LECTURE SERIES BY ART HISTORIANS IN GOA

Three eminent art historians delivered a series of lectures from the 13th to the 15th of December 2009, on the cross cultural influence of other schools seen in Indian art and the inherent strength of the former, at the Kala Academy, Goa – India.

The Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa –India; Kala Academy, Goa and Sunaparanta – The Goa Centre for Art, jointly put forth the three-day lecture series.

Dr B N Goswamy, distinguished art historian and professor Emeritus at the Punjab University, delivered a lecture on ''A Sense of Wonder: The World of the Indian Painter''.

Dr Karuna Goswamy of the Punjab University spoke on the ''Paintings of Kashmir'' whereas, Dr Saryu Doshi from Mumbai dealt with the ''European elements in Mughal Art'' with particular reference to the influence of Portuguese in the Indian art.

RAJAN FULARI IN GOA

The tamarind art gallery Beira Meir Complex, Calangute is hosting an exhibition of drawings and prints by Rajan Shripad Fulari. The exhibition titled “Breathing Things” will be on view daily from December 13, 2009 to January 8, 2010.

Rajan Fulari earned his MFA from the M S University, Baroda. His works have been exhibited at national and international exhibitions held at Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Scotland, London, etc, and many important galleries in India as well.

He has to his credit more than 15 awards in various categories including a national scholarship and Junior Fellowship from the Government of India, national award from Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi, AIFACS Award, New Delhi and more recently at the Robinson Gallery, Halliwells House, Selkirk-Scotland.

He has participated in many major national and international group shows including International Art Expo at Italy, Contemporary Indian Art at Germany, World Social Form at Mumbai, Bharat Bhawan Print Biennale, Idea and Images NGMA at Mumbai, Multiple-Encounters (Indo-American print show) at New Delhi, Emerging India-Royal College of Art at London and others.

He was awarded residency in printmaking from Foundacao Oriente (Goa) for Portugal and British Council (Mumbai) for Scotland. Recently Fulari was invited to attend the 13th International Print biennale at Sarcelles, and 7th International Print biennale at Versailles, France. A keen participator, he has attended several camps and workshops.

PAINTING DEMONSTRATION AT ICG

The International Centre, Goa and Indian Ateliers, Goa organized a painting demonstration on December 5^th, of well-known artist, Ramesh P. Gujar, at The International Centre, Dona Paula, Goa - India.

Pune based Ramesh is a qualified artist with over 15 years of experience in the field of art. He has worked in various genre and exhibited immense capacity. Over the years, he has executed paintings that are replicas of old western and Indian masters. The copy of Raja Ravi Verma’s paintings does display his draftsmanship.

Ramesh, after the initial struggling days, went on to indulge in creative painting. His style is simple and lines very lyrical. Each of his painting is poetry in colour. Innocent subjects and identifiable forms connect with the viewers. Even his series on Lord Buddha touches the heart.

Stylistically closer to eastern genre, Ramesh does take the liberty to stylize the figures and distort the forms wherever required. Bright and vibrant colours play an important role in his paintings and they help sooth the mind.

He has many exhibitions of his paintings to his credit and participated in various group shows. His works are in public and private collection in India and abroad.

The demonstrations were followed by a slideshow of his works and an interactive session moderated by yours truly.

COUNTER POINT

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

‘Counter Point’, an exhibition of paintings, silkscreen prints, collage and watercolours, was on at the Alliance Francaise, Panaji.

Aruna Witte, the creator of these works, is a widely traveled artist with keen sense of observation and admirable intellectual insight.

Her works generally lean towards conceptual realization and can be broken down to two aspects – one mathematical and the other organic. Seemingly abstract works have strong base in tangible and perceptive reality. The works with the mathematical conceptual point of reference basically emerge from the set of numbers, variants and combinations.

Aruna prefers to move beyond dependence on the process of painting to highlight the potency of the finished work. Every completed work goes through the systematic development required to produce an intellectually stimulating piece. Yet the viewer’s are not compelled to view the works with the creator’s goggles. With the freedom to conduct their independent interpretation, each work stimulates multiple viewpoints and counter points. It is futile to rationalize this complexity.

