Devajyoti Ray’s work does not require any external help to view, a triumph of simplicity yet lucid in its presentation, the images wait to enter into a dialogue with the viewer. Though it appears simple, the depth of his understanding is visible in the vivid portrayal of his images springing out from the canvases in poetic fervors. The use of colors to bring out the subtlety of his work is outstanding. His experiences with different mediums and styles over a period of time, experimentations and maturity as a thinking artist enabled him to create his works in the style of pseudo realism, where he is at total ease to express to the viewer.... the captured nuances set in daily life evoking nostalgic memories. The composition of jugalbandi where the flautist and the accompanist attain a perfection that is cherished by the aesthete. The compassion of the couple for the goat, the contemplation of the young girl, so common to be identified with, the conversation of the two adults, the transcending of the mridangam player all bear testimony to these unique works combining simplicity with a vivid sensitivity and a visual treat for the viewer. Devajyoti’s pseudo realistic works is definitely a fresh infuse in the art scenario.
Robinson
Art Appreciator
Devajyoti is one of the emerging talents, who had started under the tutelage of Shri B R Panesar in Kolkata (1993). He has since then diversified into many streams doing water colours, oil on canvas, installations and now acrylic on canvas. However, what has propelled him to the forefront of Indian art-scene is his new style of Pseudo realism where colours of fantasy mingle into offbeat shapes to create a realistic illusion. His Pseudo realistic works have been widely appreciated by various art critics in print media.
My primary preoccupation is with colours and shapes. I have painted on various issues that concern today’s generation. Yet every time I approached a subject, I always tried to give it a pseudo real perspective.
Pseudo realism is not just a way of approaching reality via abstraction; it is also a commentary on today’s world. Everything around us in way is pseudo real. Sartre had said, "year after year, a monkey’s mask on a monkey’s face". Sarte had not survived till 2000. Otherwise he would have added, “and now monkeys want other monkeys to believe that they are monkeys."
The world had always been real, but pseudo real is the world of our imagination, where we love to stay, project our ideas and thrive. I paint that reality.
I use colours of my choice, which happens often to be the choice of my viewers. Yet with such abstract bold colours, I aim to create to believable comprehendible reality. I hope I am successful in what I want to do.
Devajyoti Ray
Solo Show at Salt Lake Art Gallery, Kolkata - 1995
Solo Show at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata - 1996
Solo Show at Sruti Art Gallery, Bangalore - 1999
Solo Show at AIFACS, New Delhi - 2000
Solo Show at Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata - 2005
Group show at Arizona State Museum, organized by Walsh Academy - 2001
Group show at Arizona State Museum, organized by Walsh Academy - 2002
Solo Show at Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata - 2005
Solo Show at Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi - 2005
Group show of All India Fine Arts Fair at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata - 2005
Solo Show at AIFACS, New Delhi - 2006
Solo Show at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi - 2007
Solo Show at Planet Art Gallery, New Delhi - 2007
Group show organized by Embassy of Cuba, commemorating death of Cuban Leader Che Guevara, at New Delhi - 2007
Group show Rainbows in the Sun at Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi - 2007
Group show organized by Lokayata: Mulk Raj Anand Centre, New Delhi - 2007
Group show Rainbows in the Sun at Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi - 2008
Collected by various art connoisseurs in India and abroad.
