Artist Mrinmoy Barua’s Bold Abstract Art Celebrates Women, Energy and Vision

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Bold lines, powerful colours and energetic strokes define the art of Mrinmoy Barua. His figurative abstract works currently on display at CR Park Art Studio and Gallery capture the viewer’s attention instantly, leaving a lasting visual impression.

Barua’s paintings are striking not only for their vibrant colours but also for the depth of thought behind them. One of the works portrays Goddess Kali, but with a distinctive interpretation. Unlike the traditional depiction of Kali with a protruding blood-red tongue, Barua presents a calmer version of the goddess—one who has already vanquished the demons and returned to serenity.

Celebrating the Power and Energy of Women

A large part of Barua’s recent body of work is dedicated to the female form. His paintings celebrate women in all their dimensions—strength, passion, sensuality and resilience.

Through flowing strokes and bold compositions, the artist brings a sense of fluidity and movement to his canvases. Rich shades of red dominate many of these works, often without a defined baseline, symbolising freedom and boundless energy.

“I feel women are the much stronger sex than men, and through my bold lines I try to express that strength,” says Barua.

His depiction of women goes beyond physical form; it portrays them as infinite, determined and full of vitality.

A Visionary Portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Among Barua’s most ambitious works is a painting of Narendra Modi, which portrays the leader as a visionary capable of accomplishing multiple tasks simultaneously.

The work stands apart for both its concept and the time it took to complete. While most of Barua’s paintings are finished within a few days, this particular canvas required nearly two-and-a-half years.

“Normally, I take about three to four days to complete a work because the emotions and thoughts that go into a painting can be sustained for only about five days,” he explains.

Encouraged by the response, the artist plans to create more such visionary portraits. He is already in discussions with Bollywood personalities and political figures who may soon become subjects of his future canvases.

An Independent Artist with a Distinct Approach

A resident of Dwarka, Barua has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions over the years and has successfully sold many of his works.

Yet, unlike many contemporary artists, he has largely remained independent of commercial galleries. Apart from occasional association with Ati Art Gallery, Barua prefers to maintain creative autonomy.

“Big corporates and business families buy my works, and I am satisfied with that,” he says.

A Unique Artistic Discipline

Another aspect that distinguishes Barua is his exclusive use of acrylic on canvas. While many artists experiment with different mediums, he has chosen to work almost entirely with acrylic, believing it best captures the intensity of his style.

Equally surprising is his disciplined work routine. Barua paints for only three to four hours a day, insisting that this is sufficient for creative productivity.

“No artist can work for more than this time in a day,” says Barua, who also serves as the Head of the Art Department at Raisina School.

Abstract Works That Capture the Market

Interestingly, while Barua personally enjoys creating figurative abstract works, it is his pure abstract paintings that attract the most buyers.

“Though I enjoy the figurative abstract more, it is the pure abstract work that sells more,” he admits.

From Fear of Red to Mastery of Colour

Today, Barua’s canvases are dominated by vibrant reds and oranges—colours that add dramatic intensity to his art. Yet there was a time when the artist was afraid of using red.

That changed in 2004 when his father fell seriously ill. During that difficult period, Barua donated blood several times.

“I saw so much blood during those days that I stopped fearing the colour red,” he recalls.

Since then, the colour has become a central element in his artistic vocabulary, symbolising energy, emotion and life itself.