Page 174 - Genius

neerMala luCkeenarain

lives and works in Mauritius, Indian Ocean

SEARCH THE ARTIST ONLINE http://mimb.org/artists/list/lUCkEENArAIN.html
I started painting at the age of nine and art has always been a living issue additional beauty of the overlapping or superimposed colors created by
and a means of communication to me. I am a keen observer of nature but the objects and the effect of rubbing or the roller. There exist a wide range
never her slave. basically, I am a printmaker and for the last 25 years I have of possibilities, and one is bound to learn more and the discovery world is
experimented with all the techniques in printmaking. then widened. I am very much impressed by the Ukiyo prints. There was
In the 1980’s, I worked extensively in woodcut and made use of various a fresh approach along with the decorative refinements of his woodcuts
surfaces like plywood, top-board, cardboard, and among others. These namely the refined lines and the unusual organization of space. I did not
were the most easily available ones besides found objects like jute bags, include Japanese objects, kimonos in my work because I feel I must not
aloe fiber, sisal and vacoas fiber or the pandamus bark. The jute was get caught in the wave of Japonism. Working on the theme immigration
extensively used in the 90’s because of its rapid disintegration. Today, it is really appeals to me. I am always in quest of “Identity”. Who am I and from
a rare commodity and I did point out its non-polluting properties after use. where have I come? being a descendant of the Indian immigrants who came
However, plastic has now taken its place and much harm is being done. I after 1835, I have much affinity with India. Much of their faces, moods and
am anti- pollution and like to make use of anything that is being thrown or feelings could be observed in the serigraphy works. The paper has been
discarded, in an attempt to recycle these items torn, burnt or faded, with color to impart to it the idea of antiquity, like It
Scraps have always been part of my prints because there is much aesthetic is an evocation of the past while viewing an old document. I like working
beauty in thrown away objects. The forms, textures and relief effect
available have a lot of accidental result and this gives another dimension to DoDoBUrGer, 2009 SIlkSCrEEN ON ClOTH 20x40 IN. /50x100 CM. 
the works created. Paper is embossed, hence creating a three- dimensional
effect. The result is surprising and much anxiety is being added due to the  mULtiCULtUraL soCiety / MINIATUrE bOOk, 2008 WOODCUT, lINOCUT, rElIEF
PrINTINg 2,2 POUNDS /1kg (WEIgHT) 16x5x1 IN. / 15,5x12,5x2,5 CM.

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