blending abstract techniques with photorealism. Could you share how you approach creating such works? What processes and techniques do you use to achieve this unique fusion?

Many of my paintings include highly detailed areas to achieve the greatest possible level of photorealism. Yet, I have found that when I step back and view the work as a single composition instead of dividing it into photorealistic and abstract parts, the transition between the two becomes much more fluid. My techniques vary from one painting to another, so I do not rely on any specific method. However, there are two constants I always depend on. For the photorealistic sections, patience is my greatest ally. For the abstract ones, I believe that leaving your comfort zone and taking meaningful risks leads to the most rewarding results.

As an artist from Mumbai, you are surrounded by rich culture and history. How does this cultural heritage inspire you, and how is it reflected in your works?

Most of my inspiration comes from Arabian culture, as I spent much of my childhood in Oman. That experience is now a part of who I am. The country’s rich heritage and the memories I carry from my years there have shaped my artistic vision in ways that are hard to express. My paintings reflect these influences more clearly than words ever could. Deepening my understanding of this culture and embracing its values is something I look forward to continuing in the future.

Your works explore the human psyche and the entropy of emotions. What inspires you most in this theme, and how do you manage to depict these contradictions through your combination of abstraction and realism?

Human emotions have always fueled my imagination. Over time, I have come to understand that even the darkest feelings hold traces of light, and it is up to us to recognize them. There can be no hope without despair, and while this may seem like an intense example, it captures the idea well. The complexity of our emotions, their ability to hold opposing truths, continues to be a constant source of inspiration in my work.

Your works have been recognized in numerous world records, including the Indian Book of Records and British World Records. How do these accolades influence your approach to artistic projects? How do you maintain originality while setting new standards?

I have been deeply grateful for the recognition I have received over the years. Although such accolades do not directly shape my art, they serve as a quiet motivation, strengthening my resolve to keep mastering my craft. With each new piece, I often choose subjects or references that challenge me, elements I have yet to understand fully, so I can bring the image in my mind to life on the canvas. This process excites me, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from overcoming those creative obstacles is incomparable. It allows me to test my limits continually and preserve my originality.

The support from your family and mentors has been significant in your artistic journey. How have they inspired you to develop your unique style, and how have they helped you overcome challenges?

Saying that my parents have supported me throughout my life and artistic journey hardly captures the depth of what they have done for me. I truly believe that I owe everything I have achieved to them. They have been both loving guides and honest critics, balancing those roles with grace and care. Their presence continues to inspire me to move forward and refine my craft. I also believe that mastering the fundamentals is essential for every artist, and each of my mentors has helped me build that foundation. I often compare it to a skilled blacksmith shaping and perfecting a blade.

You have participated in international exhibitions, including World Art Dubai, where one of your pieces was sold. How do you choose themes for your works when you know they will be exhibited at such prestigious events? How do these experiences impact your future work?

I usually work within two main directions. One draws inspiration from Arabian culture, while the other explores the delicate layers of human emotion. I believe it is essential to stay true to oneself and create from that place of authenticity. Forcing an idea or following a predetermined style often limits creativity and weakens the final piece. Exhibitions serve as a valuable reality check, allowing me to observe the work of senior artists and reflect on my own path. The inspiration found in these spaces feels like music to the soul, waiting to be heard and embraced.

Avigyan Bhattacharya is an artist who conveys the depth and complexity of human emotion through his work. His art feels like a meditation on human nature, centered on the layers and paradoxes that define our daily lives. In this interview, Avigyan offers a glimpse into his creative process and the inspirations that guide him, showing that art is far more than visual beauty. It is a language of expression, discovery, and understanding. We look forward to seeing how his distinctive vision continues to grow and leave its mark on the global art scene.

INSTAGRAM  

Photos: Avigyan Bhattacharya