Heraclitus had rightly said that it's not possible to step twice in the same river, my paintings too are most spontaneous expressions rather than well planned process so you will always find variety in the work.

Loaded with passion and charged with energy Tathi Premchand keeps an eye at the nature and public and steals its tools to make his work better. Mesmerized by outdoor wonders he often explores opaque visions of lives lived and locations. Premchand's forms and images are pleasing to the eye, yet speak of an underlying rebellion that which the living being is constantly subject to in trying to achieve the unachievable. His works cover a diverse gamut of theme and style; some are painted in a grave manner, whereas others may have tones of sarcasm or humour. In a conversation about art, life and its process, Premchand reavels somehting uncommon about him. As he says, “I cannot even follow footstep of my own work.”
Excerpts from the conversation and some works on display…


Surya Singh : Can you retrace your journey as an artist, please? 


Tathi Premchand : As a child I was intrigued at sketching and painting and colours seemed to attract me. My dad wanted me take science after school, but I was not a brilliant student and used to score low in my exams. So I pursued art which I loved. College was a mixed bag of learning. I still remember Prof. Prabhakar Kolte teaching portraiture, and what a portrait he would draw! It is very surprising that he is an abstract artist. After college I had an unlearning process. I started my own learning and experimenting process. Art is the best journey I have ever undertaken. I had my first solo show after ten years of experimentation.


SS: As a Mumbaikar do you think you have any advantage in this city? 


TP: I enjoy working by myself and I ‘feel' art first then I paint. Most of my time is spent in traveling by local trains in Mumbai. I prefer it to any other mode of traveling. It is like a laboratory to me. Every single moment thousands of minds brush with each other. People have their own news, views, opinions, reactions, sometimes resulting in mass appeal. I can view the emotional and practical reaction of the fellow citizens by interacting with them and I think they are all creative minds and contribute a lot of essence when I am createing a work of art. I see a person selling vegetables or scraps has more perfect knowledge of economics and politics of the world. He/She doesn't need a degree or big fat books to update his/her knowledge; the everyday struggle is guide for him/her. That's something different, which you can find only in local trains. It also represents a mini India with its clashes and unity projected from time to time. People converse and argue as if discussing the issue in the world conference. Silence when Saddam was hanged, fear of luggage bombs after bomb blasts in train or simply suspect the odd looking fellow passenger are some of the reactions that are interesting to note. The joke of not giving pressure cooker as a gift, was a joke created in the local train. I sleep better in local trains than in my bed.


SS: Yes. One can see the culmination of these things in some of your works. Indeed I will request you to describe your painterly process. 


TP: My works are not just showpieces but are thoughts to ponder over. I have painted various aspects of thoughts and forms as and when they stimulated my mind. They are my views, observations and conclusions in visual form. Variations in human nature teach me to view the world through different angles. Characters, nature or simple colors symbolizing the psyche of a person, all find their way in my art. Being observant has helped me to add colour to my feelings. Charged with the passion for painting, I feel myself grow with each and every work that I undertake. My characters also are like common man walking on road or going to movie. They are very simple human being but filled with creative energy. I learn by myself sometimes and I do something better after every visit to some exhibition. After looking at others work I feel charged and try to do more works with passion.


SS: How do you critique/analyse the works you are engaged in making? 


TP: Of course one should keep checking oneself time and again. And should welcome healthy criticism also. Paintings are not and cannot be branded at all because I believe branding is done with the motto of selling. People buy branded product, which has a particular identity and repetition in itself. Variations are but natural in my paintings. Just as Heraclitus had rightly said that it's not possible to step twice in the same river, my paintings too are most spontaneous expressions rather than well planned process so you will always find variety in the work. Every work has different appeal and presentation method, setting different moods with use of topic relevant colors, forms and style. Painting is not just passion for me; it is a part of my life. I paint when I get stimulated to do so. There are times when for days together I do not paint at all.  


SS: You have done a lot of works on Mahatma Gandhi. Here I see something different. You just has threatened the stature of monkeys. Bura dhyan se dekho, bura dhyan se suno, bura dhan se kaho . What does it mean? 


TP: Let's move on to a different topic…


SS: I am sorry. It means you're against the making of Icons. Can I call you an iconoclast? Are against sermonizing? 


TP: I don't know whethet to call myself as an iconoclast. But, definitely I am not in favour of icons.


SS: Are you intuitive in nature? 


TP: Intuition is not a whole, but part of my work. Rather it is distinctive approach.
I get involved emotionally with my works and work practice. Even I very easily get emotional with my surroundings and the people I meet. And at that point I don't argue or become rationale. I think intuitions are part of heart rather than mind. And I am more powerful at heart than mind.


SS : Kya baat hai . There is a very famous phrase - emotions bhi kitne stupid hote hain logic hin nahi samajhate . Anyway, please tell us about some of your future plans. 


TP: I am doing a lot of work. Saffronart is going to do an online show in January 2008 and I am going to be a part of BNHS Greenscape Art Auction by Pheroza Godrej. I am also part of the group show by Harmony Art Foundation run by Tina Ambani . And many things more. Life is full of works!