Shunya: Being Prafulla Mohanti – A Documentary on Prafulla Mohanti
Shunya is a documentary exploring the life and artistic journey of Prafulla Mohanti, a 91-year-old British-Indian artist and author. The title reflects a recurring motif in his paintings, symbolizing the universe and infinity.
From a Small Village in India to England
Born in a small village in India, Mohanti’s journey took him across continents. He first moved to Mumbai, where he studied Architecture at J.J. School of Art. His pursuit of knowledge and creativity then led him to England, where he began working as an architect in London.
Facing Racism and Discovering Colour in Leeds
While working for a firm of architects in London, Mohanti encountered subtle racism, which pushed him to relocate to Leeds for training as a Town Planner. In contrast to the grey city and the loneliness he felt, he found solace in painting with vibrant colours.
The welcoming artistic community in Leeds embraced him, and his work gained recognition. Leeds Art Gallery exhibited his paintings and even acquired some of them, marking the beginning of his success in the British art world.
Life in London and Overcoming Adversity
Returning to London, Mohanti worked as a town planner for the Greater London Council (GLC). However, a vicious racist attack in Wapping left him deeply traumatized. This incident prompted him to move to Pimlico, where he lived with his partner, Derek Moore, a Civil Service lawyer.
Leaving his job behind, Mohanti dedicated himself entirely to painting and writing, turning his pain into artistic expression.
Giving Back: Encouraging Art in His Village
Despite his success abroad, Mohanti never forgot his roots. Every year, he spent several months in his village with Moore, encouraging children and women to explore creativity through art, dance, and writing.
During one such visit, tragedy struck—Moore succumbed to pneumonia. Overcome with grief, Mohanti found solace in his art. To honor Moore’s memory, he began hosting an annual day-long festival of creativity in his village, inspiring new generations.
A Life in Art: Recognition and Influence
The documentary weaves together archival footage, personal stories, and interviews with his family, art professionals, and creatives, including:
- Jeremy Seabrook (renowned writer and journalist)
- Richard Long (celebrated sculptor)
Their insights highlight Mohanti’s lasting impact on the art world.
A New Chapter: Digital Art and Creativity
Recently, after a period of hospitalization, Mohanti felt unable to create. However, an iPad became his tool for revival, allowing him to paint once again and continue his artistic journey in a new, digital form.
Conclusion: A Migrant Artist’s Legacy
Shunya: The Cosmic Circle is a powerful study of resilience, creativity, and survival. It tells the story of a migrant artist who overcame barriers, embraced new forms of expression, and left an indelible mark on both his homeland and the global art community.
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