The Intersection of Belief and Uncertainty: A Journey towards Psychological Insight

Rabindranath Tagore's venture into painting in his sixties, yielded thousands of works (close to 2500 paintings), making him the first Indian artist to exhibit across Europe, Russia, and the United States. His artistic principles, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, insights from the Upanishads with the world, sought divinity in the formless.

Tagore grappled with a lack of confidence in his painting endeavors. In 1930, as he prepared to embark on a transformative journey from Calcutta (India) to Europe, he reached out to his old friend William Rothenstein, a renowned artist and principal of the Royal College of Art in London, seeking guidance. In Tagore’s words, “[My pictures] certainly possess psychological interest being products of untutored fingers and untrained mind. I am sure they do not represent what they call Indian Art, and in one sense they may be original, revealing a strangeness born of my utter inexperience and individual limitations.”

Tagore referred his love for art as 'Sesh boisher priya' (an affair in the evening of life), mirrored his prose and poetry's power. Despite no formal training, his sensitivity toward poetry and social reform informed his unique style, characterized by subtle lines and colours. His landscapes, dreamy and silhouette-like, reflect a deep appreciation for nature, often evoking a desire for divine intervention. Tagore's pastiche paintings are a mesmerizing blend of geometric patterns that evoke birds and animals in unconventional ways. Reminiscent of modern masters like Picasso, these works exude a surreal quality. Tagore himself called them “probable animals,” suggesting they exist only in our dreams. By delving into his subconscious, he created a body of work that is both unsettling and profound, challenging our perceptions of reality and nature. Tagore's oeuvre is vast and varied, reflecting his wide-ranging interests.

As a polymath, he expressed his ideas through various mediums, often blurring the lines between dream and reality, hope and despair, form and formlessness. His art offers a nuanced glimpse into the human experience. Despite receiving accolades from European art critics and eventually winning over even the initially hesitant Rothenstein, Tagore's uncertainty persisted. However, the recognition from both European and Indian artists gradually instilled in Tagore, what he called "some little faith in my powers as an artist." Despite this newfound confidence, uncertainty remained a constant companion throughout his artistic journey. Upon returning to India in 1931, Tagore never ventured to the West again, dedicating himself to painting and producing the bulk of his remarkable oeuvre.

As a mental health professional, my endeavours frequently revolve around the intricate comprehension of human brain functionality, behavioural patterns, and cognitive processes. This journey often entails delving into the realms of our unconscious and subconscious minds, where we conscientiously challenge our ingrained values and continuously push the boundaries of our understanding. The profound impact of Tagore's artistic endeavours has illuminated a path toward embracing vulnerability, enabling profound introspection that aids in navigating life's myriad challenges.