Aruna’s background in arts, science, music, literature and dance combined with comprehensive exposure to numerous professional working artists in the UK, U.S.A., and Canada endows her with rich wealth of knowledge and refined sensibilities. Besides indulging in photography, she has to her credit a privately published, limited edition, short story titled ‘My History’ and novels titled ‘Veil of Deception’ and ‘Behind the story’.

With British roots and connections with Pondicherry, Aruna moved places to study Paleontology and Greek philosophy in Bristol, UK. Along with visual arts, music and mathematics.

Residing in Goa since April, Aruna has established a permanent base in Goa.

FEMALE POWER

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

‘Various Artists’ is an exhibition that featured works of eight artists from diverse places.

This is an effort by the Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Miramar, in a line of actions throughout so many years since inception, to provide a platform to the young and emerging artists. A platform that offers them the opportunity to gain wider exposure and reach out to numerous art connoisseurs and quality viewers.

Harshada Kerkar, Archana Yadav, Suruchi Jhamkar, Vijaya Kalyan, Dimple Shah, Chaitali Morajkar and Prafulli Shevade have already made their mark in the art world and have a sizable fan following that’s growing with every passing exhibition. This supposedly all women exhibition featured Sudhir Bangar and Dilip Kumar Kale, two noted male artists as well.

SURREAL AND SPIRITUAL

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Aadhi Vishal is one of the emerging stars on the art firmament. Looking at the trajectory of growth of this young artist, there’s no doubt that he’ll appreciate with every passing day.

Art chamber, Calangute, is currently hosting an exhibition of his latest works. On display are paintings done in watercolour on paper and acrylic on canvas. It’s interesting to view his works for the sheer size with which he works.

Aadhi Vishal constructs a wonderland on canvas and paper using the usual artist’s paraphernalia – paint and brush. Fairy type forms float in the space loosely framed by supporting forms of transmuted figures, lilting and visually enticing decorative designs and such other elements.

‘My paintings are more towards the surreal and spiritual teachings of life,’ says Aadhi Vishal. His works display his spiritual inclination quite starkly. In one of his works titled ‘Homage to Rumi’ he tries to illustrate the teachings of the great Sufi poet and incorporate his metaphors and similes.

Besides consciously borrowing symbols from the great teachers and saints, he has developed a vocabulary of his own and speaks the language that connects with the heart.

"If Poetry comes not as naturally as the Leaves to a tree it had better not come at all," thus said renowned poet John Keats. Spontaneity is the key in the process of painting for Aadhi Vishal and he refuses to compromise on that.

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Creative painting is a very private affair and it’s very rare to find an artist exhibit his process.

Many prefer to keep their technique a closely guarded secret whilst few others might just seek solitude and privacy. There are many who shy away from facing the crowd.

Whatsoever might be the reason, the general public remains disconnected from the creative process making art the domain of the exclusive few.

Indian Ateliers, Goa, an organization providing platform to enthusiastic and promising artists from India and International Centre, Goa, Dona Paula, recently hosted a painting demonstration cum interactive session with young and noted artists Dinkar Jadhav and Ajay Deshpande from Pune.

Dinkar, hailing from Jadhavwadi, Pune, Maharashtra, is armed with a degree in fine art from the Abhinava Kala Vidyalaya, Pune. A great admirer of world master J M W Turner, Dinkar uses Impasto technique and captures a good play of light and shade found in nature with melodies colours. ‘Nature,’ states Ajay, ‘ provides him with inspiration to express his inner vision.’

Ajay Deshpande from Yavatmal, Maharashtra has many awards to his credit. He has participated in numerous workshop and painting exhibitions across India. Prominent workshops Ajay has been a part of are Intach (Lucknow) in Pune, 1992. Disha (Delhi) in Pune, 1992. and NCPA in Mumbai, 1992. He has been invited to give demonstrations and present his art in major institutions in Maharashtra besides earning major prestigious Scholarships. His works are in public and private collection in India and abroad.

Together they produced four paintings on canvas using oils and acrylics. The demonstrations were interrupted by queries from the enthusiastic crowd of amateurs and professionals.

The demonstrations were followed by a slide show of their works, produced over the years, and an interactive session.

