Santanu Mahalik’s journey into the realm of digital art began unexpectedly, driven by a mix of curiosity and serendipity. “When I joined Instagram in 2019, I was introduced to a whole new world of art that I hadn’t seen before,” Mahalik reflects. Prior to this, he had been solely engaged in manual hand paintings. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many to explore new skills, was a turning point for Mahalik. "During the lockdown, I noticed the extraordinary work people were creating digitally, and I was captivated by the level of detail and creativity,” he explains.
This newfound fascination led Mahalik to request a graphic tablet from his brother for his birthday. “I started with writing and drawing basic shapes,” he says. The graphic tablet, which connects via Bluetooth and displays drawings on a separate screen, initially presented a challenge for Mahalik. "It took some getting used to, as you draw on one surface while looking at another," he admits. Despite this, his experimentation with digital art began to flourish.
The Role of Fashion in Art
Fashion plays a significant role in Mahalik's work, reflecting his personal and artistic evolution. “When I was in college, I was initially unsure about my direction,” he recalls. His parents encouraged him to pursue fine arts, but Mahalik was drawn to design. “I decided to study fashion design at NIFT, where I noticed a recurring theme in my doodles: clothes,” he explains. This observation led him to integrate fashion deeply into his digital artwork.
Mahalik’s appreciation for fashion is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. “Coming from a small town where fashion wasn’t prevalent, I was influenced by my mother’s way of expressing herself through her saris,” he shares. This appreciation for personal expression through clothing translated into his art. “Fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression. I believe everyone has their unique way of presenting themselves,” he notes. His work often features characters with distinctive fashion styles, showcasing a diverse range of identities.
Creative Process and Inspirations
Mahalik’s creative process is a blend of personal experience and cultural heritage. “When I joined college, I learned the importance of embracing my own roots. Our faculty emphasized that if you’re not aware of your own background, your work might lack authenticity,” he recalls. This advice inspired him to infuse his Indian heritage into his designs and illustrations. “I incorporate elements of Indian and South Asian culture into my work, aiming to create a global appeal while staying true to my roots,” he explains.
Mahalik’s characters often reflect his own experiences and struggles. “Growing up, I faced bullying and exclusion, which has influenced my artistic approach,” he says. His illustrations include diverse characters, such as those with vitiligo or from the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting his personal experiences and commitment to inclusivity. “I try to represent people who are often marginalized or overlooked, ensuring they are included and valued in my art,” he adds.
Color Palette and Emotional Impact
Mahalik’s use of bold and vibrant colors is a deliberate choice aimed at evoking emotional responses. “Growing up, I experimented with various colors, and I was drawn to vibrant hues,” he says. His approach to color is influenced by his desire to counteract negativity and toxicity. “Colors have the power to spread joy and make people happy. In a world full of negativity, I want my art to bring a sense of brightness and positivity,” he explains. Initially, Mahalik’s work featured black and white illustrations as he sought to define his style. “Once I found my unique voice, I began incorporating more colors into my work. I wanted to create illustrations that not only captured attention but also conveyed joy,” he notes.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Mahalik envisions expanding his artistic horizons. “Last year, I had my debut art exhibition in Delhi, which was a significant milestone for me,” he shares. This experience motivated him to develop a collection focusing on body dysmorphia, inspired by his personal experiences with hormonal changes and societal perceptions of beauty. “I want to address issues like body dysmorphia and self-acceptance through my art, as these are important but often overlooked topics,” he explains.
In addition to his focus on body image, Mahalik is interested in editorial illustrations and is currently exploring opportunities with editorial publications. “I’m in touch with a few publications and hope to contribute to their editorial content,” he reveals. Mahalik is also experimenting with various mediums, including clay sculptures and animations. “I started creating 3D sculptures from my 2D illustrations and want to explore more traditional mediums as well,” he says. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his use of recycled materials, such as cake boards, for his art. “I aim to make the best use of readily available materials to create impactful artwork,” he explains.
Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 07.08.2024