Art helps us build a brighter side of life: Top cop Brajesh Verman

Brajesh Verman talks about his wooden artworks, and why he chose wood instead of other materials.

If you thought a traffic cop would not be interested in artistic pursuits, you might have to think again. Brajesh Verman, IPS Officer, working as Additional Commissioner of Police Traffic, Delhi Police, breaks the stereotype with his dextrous wooden artwork.

Brajesh Verman, IPS Officer, working as Additional Commissioner of Police Traffic, Delhi Police, is gearing up for his exhibition titled Lakdi Jal Koyla Bhaye.

Verman prefers to use wood in his artwork, as he feels it reflects his state of mind.

Verman, who is gearing up for his exhibition titled Lakdi Jal Koyla Bhaye, says, “These works are the outcome of a phase in my life when I was troubled, lonely and struggling to survive. I chose wood instead of other materials because it reflected my own state of mind. I have made it aesthetic by using various colours and media such as gold, aluminum and silver. But I have tried to keep the surface intact. I haven’t smoothened the texture of the wood much, to convey the unpleasant side of life.”

Verman has been pursuing art since childhood, but took a break while preparing for the Union Public Service Commission examinations. He says, “It’s my hobby to do artwork on wood, it keeps me positive. I stopped practising while preparing for the exams but resumed it few years later. In 1993, I joined art appreciation course at National Modern Gallery of Art, New Delhi.”

For Verman, art helps him to build a bright side of life.

After completing his course from the art institute, Verman came up with several solo exhibitions in India and abroad. He was honoured with National Award of Lalit Kala Akademi, for the year 1994-1995.

And that’s not all. This cop has even authored a book, a Hindi novel Vishwamitra. His artistic expression also helps him solve cases better. He says, “Being a policeman, we live in a dark world, but the artistic works help us build a brighter side of life. I observe and solve my cases from different angles.”

WHAT: Lakdi Jal Koyla Bhaye, a wood work exhibition

WHERE: Alliance Francaise, New Delhi

WHEN: Dec 17 to 22

TIMINGS: 11am to 7pm

NEAREST METRO STATION: Khan Market on the Violet Line