Lost in Shipwrecks Print

Peaush Panesar, aka The Mischiffers is a multi-disciplinary, mission-driven artist creating mixed-medium, resin, and abstract artworks amongst others. Coming from an affluent industrialist family, he was raised with affection and privilege. However, his innate sensitivity made him profoundly aware of his surroundings and the young boy would often ponder over that which he saw or heard. Following the completion of his school education in a hostel, he moved on to study Management – all set to join the conglomerate set up by his ancestors before him. But individuals of a creative and sensitive nature cannot be confined to the walls of an office, nor are they fond of delving deep into the deliberations of fiscal reports in a boardroom. In 2013, after much introspection, he ditched the suit-and-tie to pick up a camera — the tool of his first hobby and the rest as it has been said, is history. Initially, The Mischiffers shadowed one of India’s most renowned photojournalists and creative photographers to soak up knowledge by observing a master going at his craft. Intrinsically, he has always found himself being attracted towards fine arts, which also became a factor in helping him charter a path towards his present self. Clarity began to swiftly set in, leading to the realization that an amalgamation of observation through art ought to be his identity. Opportunity came knocking early as The Mischiffers exhibited at the Gallery at the Gaiety Theatre (attached with the Lalit Kala Akademi), immediately followed by an exhibition with Alliance Française in Chandigarh. Simultaneously The Mischiffers began to moonlight as a commercial and an editorial photographer working with publications and corporate clients. However, the creative child in him craved to be satiated and despite all the havoc it wreaked, the Covid-19 crisis arrived disguised as a blessing. Weeks of lockdown-induced cabin fever led to experimentation, introspection and most importantly an awakening. The rediscovering of his affinity towards observation through art came after 7 years. Thus, began a journey to clear up and breathe life into an obscure vision existing only within the deep trenches of the mind of The Mischiffers. There was clarity, even though it presented its own set of ambiguities: it ought to have meaning, and absolutely needs to reflect as a mirror on not just society but perhaps even the world.