Artists Aamir Rabbani, Dheeraj Kumar showcase distinct artistic styles united by the theme of same-sex desire in new show

Artist Aamir Rabbani’s journey from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, to the vibrant urban art scene is a testament to the power of one’s surroundings in shaping artistic expression. “My hometown is a very calm village. There’s no exposure to same-sex relationships. You just don’t see it,” he reveals in an exclusive conversation with indianexpress.com. 

As such, the move from a conservative hometown to more cosmopolitan settings has played a crucial role in his exploration of same-sex love and desire through his artwork. He admits that the move to Delhi was difficult for the first two years. “Being from a small town and gay, it was a big adjustment. But luckily, my university, Jamia University, was very open-minded.” This transition not only gave him the courage to be himself but also provided him with the freedom to delve into themes that are considered taboo in his hometown — and has resulted in an exhibition titled ‘Over and Over Again’.

Rabbani reflects on the challenges of finding love in India (Source: Aamir Rabbani)

The ‘Over & Over again’ exhibition

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Rabbani and Dheeraj Kumar, artists who share similar roots, present an intimate collection of works. 

Rabbani’s work features small-format works and text-laden watercolours that serve as visual diaries of their lives while Kumar showcases his vision through photographs and collages representing the male body. Their shared background infuses their art with a unique perspective, blending personal narratives with broader themes of identity and desire.

Rabbani reflects on the challenges of finding love in India, “especially as a gay man.” He states, “These works depict emotional journeys from past relationships that failed. As an introvert, I struggle to express myself verbally. So, I use illustrations and short texts to convey these emotions.” 

He shares that his work masterfully blends reality with fantasy, interweaving tangible elements from his life with dreamlike imagery that represents unfulfilled desires and aspirations. 

“The watercolours themselves are significant,” he continues. “Watercolour is a transparent medium, and I like its ability to express feelings with a sense of vulnerability, just like the emotions I’m portraying.” The intimate nature of these works invites viewers into his world, offering a glimpse into his experiences and emotions.

Rabbani and Kumar’s artistic synergy

The collaboration between Rabbani and Kumar in this exhibition brings together two distinct artistic styles united by the theme of same-sex desire. 

“Dheeraj and I are from the same city, a rural area. Our journeys are quite similar. He’s also from a village, and we both live in big cities now (he’s in Bangalore). We both focus on the male body in our art. He uses some flowers and masks in his work as well,” Rabbani notes, adding that this collaboration has been exciting and insightful. 

Together, their creations present a multifaceted exploration of love and desire, inviting viewers to engage with these themes through various artistic lenses.

Central to Rabbani’s work is evoking the feelings of desire and yearning (Source: Aamir Rabbani)

Evoking desire and yearning through the male form

Central to Rabbani’s work is evoking the feelings of desire and yearning through male figures. As an introvert, he says he finds comfort in expressing his “emotions on paper.” He says, “I don’t really speak much. I don’t say what I feel. So I started illustrating my experiences, the journeys I thought would happen but didn’t. I use small texts to depict those emotions.”

His approach to depicting the male form is both subtle and powerful, capturing the essence of same-sex attraction in a way that is deeply personal yet universally relatable. Through his art, he explores the complexities of love and the longing to be loved.

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