Queries related to the choice of theme and various techniques and matters related to the germination of the creative concepts and effects of external influences on the artists were satisfactorily addressed by the duo.

Such events help the young local artists to exchange views and clarify their doubts at the same time aid the senior artists to exchange views and share ideas. The writer of this blog moderated this event that drew a large crowd. The General Manager of ICG through its representative, Program Manager, Arjun Halarnkar expressed his satisfaction and promised to support such activities in the near future. Sanjeev Mirchandani of Indian Ateliers thanked the ICG for its support and promised to work in the larger interest of art in Goa and India.

BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Surabhi Gaikwad, a young and creative artist is showed her paintings at the Goa Kala Academy’s Art Gallery, Panaji.

A trained graduate of fine arts from the Goa College of Art, Alinho, Surabhi went on to complete her masters from the Hyderabad university in the year 2005.

Current exhibition titled ‘Reflections’ had over twenty-seven works on display. Her paintings are the reflections of the happenings in the life of people in general and her experiences in particular. She has, after her masters, completed a brief stint with an art gallery in Mumbai before packing her bags to return to Goa.

Having realized the need to satisfy her own inner self, Surabhi immersed herself in the process of painting. She prefers oils to any other media. ‘Oils,’ she says, ‘suits my temperament and painting style.’ More in love with the process of painting than painting by itself, she works at a leisurely pace.

Most of her works are women oriented and few are based on the subject of relationships. Influences, experiences, feelings and other factors leave an impression on the artist and get translated into paintings. Surabhi’s case is no different. She intends to create a mood and avoids going into intellectual explanations.

Her works are simple and neat and bring out varied moods and shades of women whose anxiety, fears, loving glances etc. gets personified in Surabhi’s paintings.

Her works have shades of Amrita Sher Gill, B. Prabha and Anjali Ela Menon. She admits her admiration for masters like Paul Gauguin and his bold usage of bright and vibrant colours.

SPREADING HARMONY THROUGH ART

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

“Simply Together in Harmony” is an Exhibition that truly lived up to its title. Four Artists with subtly different styles yet profoundly common Theme - HARMONY- huddled fifty-two of their works together in the Art Gallery of Goa Kala Academy, Panaji, for a show that stirred the viewers in many different ways.

Deeply influenced by Indian Culture and Spirituality, German artists Hari Diessing and Silke Landmann, Claudio Fiori from Italy, and our very own Goan girl Smruti Sirsat from Mapuca, had presented their impressions in a very lucid and decipherable style.

FROM CRASS TO CLASS

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Carla, Jose and Shamoli have once again put up an exhibition of lamps and embroidered paintings at the Goa Kala Academy’s Art Gallery, Panaji.

After the critical and commercial success of their previous show, both Carla and Shamoli worked on their core competence to produce works with far more improved vigor and quality.

Carla has been producing lamps of varied genres. Table lamps, floor lamps, ceiling lamps and wall mounted lamps come out of her ‘Plush Art & Décor’ studio with a complete makeover. Each piece stands out for its independent identity. Right from the crass rustic to elegant and completely whimsical to abstract – Carla and Jose doles out the best to suit and match your décor style and artistic taste.

Shamoli’s unique embroidered paintings are a curious marriage of traditional craft, rural designs and modern media and techniques. Her works have the vibrancy and sheer innocence associated with the folk art. Warli paintings’ simplicity - to take an example - blends with the meticulous thread work of embroidery and fuses with the pigment, beads, sequences etc. to stand out on its own.

Each work does exhibit the passionate involvement of the artists in the making of the same. Carla’s transformation of the innocuous, mundane lamps into a work of art and Shamoli’s efforts in elevating the obvious into something artistry deserves commendation.

ROOTED IN THE CULTURE

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

‘It is through Art that one can reach the almighty and my whole endeavor is in that direction’ affirms Purvaja Kamat. Born and brought up in the United States of America, this young and enthusiastic girl is a bundle of talent.

Daughter of ethnically Goan couple Mohan and Rupa Kamat, Purvaja just recently (June 09) exhibited her dancing skills at the Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy, Goa.

