The Art and its Aesthetic Journey

By Sona Yeritsyan

Soon after finishing the opening ceremony of her wonderful exhibition, Contemporary Warli folk artist Ms. Babita Biswas wanted to see Yerevan, as well as get informed about Armenian culture. Members of India - Armenia Friendship helped her in this, among those I was also actively participated. She was very active and eager to see every corner of Yerevan. 

We started our trip from the Republic Square, where famous painter paid a big attention at the Art of Armenian architecture. She was mostly impressed by hearing that an ancient city was discovered underground, in the centre of the Republic Square. Continuing through our way, we walked along the Northern Avenue, and reached the musical monument of Yerevan - Opera House. Here Ms. Biswas saw monuments of two big representatives of Armenian Culture: Hovhannes Tumanyan and Aleksandr Spendiaryan. Our third station was Painting's show near famous painter Martiros Saryan's statue in the park after M.Saryan. Our steps slowed down. We were stopping near every painting and she was explaining the meaning of each, in which style it was painted etc. The most impressive thing was that the Indian painter met with Armenian painters and they had a little talk about paintings of both side.
In Cascade she liked sculptures sample of modern art and admired the beautiful scene in top of it. There was Yerevan with Its new and old buildings, and behind of it historical mountain Ararat. The painter was bowled over by its beauty. She saw Matenadaran and was informed a little about invention of Armenian Alphabet. Most of all Ms Babita was eager to see our churches. As you know we have many of them, but we visited the church of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Here we explained her about St.Gregory, Tiridates III and how Armenia became Christian country. In church we witnessed an Armenian wedding ceremony. 

Though we were already tired, but it didn't stop us to continue our trip. Continuing our way we went to Vernisage. Here Ms. Babita liked souvenirs sample of Armenian Culture, wooden handicrafts and Armenian musical instruments. During this whole tour Ms. Babita was trying to keep every moment, everything and everyone, even taxi drivers and shop assistants in her memory. Returning back to hotel our Ms Babita tried to make us feel ourselves a little part of Indian culture and drew Bindis on our foreheads: not simple ones but in Warli style.

At the end of the day she was full of happiness but a bit regretted too, because she had only one day for visiting Yerevan's beautiful sights. Nevertheless it was big honor for us to spend a whole day with Ms. Biswas and show her Yerevan, though the time was not enough to make it complete.

During her five day visit to Armenia, Contemporary Warli folk artist Ms. Babita Biswas contributed to the deepening of Indian - Armenian cultural ties. On the fourth day of her visit, embassy of India in Armenia organized special meeting - presentation for students, among them I was too present. It took place at Yerevan State Medical University. Ms. Babita specially organized a presentation for students. The artist shared some of her professional secrets of Warli art with both Indian and Armenian students. The most interesting fact was that, the Armenian students showed no less activity than Indian ones. 

Ms. Biswas explained in details the significance and importance of Warli art to all those present, as well as gave us information about its origin and further development. Warli art was first discovered in the early seventies. Maharashtrian women were mainly engaged in the creation of these paintings which did not depict mythological characters or images of deities, but depicted social life. There were many pictures shown which were telling us about different manifestations of Warli art. Then Ms. Babita showed us how we could draw animals, plants and humans (men) in Warli style. It was not a big issue for us to perceive that. Everyone was impressed. Though it was simple, it was meaningful and substantial in the same time.

Everything was explained and showed in details, so there was no question left to be asked. Some interesting questions were voiced, among them this one was the most impressive: whether Ms. Biswas could go for sightseeing in Yerevan during this short time, and if it's possible to draw those beautiful sights in Warli style. Famous painter liked this question very much and answered with regret. She told that unfortunately she could stay in Yerevan only for few days, and must leave the next day of presentation. She would be glad to stay a little bit longer, but the lack of time couldn’t stop her to fall in love with Yerevan, and assured us that she would draw Yerevan in Warli style. She was planning to return to Yerevan with her family in near future.

This answer pleased everyone present there, and was the final note for special organized presentation.