Ever thought that looking at railway platforms for decades would bring a painter’s canvas to life? That’s exactly what happened with Bijay Biswal, a former ticket collector by profession who kept his love and talent for art alive. Each day, as he observed platforms coming to life with their hustle and bustle, his canvasses too would capture the emotions and warmth that he felt around stations. Through his works, Bijay has effectively brought out the beauty of cultural diversities on Indian railway platforms.
“I have always been interested in the arts, mainly using chalk as a kid. In school I used to paint, but as I had to work for my livelihood, I thought why not create a balance with both,” says Bijay. Elaborating on how he managed to do so, he says, “All my paintings are inspired by what I used to see around me on a daily basis. Whenever I saw a beautiful railway station, I made it a point to put it on canvas. I took voluntary retirement earlier this year to concentrate full time on my paintings. But again, all my artworks will be based on what I see around me, and on paper using water colours, charcoal and pens.”
A self-taught artist, Bijay, originally from Odisha, was posted in Nagpur as the chief ticket inspector for more than two decades, from where his “wet platform paintings” got to see the light of the day. Bijay’s paintings have been showcased at various art galleries and exhibitions worldwide and have even been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in one of his Mann Ki Baat episodes. Right now, his show Pratibimb is ongoing at The Gallery Café in the city. “When Modi praised me for my ability to combine work with passion, a concept I have practiced for years and feel others should follow too, I felt a great sense of achievement. It’s a rare feat,” he concludes.
