Prolific painter Zhoniu Pfozhe presents his artistry through vivid story telling. He explores feelings, observations and experiences in abstract forms to give the viewer space to bring in their own stories within his creations
Impressions: Benoy Sebastian
A mathematics graduate from Hans Raj College, Delhi University, Manipur-born Zhoniu Pfozhe left his day job to pursue a passion for painting. Raised in a place where the profession was associated more with billboard advertisements, the artist successfully created a niche for himself in the world of art. “Unfortunately, now with the coming of digital printing even the profession of painting is dying slowly,” rues Zhoniu.
However, this has not stopped him from following his dream of becoming a recognised artist and continue to make waves in the art world. For many aspiring artists, the works of prominent artists inspire them at the beginning of their journey in the world of art, but in Zhoniu’s case, he never had one. “First, because art/painting was never a part of the place where I come from, and secondly, I never got to know any of these big names or artworks until recently when I shifted to New Delhi,” Zhoniu says. Zhoniu’s chosen medium is both oil and acrylic, but his artistry is not limited to this field as he has dabbled in fashion design and interior design in the past, and even currently, at a community level.
While engaged in these various pursuits, through his art blog, Zhoniu continues working on his belief in the importance of introducing and promoting his native Naga culture (a minority tribe from North East India) within the vast Indian society. He informs, “I am in the process of working on a project that will focus on bringing about art awareness in the North East through a self-funded art society – by hosting an annual art fair, and also by giving weekend art classes to children. So, well wishers are welcome, and the North East as a whole will be much obliged to any such kind of act. Hopefully, very soon we will see more names from the North East as well-known artists in the art world.”
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