Debashis Rout

Year of birth: 1st March 1967.
Where do you live: Riyadh – Saudi Arabia (Indian Nationality).
Your education: MBA, MS, BSc (Math Hons.).
Describe your art in three words: Passion, Reality & Desire.
Your discipline: Simple Thought with Purity & Hard work.
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How has your Indian heritage influenced your artistic style and the themes you explore in your work?

One of the most immediate ways Indian heritages could influence an artist’s work is through color and symbolism. In Indian culture, colors are deeply symbolic, often representing emotions, spiritual states, or specific deities. Indian art is also full of symbolic motifs, from the lotus (representing purity and spiritual growth) to intricate mandalas (symbolizing the universe and unity). As an artist for me this background may use these symbols in abstract or stylized forms, exploring themes of inner peace, interconnectedness, or the cyclical nature of life.

What inspired you to combine traditional art forms with contemporary techniques in your practice?

I love this question, and I think it gets to the heart of how artists can push boundaries while honoring tradition. If I were to imagine a scenario where I am the artist, the inspiration to combine traditional art forms with contemporary techniques could stem from a few key entities.

The Desire for Dialogue Across Time: Traditional art forms, whether it is painting, drawing, sculpture, or others have such a rich history. But in our current world, where technology is so intertwined with daily life, there is a natural desire to incorporate these contemporary tools into art.

Expanding the Language of Art: Traditional art often carries deep cultural significance, whether it is the craftsmanship of a painting or the symbolism in classical sculpture. By incorporating contemporary techniques like digital media, mixed media, or even augmented reality the artist can expand the language and impact of the work. My goal could be to reach a wider audience or to explore new ways of telling stories that are complex and multifaceted.

Reinterpreting Tradition:  I often look to history for inspiration, but rather than replicating traditional styles or methods, they might reinterpret them in new contexts.

The Fusion of Material and Concept: Contemporary techniques often give me new ways to experiment with materials and concepts. I work with both oil paints and digital projections. It is also a way of addressing how art functions in a world where digital and physical realities intersect.

The real inspiration behind blending these forms, though, is the desire to experiment, to see what happens when I mix the old and the new, and how that combination can yield something powerful, exciting, and unexpected.

You’ve been painting for over 35 years. How has your style evolved during this journey?

It sounds like I am imagining a long journey in the world of art, which is fascinating. I can imagine that for an artist with 35 years of experience, the evolution of style would be a deeply personal and dynamic process.

Early in one’s career, I was strongly influenced by school teachers. As time goes on, the foundation of technique might remain, but their voice and perspective begin to mature. They might experiment with different mediums or genres, leading to new ways of expressing their ideas. Over time, personal experiences, changes in the world, or simply a greater understanding of their own desires and influences could lead to shifts in style.

Petter Terrin , Nancy Madina & Katheleen Rietz whose classes inspired me with the rich colors combination in terms of art. Also a student of Elli Millan to learn abstract painting. My greatest inspiration for ART are the famous artist named Turner, Leonid Afremov mostly on Knife painting and cold wax techniques

As an artist sometimes I blend the old with the new, fusing traditional methods with modern techniques like digital or mixed media.

Can you share the challenges of balancing your career as an IT professional with your passion for art?

Challenges are 

Time Management:

One of the biggest hurdles is finding time to dedicate to art, especially with the demands of a full-time IT career. IT often requires long hours, problem-solving on tight deadlines, or dealing with unforeseen technical issues. After a long day managing projects, the energy required to switch gears and dive into a creative mindset can be tough. But Honestly saying painting energizes me to reduce stress and its my passion in a true way.

Mental Energy Shift:

IT work tends to be highly logical and analytical, requiring a different set of cognitive processes than art, which

How do you approach abstract concepts in your paintings, and what do they represent to you?

When approaching abstract concepts in painting, I see them as an exploration of emotions, thoughts, or universal themes that resist easy categorization or literal representation. For me, abstract art becomes a way to communicate experiences or states of being that do not have a direct or tangible form. The brushstrokes, colors, shapes, and textures convey a mood or an idea, often relying on intuition rather than strict representation.

As for what abstract concepts represent to me, they often mirror the complexities of the human condition: the subconscious, inner conflicts, or the interplay between order and chaos. Sometimes, abstract works might represent an exploration of time, memory, or even nature in a way that moves beyond the literal to the emotional or sensory realm.

How do you see the intersection of traditional art forms and modern technologies influencing the future of art?

The intersection of traditional art forms and modern technologies is profoundly shaping the future of art in many ways as below:

New Mediums: Artists are using technology to create new forms of art, such as digital painting, virtual reality installations, and interactive pieces that engage audiences in unique ways.

Preservation and Accessibility: Technologies like 3D scanning and digital archiving allow for the preservation of traditional art forms and make them accessible to a global audience, breaking geographical barriers.

Collaboration: Modern technologies facilitate collaboration among artists across different disciplines and locations, merging traditional techniques with innovative ideas and methods.

Audience Engagement: Technology enables artists to interact with their audience in real-time through social media and immersive experiences, making art more participatory and dynamic.

Education and Resources: Online platforms and tools provide artists with resources to learn traditional techniques as well as modern digital skills, fostering a diverse skill set.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to find their unique voice?

Here are some valuable advice for aspiring artists looking to discover their unique voice as:

Explore Different Mediums: Experiment with various materials and techniques. Allow yourself to play and find what resonates with you, whether it is painting, digital art, sculpture, or mixed media.

Study Art History: Familiarize yourself with different styles, movements, and artists. Understanding the past can inspire you and inform your own artistic choices.

Create Regularly: Develop a consistent practice. The more you create, the more you will discover your preferences and style. Do not be afraid to make mistakes; they often lead to breakthroughs.

Reflect on Personal Experiences: Your unique experiences and perspectives will shape your work. Draw inspiration from your life, emotions, and thoughts; they can be powerful sources of creativity.

Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and be open to constructive criticism. Engaging with fellow artists and audiences can provide valuable insights and encourage growth.

Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity is key. Do not try to mimic others. focus on what feels genuine to you. Your distinct voice will emerge when you create from a place of honesty.

Keep Learning: Attend workshops, take classes, and keep pushing your boundaries. Continuous learning will help you refine your skills and expand your artistic vocabulary.

Patience and Perseverance: Finding your unique voice takes time. Be patient with yourself, and stay committed to your journey, even when it feels challenging.