Tanjima Kar Sekh, a Delhi-based artist originally from West Bengal, represents a compelling fusion of technical precision and artistic sensitivity. With an unconventional journey that began in engineering and later transitioned into the arts, Tanjima exemplifies how diverse disciplines can converge to create a unique creative perspective. Currently a PhD scholar specializing in Mughal art history, she integrates academic rigor with artistic practice, enriching both in the process.
Growing up in a culturally vibrant Bengali household, Tanjima was immersed in a world of music, art, and creativity from an early age. Her mother’s passion for music and art instilled in her a profound appreciation for aesthetics and storytelling. It wasn’t until 2018, following her master’s degree in Art History, that Tanjima decided to formally embark on her professional artistic journey. This decision marked a significant shift, allowing her to channel her dual passions for research and creative expression into a cohesive body of work.
Tanjima’s art is deeply spiritual, often reflecting themes of religion, history, and personal narratives. Her fascination with Islamic art, which blossomed after her marriage and during her postgraduate studies, is central to her creative identity. Inspired by the geometric patterns and meticulous detailing of Persian and Mughal miniatures, Tanjima’s works serve as a meditation on patience and introspection. The process of creating intricate designs—whether on wasli paper with watercolors and natural pigments or experimenting with acrylics on cloth—allows her to cultivate a sense of tranquillity that she hopes to share with her audience.
Her series of circular compositions, such as the ones titled (in order of appearance) Ether, Fire, and Water, exemplify her ability to blend geometry with narrative. These works feature intricate patterns encased within bold, symbolic circles, reflecting the elemental forces that shape existence. In Ether, swirling clouds rendered in delicate white lines against a vivid blue background evoke the boundless sky, while a central black square anchors the composition with a sense of stillness and focus. Similarly, Fire captures the raw energy of golden flames leaping against a crimson circle, signifying transformation and passion. Water channels fluidity and calm through its flowing, wave-like forms, enhanced by gentle gradients of blue and white. Each piece invites the viewer into a meditative state, where the visual language of patterns and colors creates an immersive experience.
The lockdown period proved pivotal for Tanjima as it gave her the time to delve deeper into the mathematical elegance of geometry and patterns. This exploration not only informed her artistic output but also reinforced her belief in art as a means of fostering stillness and mindfulness. Her practice has since evolved into a harmonious blend of storytelling and meditative creation, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where history and spirituality intertwine.
Tanjima is also exploring larger formats and new mediums, such as acrylics on cloth, which promise to bring a fresh dimension to her oeuvre. Balancing these ambitions with her ongoing PhD studies, Tanjima continues to push the boundaries of her craft, remaining a dynamic and contemplative voice in the art world.
