The writer as an artist

THE WRITER AS AN ARTIST

“Art appreciation is the study and understanding of visual arts, including sketching, painting, sculpture, and architecture. It involves learning the elements and principles of art.”

Professor Morrison’s voice echoed through the auditorium as he concluded his hour-long lecture. He was a well-known aesthete and the head of the Institute of Fine Arts.

“Michelangelo, a genius of his time, often focused on the human form and the human condition. One of his greatest creations is the fresco painting ‘The Creation of Adam.’

’The Last Supper’, a mural painted in oil using the ‘Tempera technique’, was created by Leonardo da Vinci.

And ‘The Collector’, by the Franco-Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, exemplifies surrealism. His imagination knew no bounds,” Morrison concluded, stepping away from the podium.

After a few more thought-provoking lectures from seasoned artists, the event ended.

The enthusiastic crowd intermingled.

Leena, a painter, spoke with Sagar, who was exploring his skills in short story writing.

“Painting is an art that gives an enriching experience,” Leena said. “While painting, one enters a different world. Selecting the medium, colour, light, space, composition—everything for the chosen topic—is a big challenge”, she said

Sagar raised his eyebrows. “And do you think writing stories is easy?” he asked, irritated.

“Whatever you say, writing is not considered an art,” Leena asserted.

“No, madam,” Sagar countered. “It is an art. It satisfies all the aspects of one.”

“Let’s see if story writing is even included in the next competition,” Leena retorted.

The two art lovers had drawn the line, challenging each other’s realm of creativity.

After a few weeks, the art group announced an exhibition featuring paintings by both well-known artists and emerging painters. The exhibition showcased various styles and media, and a large crowd of art enthusiasts gathered in the hall.

The white-painted auditorium, divided into multiple sections, displayed an array of creative works. The entire atmosphere was mesmerising.

Masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dalí, Mulgaokar, M.F.Hussain and others drew significant attention. The colours, lines, and shapes of the exhibits were deeply admired. Observers analyzed the composition and arrangement of each piece, the geometric and organic forms, and the emotional intensity each artwork evoked.

The experience was nothing short of heavenly for the art admirers.

However, story writing was still not accepted as a form of art. While at the exhibition, when Leena and Sagar bumped into each other, Leena quipped, “Better luck next time.”

Days later, a new exhibition was held, featuring mind-bending artefacts created from a most unexpected and mysterious material—glass.

Under the intriguing title Space Resonates Regardless of Our Presence, a sculpture by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson captivated viewers. An LED, suspended from the end of a steel bracket, shone light back onto a glass ring that acted as a prism. It projected concentric bands of light onto a wall, conveying profound emotions.

Another artefact, SPATIAL NEGOTIATIONS II, caused a stir in the art world. Artist Stacey Neff had blown glass into extenuated, gestural forms that seemed to move, as if transforming into something new. The tension between perceived motion and stasis animated the sculpture. It belonged to Neff’s Bio-mythology series, where she explored biological and botanical forms. The process involved blowing large, thin glass forms and annealing them on a fibre blanket laid on the floor.

Another remarkable piece was Soma 2015, part of a larger series by Serfaty. Inspired by organic forms such as tree foliage, corals, stalactites, and ice crystals, the piece invited interpretations on theoretical, physical, or spiritual levels.

Art lovers admired all the exhibits.

Still, story writing wasn’t considered an art.

The art enthusiasts planned to host exhibitions centred on different themes to encourage budding artists.

“What about showcasing the creative work of story writers? Maybe an exhibition or a competition?” Sagar suggested at a committee meeting.

“What? Fiction?” one committee member asked in disbelief.

“Is writing work even considered art?” another inquired.

“Why not?” Sagar responded passionately. “Writing is one of the many forms of art. Traditional art includes visual, graphic, plastic, decorative, performing, and architectural arts. Each of these requires creativity and skill. ‘Hills like white elephants’ is an Ernest Hemingway short story of 1927. The story revolves around a young lady and a man. Arthur Conan Doyle's detective short stories are riveting. ‘Diamond Necklace’ by Guy de Maupassant, ‘Top Man’ by James Ramsey Ullman, ‘Kabuliwalla’ by Rabindra Nath Tagore and ‘Ek Lakhache Bakshis’ by V.S. Khandekar in Marathi are classic examples of captivating creation. They are based on different topics, various formats, and have individual styles. Everything is distinct. But all are compelling”

He continued with empathy, expressing how writing fits within the artistic spectrum.

After some deliberation, the committee was convinced. They agreed to include literary artists in the next event, giving them an opportunity to showcase their creative talents alongside visual artists.

When the event date arrived, Leena submitted her entry. She specialised in landscaping, using acrylics in an expressionist style.

Her painting, titled ‘EXUBERANCE’, depicted the joy of a farmer after intense rains. In the golden glow of the rising sun, a fully bloomed paddy field swayed gently in the breeze. The happiness on the farmer’s face, appearing in the right corner, stood out. The swaying, sunlit crops faded into the mountains, which in turn disappeared into the sky. The use of vibrant colours, flowing brushwork, and resin textures deeply impressed the audience.

‘EXUBERANCE’ was shortlisted for further review.

Then came the storytelling segment. A few stories were read aloud. One of them was ‘ALTRUIST’, written by Sagar Bhoir.

The story seamlessly transitioned from an adventurous skiing experience to a spiritual transformation. A young skier strayed into unfamiliar terrain and got lost. A sadhu gave him shelter in a cave during the snowstorm. When they both became hungry, the sadhu offered the only fruit that he had to the skier, who consumed it all without a thought of sharing it. When the skier realised it, he was embarrassed. In the short time with the sadhu, the young man, who then understood the meaning of “altruist”—someone unselfish and caring for others. He returned home with a profound life experience.

The story was insightful, engaging, and well-structured. The descriptive style conveyed strong emotions and the theme of selflessness. The audience responded with applause, and ‘ALTRUIST ‘was shortlisted.

After all participants had finished, the shortlisted entries were opened for discussion.

The various forms of art were examined for how they gave voice to sensitive minds. The judges analysed ‘ALTRUIST’ deeply.

“The writer used language as their medium, crafting forms that evoked emotion and inspired reflection,” one judge said. “Their use of figurative language, symbolism, and narrative structure mirrors how painters or sculptors manipulate their materials to express vision.”

“The story stirred joy, empathy, and introspection in the audience,” added another. “This emotional resonance is a hallmark of true art.”

The discussion highlighted how both visual and literary artists lead audiences into imagined worlds. A painting reveals itself at once, inviting viewers to explore deeply with their own interpretations. A written story, however, is experienced sequentially. The writer guides the reader step by step, hand-in-hand, pointing out the emotional highs and lows.

“Like a title in a painting, a writer’s story title or synopsis also plays a key role in catching the reader’s eye,” noted another.

Finally, after considering all the feedback and emotional impact, the judges announced the winner.

The victorious was ‘ALTRUIST’—a literary creation by Sagar Bhoir.

A wave of thunderous applause filled the auditorium.

As Sagar rose to collect his award, Leena walked over and extended her hand.

“So, literary art has won over painting. Hearty congratulations!” she smiled.

Sagar stepped on stage and received the award from Professor Morrison, respectfully bowing and touching his feet.

Asked to say a few words, Sagar humbly said, “This has consolidated the position of literary work as an art.”

And once again, the hall erupted in applause.