“My Art Is Based On Cultural And Ethnic Identity” – A Chat With K Free Themreichan, Artist From Manipur

Today, we’re presenting to you yet another brilliant artist—K. Free Themreichan from Manipur, who is painter as well as a singer! Having been gifted with such impeccable talent, his paintings have been exhibited in various art shows and he has released two gospel albums too. His artworks showcases the rich culture of his community and the livelihood of the locals. “Growing up in nature’s lap gave me an unparalleled fondness for nature“, says Themreichan. His love for nature is certainly reflected in his art. Read on to know more about him.

We had a chat with K Free Themreichan, an artist from Manipur, about his artworks, how his roots and culture inspired his work, his passion for music and more!

Photo : K Free Themreichan, artist from Manipur

Hello! Please introduce a little about yourself and your work.

My name is K. Free Themreichan. I’m a painter and a musician from Ukhrul, Manipur. I did my BFA from Imphal Arts College and went on to complete MFA from College of Art, Delhi. My paintings have been exhibited in various art shows. My important works include a series of water colour paintings called, ‘Village Life’ and a series of paintings on feathers. I’ve worked gingerly on creating the right texture and color. I’ve also used different mediums like acrylic, oil and charcoal.

I never had any diploma or degree in music. But from early childhood, I remember myself showing keen interest in it. My father, being a director of a reputed choir, taught his children whatever music he knew, so I had greater knowledge of music than the average lad in the neighborhood. I sing songs when I unwind; and whatever inspiration I get in the day, I produce it into songs of my own. I have also produced two music albums.

Themreichan’s water colour series of ‘Village Life’

Amazing ‘Feather Painting’ by K Free Themreichan

Amazing “Feather Painting” by K Free Themreichan

What do you hope people take away from your art?

Being one of the first artists in my community, I feel I have great responsibilities of preserving and bringing awareness about the culture of my people. So, my arts are based on cultural and ethnic identity. I want people to see them just as they are and portray them as best as I can.

What is your creative philosophy, and are you a full-time artist?

For me, creative art is the pristine expression of feelings generated by one’s own perspective. I work as a full-time freelancer. I do commission and commercial works. And most importantly, I create signature arts to showcase at exhibitions.

Acrylic paint on canvas of a Tangkhul-tribe lady in her traditional attire, drawing water from the river | by K Free Themreichan

Acrylic paint on canvas of a Tangkhul tribe lady in her traditional attire, drawing water from the river | by K Free Themreichan

Acrylic paint on canvas of a young boy with his catapult aiming for a bird in the forest | by K Free Themreichan

Water colour in a canvas of two women returning home with their traditional basket full of firewood and food

How have your roots and upbringing influenced your working style?

I was born and brought up on the picturesque hills of Manipur. It was just the right place to be for any nature lover. As a kid, my favorite activity was going into the woods; hunting birds, picking wild berries and sometimes just loitering carefree. So painting landscapes came naturally to me. Growing up in nature’s lap gave me an unparalleled fondness for nature.

Tell us about your latest work or project.

I have been working on paintings under the theme ‘Village Life’ done exclusively using water colors. While in music, I recently released a video album of my own, entitled ‘Avaram’ which literally means motherland.

A snippet of Themreichan’s spot painting in his hometown

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Spot painting #villagelife #watercolour #fun #october #cosmos #flower #landscape #beautifulday.

A post shared by free_themreichan (@free_themreichan) on Dec 9, 2016 at 7:55am PST