Young at heart because of my love for art, says octogenarian DP Sibal

The artist shares how Nature played a significant role in his journey of art

Wonders of Nature have been a constant source of inspiration for senior artist DP Sibal owing to a childhood spent amid Nature and his ecological concern. The pandemic may have confined the 86-year-old artist indoors, but art has kept him going. “Painting during lockdown is a kind of mental tonic; it helps to soothe nerves and make peace with circumstances,” says Sibal over a call from Delhi. The artist has also created some paintings with his grandson. “I plan to display our works,” he shares. Born in Sargodha (now in Pakistan), Sibal’s journey in art began at five when the family moved to Dinga (now in district Gujrat, Pakistan).; there, he was enamoured by the lush green countryside and stargazing“The night sky dazzled with billions of stars and one could see the milky way,” he recollects with child-like enthusiasm. From walls of his house to pages on exercise books... all turned into a canvas for the little boy’s medium of expression.