Guwahati: From the poetic brilliance of Bharat Ratna winner Bhupen Hazarika's songs to the poignant storytelling of Mamoni Raisom Goswami and Hiren Bhattacharyya, Assam has inspired countless creators to dive into their craft and pursue their passion. Chiranjib Barooah, an aspiring author and artist from Assam, is making waves in storytelling. His journey began with a deep-seated motivation to create a book that would offer young readers a comprehensive understanding of the universe.
In his latest book, 'Ascendence to Transcendence,' the paintings and poems dive into diverse subjects such as Quantum Physics, Occult, Philosophy, Astrophysics, Mythology, Science Fiction, Spirituality, and more, blending these varied disciplines into a cohesive narrative of imagination and mystery. However, the path to creative freedom and expression is rarely without challenges.
Recently, Business North East (BNE) spoke to Chiranjib Barooah, who shared insights into his journey of storytelling via poetry and the challenges of making a name in the creative world with his relentless pursuit.
“It is a slow process. The revenue doesn’t come immediately, but with time, the benefits will follow,” he told BNE, emphasizing the most significant hurdle writers face is the difficulty in monetizing their art and writing.
Describing the essence of his latest book, Chiranjib Barooah said, "The book portrays the fragmented world of a fantastic kaleidoscope of imagination in my mind through art and poetry." He further elaborated that the 24 paintings and poems in the collection are designed to engage readers with mind-bending themes, riddles, and hidden meanings that provoke deep reflection and exploration.
"Intense dedication and effort went into creating each of the 48 works in the book, spending 180 hours on each painting and one to two days crafting each poem," Chiranjib Barooah said, adding that the book is available globally through online platforms like Amazon. However, he revealed that the financial returns have been slower than expected.
From intricate illustrations to complex themes, Chiranjib Barooah's latest book showcases his passion and expertise in visual and literary arts. Ascendence to Transcendence features 41 illustrations within its 80 pages, underscoring the artist's remarkable versatility and commitment to his craft.
Chiranjib Barooah also talked about the challenges of creating this unique book. "It required extensive study, analysis, and countless sketches and doodles to give form to formless ideas. Balancing this with other official commitments was a daunting task. But my curiosity and the desire to explore deep, uncharted territories of the macrocosm and microcosm kept me driven," he said.
He also said, "It’s not enough to create great work. People need to know that you exist." Building an audience, whether for books or artwork, is essential, but convincing people to appreciate and purchase one's work is a constant challenge. Chiranjib Barooah pointed out that many people may admire the work but often hesitate to buy it, whether it's paintings, books, or any form of artistic expression.
Moreover, detailing the financial investment required to bring his book to market, the author revealed that publishing his first book came with a significant price tag, amounting to around Rs 60,000. In addition to the cost, balancing writing with other artistic endeavours like painting proved time-consuming, taking about 3-4 months to complete the book.
While the financial returns are modest, Chiranjib Barooah remains optimistic about the future. The slow but steady pace of recognition and sales is part of the creative journey. "It takes time for people to notice you, but the exposure will grow eventually," he stated, underlining that the process of becoming a recognized artist is ongoing.
With the increasing dominance of digital platforms, the author is also exploring new avenues for expanding their reach. Chiranjib Barooah's second book, 'Envision the Wisdom,' will be available in digital format, including Kindle. This step aligns with the global trend towards e-books, ensuring the work reaches a broader audience.
Chiranjib Barooah's works have already garnered international attention. One notable career moment for Chiranjib Barooah was when the British Library accepted his book. Though he did not receive financial compensation, he revealed that the acknowledgement from such a prestigious institution was invaluable.
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“It was a long process to get the book accepted, but it’s a great recognition,” he said, adding that the library’s curator reviewed the book, and after an in-depth evaluation, it was added to their collection. This international recognition has further solidified Chiranjib Barooah's place in the global art and literary scene.
When asked about the art scene in Assam, Chiranjib Barooah noted the growth in recent years but acknowledged that the industry still faces challenges.
“There is scope in Assam for art and literature, but it’s not as developed as in other parts of India or the world,” he explained. However, he also pointed out that organizations are starting to promote young artists and writers, which is a positive sign for the future. Despite these advancements, Chiranjib Barooah believes that only a handful of people in Assam pursue art and literature professionally.
“Merely 10-12% of people out of 100 are serious about taking it as a career,” the author further stated.
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