Forever immersed in colours: Artist Anjini Prakash Laitu

With over 250 exhibitions to his credit at the age of 84, there is no stopping the Colourman of Dubai — Anjini Prakash Laitu. The Dubai-based veteran artist, sees the world through a kaleidoscope of hues, where his canvases are a riot of shades and so is his persona. Often spotted at opening nights of art exhibitions across the UAE, Anjini embodies the spirit of a true artist dressed in his bespoke creations.

A master of abstract art, his work is currently on display at the Shades of Memory exhibition, hosted by Diarbid, a digital art platform at Goshi Warehouse, Al Quoz, Dubai. “Art is a way of life for me. It is an integral essence in my daily routine,” shares Anjini, who spends close to six hours every day, immersed in creating art at his home studio in Sharjah.

Anjini Prakash Laitu’s artworks at World Art DubaiAnjini’s tryst with art began at an early age in the city of Mathura in India, where the colours splashed during the festival of Holi ingrained in him a deep love for vivid shades. A leaning towards art, literature and culture came intrinsically to Anjini as his mother Krishna Laitu was multilingual and an avid reader. His brother, late Pramod Laitu was a noted film journalist and his youngest brother Ravi Laitu and sister Sudha Tankha are both authors. Yet Anjini’s illustrious art career really began post-retirement from corporate life at the age of 60.

The octogenarian’s successful second innings as an artist is an inspiration for many senior citizens that there is really no age to follow one’s passion. After retirement from the Thapar Group of Companies in India in 1996 and later from Al Tajir Glass Industries in UAE in 2001, Anjini enrolled in a painting course at the Sharjah Art Foundation. Graduating in 2003, Anjini exhibited his work in a string of notable solo and group exhibitions in India, Nepal and the UAE.

Humble and gracious, he forever credits his intuition in assisting him in creating his canvases. “When I set out to paint a canvas every day, I just begin with a few colours, not knowing how the final painting is going to evolve, always letting colours and my intuition guide me,” he says.

Anjini’s creations are a riot of shadesHonoured with the Golden Visa from the Ministry of Culture in Dubai, he continues to paint seven to eight canvases every month. His art also extends to textiles and accessories leaving his legacy on sarees, dupattas, bags, shoes and belts.

Yet abstract art remains closest to his heart, he says. “I am drawn towards abstract art both as a creator and a viewer. There is magic and tranquillity in abstract art that draws me to it and soothes my soul,” he tells. As a special guest at several exhibitions in the UAE, he looks for the harmony of colours and lines when reviewing other artists’ work as well.

In his home studio, with his deft hands, he often creates his own canvases from things easily found at home. “You can make a canvas by just wrapping a thick white cloth over a cardboard and thickening the fabric with rice starch. Use turmeric, coal or grind flowers to create myriads of colours,” he shares. By these simple methods, he says, budding artists don’t need to spend a fortune on paints and canvases.

A regular exhibitor at World Art Dubai, Anjini’s artworks have been displayed at the Arab Cultural Club, Sharjah, The Emirates Fine Arts Society, Sharjah, Art Hub Dubai, Green Art Expo, Abu Dhabi, India Habitat Centre, Delhi and at several other venues. His latest exhibitions are with Diarbid and at Dubai International Art Centre.

Looking back, he says, it seems unbelievable how far he has come along the path of what initially started as a hobby. “But I feel, I still have miles to go. I am an eternal learner, driven by the incessant urge to paint and evolve.”