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I have been experimenting and working with various media during the last three decades but for the past few years I have concentrated mainly on Papiers Colles. I use the medium slight differently from the classical use, in that the coloured paper, which is primarily cut from newspaper or magazine is used more like a paint brush. The shape of the cut paper typically represents the intended brush stroke. I select a specific portion of a printed, coloured picture, cut and paste it on paper or canvas. In this process, it is only the colour of the paper which is of importance; the content of the picture is irrelevant. However, the printed matter and at times lettering's are used to give direction, flow and texture. The paper surface, type of paper, shape of cutting and method of cutting is selected based on the subject matter and required effect.

This medium has a few technicalities - there is no mixing of colours on the pallet or the canvas and there is no drying time. Unlike the canvas of oil painting the picture cannot be developed as a whole and neither can it be developed in stages. The white spaces left behind during the process of creating the Papiers Colles makes it difficult to comprehend the final effect but it also allows intuitive decomposition. The basic advantage of the medium is the vivid contrast it allows with dynamic colour juxtaposition. However, at times the end result is much unexpected. The complete picture needs to be constructed in mind, like in water colour painting and yet be ready to reorganize the final colour arrangement.

I have experimented with this medium for a while and tried various methods, which will be evident from the current array of works. I have strived to achieve the effects of oil paintings, such as the vividity of palette knife, spotty colour effect of the dry brush, fluidity of 'wet on wet' and unexpectness of 'wiping out'. Painting with paper collage is challenging, the outcome is apparent only when the work nears completion. It is unpredictable at times and may generate multiple images.

At times, I begin a Papiers Colles with a vague or may be without any specific subject in mind but only a specific colour combination. Somewhere during the process of evolution of the collage I compose the picture and thereafter add carefully selected and cut pieces to accentuate my conceived image with a hint of realism. This method, which I may call 'extempore decomposition', is challenging and prone to failure, which I have experienced in good measure. Yet to me this is the most satisfying and rewarding one. I return back to this style again and again, ready to fail.

To make my Papiers Colles I have banked on ideas which were either results of pure imagination or a mythological story or just a moment captured in camera. At other times, a master artist's creation could have been my inspiration. Eventually, I have realized these inspirations have simply been driven by the desire to produce oil painting like effects with a plastic medium. I have not imposed upon myself many restrictions regarding media or technique, allowing myself the use of any possible means or mixture of media to arrive at a final, well composed, balanced picture, pleasing to the mind and reflecting a little bit of me.

About Papier collé

In Sukanta's world of Papier Colle, it’s all about bringing a balance between the overall composition and the hues that lend it color. The subject matter or theme steps in as a partner in creating this balance. His paper collages are an extension of his imagination, which sometimes draws inspiration from mythological stories; sometimes from some unforgettable Polaroid memories; sometimes from some master artist’s creation that drives him to attempt recreating it through this unique medium.


His collages are free from restrictions of media or technique, rather they are a result of combination of media- a final, well composed, balanced picture, pleasing to the eye and reflecting a little bit of me.


It is the pristine magnificence of small and simple things that endears him the most and he tries to capture the same on canvas. His attempt has been to create visually stimulating paintings and depict randomness which to him is not as chaotic as it appears. Sukanta believe's everything in this universe, big or small has a pattern, a method, certain mathematical relationship it only depends on our perspective.