When Leicester artist Kamal Koria was growing up, he was encouraged towards a career in the sciences. However he always had a burning passion – a desire to put his unique, creative talents to work…
Despite dabbling with the idea of becoming a doctor, Kamal knew that it wasn’t where his heart (and his skills) lay. He decided to pursue his artistic calling by going to art college over in his home country of India.
Picture: Kamal Koria
Now living in Leicester, the 75 year-old is a celebrated artist – one whose work is sought after by collectors across the world.
Success is a feat which alludes many artists, but despite achieving it, it didn’t come easy for Kamal. He has been figuring out his unique style for the past 15-20 years and has taken on many commercial projects in order to fund his dream of making original art.
“It’s a tough industry. In many ways, artists have to fight their whole life, but for me it was never really an option – I am an artist first and always have been,” he tells Pukaar.
“If I’d have chosen science, or gone to work in a factory it would have been a very frustrating life I think. I played with the idea of doing something else, but in the end, it was always going to be art.“
“I had the burning desire to do it – nothing else”.
From an early age, Kamal was drawn to artistic pursuits. He remembers being eight and wanting to paint. However, without any paintbrushes to hand, he struggled to fulfil his childhood ambitions.
But like many with a burning desire, he found a way. He remembers fashioning a makeshift brush from donkey hair and even experimenting with his own.
However, he eventually acquired a ‘real’ paintbrush from a teacher who noticed his keen artistic interest.
“I saw my teacher making a portrait and I was fascinated by the colours. He borrowed me a little brush and away I went…
“The first painting I did was a portrait of my grandmother on wood,” he reveals.
“My father’s friend saw and asked who did it. He must have been impressed because he offered me 35 rupees to paint his grandfather’s portrait. He paid me and it was the first time I had money to buy paint!
“I was so happy. I thought wow! I was 13 and since then I was always thinking about how to make money from art. That was always my dream…”
After graduating from art college, Kamal made a living by taking on a succession of graphic design projects. Over the years he has produced art for musicians, filmmakers and greeting card companies. His Diwali card range proved extremely popular.
However, these commercial projects were just a means to an end. The iconic portraits he produces today are his real pride and joy – pieces which have been admired in galleries across Europe and Asia.
Inspired by artists like Picasso and Modigliani, his portraits are odd but highly intriguing – often featuring women and fixtures of rural India.
Women are a major focus of Kamal’s work, owing to his background and strong affection for the females in his life.
Although his Mum died when he was five, Kamal grew up alongside three sisters under the care of three devoted Aunts. They had a big influence in his life.
“I’ve never supported the idea of men being called the ‘man of the house’. I’ve always tried to empower the women because
I know that actually, women were the real strength in my household,” he says. “The men were strong – they were out working, but I saw the women as the pillars of the household.”
“I admire the women around me. My wife has always supported me with my career and I have been blessed to have three daughters as well as two granddaughters. So I’ve always been surrounded by women…”
Kamal’s daughter Khyati is a big champion of his work. In fact she acts as the curator of his art – organising exhibitions and helping to promote it to a wider audience. She speaks with immense pride when asked about her father’s extraordinary paintings.
“As a daughter I am incredibly proud. I have seen him transform white canvases to works of art and he has worked with such focus, determination and dedication. It is truly inspiring to see,” she says.
“The women he depicts, capture an essence of the powerful women that he once knew.
“These paintings visually capture his memories, how he saw the world around him. For me they provide an insight into his world, bringing colour and emotion to his vivid stories.”
To find out more, visit: www.kamalkoria.com
By Louise Steel
