Dilip De finds a canvas in his phone

Orchid grower Dilip De who democratised the orchid which once only the elite could afford, by making it available for `5 has now in his new avatar as a budding artist set out to make every budding artist in our country realise how easy it can be to follow a dream and turn a hobby into a reality with a notebook phone and stylus. Using the Samsung Notebook he has created what he calls ‘abstract’ surrealism beauties like the Ravishing Kanchenjunga, Mumbai Sky Symphony and Alibag Sky Tango, which can be seen at his ongoing exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery.

“My dream as a budding Notebook phone digital artist, is to tell all those who love art: here’s yet another way that technology has made things more accessible and affordable,” said Dilip.

His artwork impressed even the superstar, Amitabh Bachchan who had come to congratulate and lend his support at the opening of Dilip’s debut exhibition.

“Mr De and I go way back 50 years in Kolkata when I met a calm, sweet man working at Mckinsey and to this day, his demeanour remains just the same,” said Amitabh. “Then when I came to the film industry after many years, on an occasion that I was being trashed by his wife on the print media, I decided to meet her and perhaps ask for forgiveness for whatever I had done. She very kindly gave an invitation to their beautiful home and that is the time I noticed a lot of art in their house. On asking Shobhaa I was told that they were all Dilip’s vision and entirely his doing.”

Talking about Dilip’s unique idea of painting on phone, the actor said, “What amazes me at this exhibition today is that all these works are done on a mobile phone. I have suddenly developed a lot of respect for my Samsung! I must now go and check if I can create all these works on my phone as well. Anyway, Dilip this is truly inspiring for people — to know that now one can create art on a mobile phone. People keep taking photographs on their phones but I have never seen this before and many congratulations to you and may you have more success with this lovely show.”

The exhibition is on till August 21, 11 am to 7 pm, at Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda