Reverse dialogues

Paintings in reverse glass by Rusti Ratnagar

A picture speaks a thousand words, they say. Well, Rusti Rutnagar's reverse glass paintings say a lot more. The artist will be showcasing over 250 reverse glass paintings as part of the upcoming exhibition, titled Reality in Reverse, portraying everything imaginable from women and flowers to various human forms.

Paintings in reverse glass by Rusti Ratnagar

These glass paintings have been painted in reverse. So, while the painting is painted on one side, the actual art is visible on the other side of the glass. "This is something I find different from the typical canvas painting where colour and paint is directly put on the front to form a picture," says Rutnagar, explaining his love for the reverse glass paintings.

The artist claims that the method of reverse painting has taught him a lot about art as well as himself. "This is something I do as a hobby and for my own harmony. It has taught me a lot like being patient and the ability to find solace and comfort in
my work."

Rutnagar looks at his works as a conversation, one that can be private as well as public, and that continues beyond a fixed time. "I have an inexplicable urge to paint on glass," he informs, "I like to work on six to seven pieces at a time. Switching between them offers me the biggest challenge, and those paintings always end up being my favourites."

Passionate about this form of art, Rutnagar makes his own choices of subject and never feels limited. "I am an artist because it makes me feel good to create. There is no better feeling than selling a painting; it's not the monetary gain, but being able to see a complete stranger connect with something I made. That feeling never gets old." he says.