Your Creative Urge!
Fans of Durga Reawakened
A note from the concept illustrator from NID whose fabulous artwork you see in 'Durga Reawakened':
I was quite excited when Shamit told me about
the idea for a graphic novel on the mythology of Durga. The story
of Durga killing Mahishasur is known to everyone. So the most
important thing was the presentation of the story. We wanted a very
contemporary kind of attitude in it.
Though the concept of graphic novel in India is quite recent, but we have a long and deep rooted tradition of visual narratives. The Pata paintings, madhubani painting, miniatures, murals all are examples of extraordinary visual narrative tradition.
After many discussions, I and Shamit decided on a style which is very contemporary and appeals the young generation as well. We wanted to grow their interest in the mythology. We decided to show the divine figures and their characteristics in a very realistic and human way rather than making them look very divine. Therefore, they look like normal human being without many hands or heads.
Unlike superhero comic figures with exaggerated muscles I wanted them look more Indian. So, in terms of the postures i took references from Indian classical art, the different dance mudras.
In the stylistic approach of this book, I am quite inspired by Frank Miller’ s very popular graphic novel ‘ 300’ . The strong drawings and the composition of each frame is very inspiring.
Therefore, I also wanted to do the illustration for this book with powerful drawings that shows the strength of the characters and paint them with the spontaneous application of water colour. This story Durga is also full of war scenes where I have used colour splashes to make it look more dynamic. In the compositions also the main intension is to show the power and the dynamism which we see in the Manga comics.
In every step of this project I and Shamit used to generate ideas and then immediately put them in the work. His inputs and encouragement was really supportive for me. It was a great experience working with him.
Though the concept of graphic novel in India is quite recent, but we have a long and deep rooted tradition of visual narratives. The Pata paintings, madhubani painting, miniatures, murals all are examples of extraordinary visual narrative tradition.
After many discussions, I and Shamit decided on a style which is very contemporary and appeals the young generation as well. We wanted to grow their interest in the mythology. We decided to show the divine figures and their characteristics in a very realistic and human way rather than making them look very divine. Therefore, they look like normal human being without many hands or heads.
Unlike superhero comic figures with exaggerated muscles I wanted them look more Indian. So, in terms of the postures i took references from Indian classical art, the different dance mudras.
In the stylistic approach of this book, I am quite inspired by Frank Miller’ s very popular graphic novel ‘ 300’ . The strong drawings and the composition of each frame is very inspiring.
Therefore, I also wanted to do the illustration for this book with powerful drawings that shows the strength of the characters and paint them with the spontaneous application of water colour. This story Durga is also full of war scenes where I have used colour splashes to make it look more dynamic. In the compositions also the main intension is to show the power and the dynamism which we see in the Manga comics.
In every step of this project I and Shamit used to generate ideas and then immediately put them in the work. His inputs and encouragement was really supportive for me. It was a great experience working with him.
Mahan J Dutta. Artist/Illustrator, NID
Ahmedabad/Shantiniketan.
From one of our fans on 'Durga Reawakened' :
Dear Shamit, Huge applause! Mission accomplished. The parcel was delivered safely home.
At first, I was skeptical however, when I went through the graphical representation and the illustrations, I was reawakened! About the incarnation and motive of the emergence of Mahamaya form of Goddess Durga.
The most attractive was page 12 depiction, with the left thumb up; a positive sign. Truly aghast by page 3 the wreaked havoc. Mesmerized by Page 7 she buffalo with a rose in hand. Empowered by Page 8 boy Mahishasura. Enlightened by Mahamaya Page 12. I wished to see more of the Page 18 the attack on attacking opponent of Debi durga with her trident. Yet, Mahamaya was truly amazing, if I may interpret accurately: A fascination of victory over a formidable evil.
The literary content was equally good, especially overpowered by the illustration on page 13 and 14. The best part was a page 15 note of initiation of battle.
Tremendous efforts! I felt a long await of patience in culminating the wonderful ideas into this impeccable offering. In short, Thank received with joy.
Your friendly, G. Pramod, Hyderabad
I first saw glimpses of Mahan's work on Dhonuk and was immediately intrigued. Durga reawakened was an absolute treat of his expressive style and choice of vibrant colors. The drawings, the strokes, the colour brought alive the theme beautifully. One after the other, the frames present scenes, moods, and characters that enrapture you and pull you into the story. Shamit has used minimal words to let the art do the talking and the end-result is a strong visual work that makes for a delightful reading. The only distracting feature of the book is the layout. One wishes that the art-work had more space to breathe. The book is too many good things crammed in a small format and the layout does not do justice to both the writing and art-work.
With Durga Reawakened, Shamit and Mahan have managed to present an age-old tale in a contemporary yet evocative style. We hope to see more such collaboration, such breaking down of barriers between new and old, such unique style of work that is different from the mainstream.
Rashmi Patel, Bangalore
The book is quite amazing. It has a lot to say and is simply superb; hats off to you Shamit and your artist friend, Mahan .... Mindblowing stuff, am actually proud to be one of the first ones to have bought the book.
Veena Suresh, Bangalore
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