Ascendence to Transcendence: Confluence of Verse and Art

The book is divided into two sections, each consisting of 24 paintings and poems respectively, and is based on variegated themes or rather disciplines like quantum physics, occult, philosophy, world mythology, astrophysics, history, epic sagas, fantasy, science fiction, psychology, art, music, literature, parapsychology, spirituality, psychedelics, horror and archaeology. The unique treatment to this lovely book gives the readers an altogether different feel – wherein one can enjoy both verse and art in one collection. 

Creativity is God-gifted and is manifested through a plethora of mediums. Young artist and poet Chiranjib Barooah's debut book Ascendence to Transcendence is a perfect amalgam of art and verse – 24 each, bifurcated into two separate sections. This unique treatment to this lovely book gives the readers an altogether different feel – wherein one can enjoy both verse and art in one collection. His skill in paintings as well as the poet in him can easily be seen after one browses through his book.

Speaking about the core essence of the book, Chiranjib says: "The book portrays the fragmented world of a fantastic kaleidoscope in my mind through art and poetry. There are 24 paintings and poems on diverse subjects." The book is divided into two sections, each consisting of 24 paintings and poems respectively, and is based on variegated themes or rather disciplines like quantum physics, occult, philosophy, world mythology, astrophysics, history, epic sagas, fantasy, science fiction, psychology, art, music, literature, parapsychology, spirituality, psychedelics, horror and archaeology.

One can easily measure the uniqueness of the book, going by the multitude of disciplines upon which it is carved. Chiranjib exudes: "The USP of my book is that I have stressed on the following qualities while crafting it – mind bending themes and topics that essentially question the biggest unsolved mysteries and secrets that have baffled humankind since the beginning of time; the sheer epic scale of content (composition, characters, events) and context of the paintings and poems; experimentation in using colours, mediums and themes and an unprecedented writing style for the readers to experience a fresh taste."

He further adds: "The book is fast paced, thrilling and full of action, and this is how the poems and paintings are designed for the readers. The hidden meanings and secrets embedded in each of the paintings and poems will baffle readers and make them question for more. The experience I hope will be similar to solving riddles."

Chiranjib is a passionate poet and an equally brilliant painter. His 24 paintings and poems bear testimony to this fact. Through his book, one can gauge the sheer elan with which he pens his poetry and creates his paintings.

It took Chiranjib 180 hours to complete each painting and between one and two days for penning down each poem. There are a total of 41 illustrations in this 80-page book. Truly it was his curiosity driven mind to journey deep into the uncharted territories of Macrocosm and Microcosm that crafted this book.

The deepest questions to which humankind has been seeking answers, has been his cardinal driving force or inspiration. A bunch of artists, scientists, philosophers and books too have translated to inspiration.

Writing such a book on diverse mind bending and complex subjects blended with imagination and uniqueness was quite a daunting task. It required extensive study and analysis and entailed lots of initial sketches and doodling before the final form and shape was achieved. "It was quite a challenge to give form to formless, intangible thoughts, while devoting most of my time in other mundane activities and professional/official work," Chiranjib admits and adds, "Understanding the psychology of the readers to feed into their interests and likings is actually a very tough task."

This beautiful book stands apart from the rest, as it cannot be clubbed into conventional genres like fiction, non-fiction, poetry, science fiction, biography, etc. Therein lies its beauty and USP. With its high quality printed paper, coupled with its fine designing and layout, this debut book by young Chiranjib with its doppelganger themes of art and verse is sure to arouse the curiosity as well as interest of readers, especially loyal lovers of art and verse.

By: Saikh Md. Sabah Al-Ahmed

The reviewer can be reached at sabahalahmed@gmail.com

Also Read: Between Two Worlds

Also Watch: