Bal Gopal: The enchanting innocence of Sri Krishna as a child is a theme adored across India and the world. He is the embodiment of pure godliness and his Bal-Lila (childhood plays) is a constant source of tenderness for the heart of the observer. In his acrylic on canvas painting titled “Bal Gopal”, Bijay Biswal has mesmerizingly recreated a scene from the leisurely moments of the dark-skinned god, “Gopal” or the protector of Gau (cow).
Using vibrant and muted shades that complement each other, Biswal presents the grooves of Vrindavan- a heavenly sky, flocks of birds, and towering trees through which the soft rays of evening seep, creating a warm effect of light and shade in the foreground. Krishna’s Sakha (friends) can be seen in the left half of the canvas, indulging in their playtime, their simple outlines filling the painting with the merriments of babyhood. Peacocks, the symbol of beauty, divinity, royalty, and wisdom roam in the surroundings, painted with such realism that the one in the foreground seems to be on its way to emerging out of the canvas. Go-Vrinda (group of cows) grazes in the backdrop of the artwork, highlighted with green and blue shades that conceal them in the expansive grassland and sky.
A plump baby Krishna is seated restfully in the center, with his innocence and charm embodied in the calf that attempts to stand stably on his hooves as he is gently caressed by the lord of the universe. Krishna has his lush locks tied in a hair bun, adorned by a peacock feather and a string of flowers. Jeweled ornaments are painted with intricacy shine on the delicate body of Krishna, who wears a patterned dhoti and thin Yajnopavita (sacred thread). Krishna’s body, especially his feet are compared to lotus flowers in Hindu textual traditions, which call them “Charan Kamal” (lotus feet). To present this heavenly quality of Sri Krishna in his art, Biswal has innovatively covered his feet and tiny hands in lotus creepers, and the auspicious Vaishnava signs of Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus) also mark his body. Krishna’s beloved calf is also ornamented, with fineries that shimmer thanks to the sophisticated interplay of colors on them. The doe-eyed calf relishes in the company of his little master, who is tenderly showering him with all the love the lord has to offer.
A heartwarming exchange of Sneha (affection) is occurring on this life-size canvas, whose splendid dimensions make sure that anyone standing in front of it, will feel as if they are playing with Krishna in Vrindavan, as one of his Sakhas. The skill of the artist shows in the balance of tranquility and dynamism visible on the canvas. With confidence in brushstrokes, Biswal has done the seemingly impossible task of combining divinity with realism. The true-to-life angelic expressions of Sri Krishna, the movement felt in the affectionately drooping neck of the calf and the carpet of lushness spread all over create an artwork ready to capture the eyes, mind, and soul, all at once.
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