I thought of this concept in 1996 when I was doing my BFA. Doors are an integral part of the Tamil culture. As a young boy living in Kumbakonam each door in the village fascinated me. A door opens up a new world. Just like opening your eyes to the world every day. So I thought that this is what I need to showcase to the world. Each of my pieces creates a sense of déja vu, particularly for those who have lived or experienced the village life in our country. I work on paintings, mixed media work and mixed media on wooden box.

Bollywood posters of films like Bobby, Sholay, Tamil Nadu’s iconic figure MGR, Gods and Goddesses, cool drinks ad posters are all part of my creations to add an element of realism. Huge and colourful doors are not just a piece of art but speak volumes about the bygone era. Earlier, doors were very important to people. Electricity meter numbers, milkman numbers and polio campaign numbers would be painted on them. The mosaic glass topped doors would open a new world to the person who walked in.

But I was apprehensive if my work would appeal to the West. So last year I participated in the International Art Fair just to see if my work would be accepted. But, surprisingly, all nine works were sold. A German walked up to me and said the Indian culture has a poster culture and that reflects in my work and prompted him to buy. Right now my focus is to create larger pieces on work in mixed media on wooden box to create a 3D effect.

As told to Ayesha Tabassum