Having received intense training for seven years from Parvatha Chidambaram, a disciple of Dr. Padma Subramanyam from Chennai, through the school of Bharata of Dance and Music in Pittsford – Rochester, New York, Purvaja completed her graduation in Bharatnatyam in 2006.

Graduation is traditionally termed as Arangetram that requires the disciple to perform for the audience as a test of ones maturity in this art form. It reflects the different stages of the dancer’s consciousness and the teacher’s confidence. ‘Aranga’ in Tamil is raised stage and ‘etram’ means climbing.

Viewing the performance of Purvaja at the Kala Academy, there is no doubt that she’ll continue the climb up the ladder of success with every performance.

Each of the items presented on stage right from the introductory ‘Thodayamangalam’ to the fusion piece including the culminating ‘Mangalam’ exhibited Purvaja’s refined skills in the collaborating a range of nuances embedded in Bharatnatyam.

Purvaja is currently utilizing her skills as a dancer in raising funds for socio-cultural cause involving Indian interest. In the recent past she has performed to raise funds for the project of restoring and preserving ancient Palm Leaves Manuscripts besides the rehabilitation of orphans at Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu, India.

She is involved in a unique collaborative effort of Irish Dancers and Bharatnatyam practitioners back in the United States.

She laments the fact that very few ethnic Indians in the US show inclination in keeping the Indian art forms alive. However, she states that a growing interest in our art forms, amongst the westerners is on the rise. ‘The Indian form definitely has a scope of survival against western dance,’ she states, ‘and many in the US appreciate our dance forms.’

Mohan with a degree in computer tech and Rupa in accounting, Purvaja, the only child of this proud parent received all the encouragement to volunteer at the neighborhood Shri. Rajarajeshwari Temple right from the young age of four. Here, she was initiated in the ways of the Sanatan Dharma and culture by her guru and guide, Wijayaharan Navrathnam, to whom she is ever indebted.

‘Her drive to pursue this art form came after watching Sudha Chandran,’ states her mother, Rupa. ‘If she can dance with an artificial leg, why can’ I do the same with a perfect healthy body’

This profound thought, sprouted in the child Purvaja has now grown into a trees. This same thought has made her to pursue her studies in Biomedical sciences. She is currently pursuing a course in Biomedical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, USA and is very passionate about teaching Indian rituals and bhajans to the younger generation in the US.

Purvaja aspires to complete a PhD in Biomedical engineering and promote Indian Art and Culture.

SUBODH INVITED TO PORTUGAL

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Goa’s celebrated artist Dr. Subodh Kerkar had been invited to Lisbon, Portugal to participate in the exhibition of installation art titled “Le Dejeuner Sur L’herbe” that was held the previous month (June).

The exhibition was set in the midst of recently renovated 600 hundred years old historical garden of Tapada e Jardims do Palacio das Necessidades where the sailors prayed at the chapel before embarking on their voyage.

Internationally reputed curator and the current Director of Gulbanken Museum of Modern Art, Isabel Carlos, curated the exhibition involving ten internationally known installation artists.

The exhibition, called 'Le Déjeuner Sur L'herbe' (Luncheon in the garden), was aptly titled after the French painter Edouard Manet’s painting of the same name that he completed after a visit to the garden on invitation by the Queen of Portugal in 1859.

Subodh’s symbolic installation re-created the sea route of the first voyage of Vasco da Gama to India using rice seeds from Goa. ‘Since the Portuguese were responsible for bringing many plants to India and introduced chillies, tomatoes, potatoes, cashew nuts and many varieties of mangoes and sweet potatoes, I’ll take the Goan rice to Portugal and retrace the route,’ says Subodh.

Subodh’s installation assumes a special significance when he states – ‘The rice seeds will not just sprout rice, it’ll sprout history.’

Apart from Subodh Kerkar, other invited artists include Gabriela Albergaria, Joana Bastos, Alberto Carneiro, Dalila Goncalves, Miguel Palma, Ana Vieira (all from Portuga), Mircea Cantor (France), Maider Lopes (Spain) and Nicholas Robbio (Brasil).

LIVING LEGEND OF ART

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Living legend (Bhishm Pitamah of Goan Art) of art in Goa, Vamona Ganesh Navelcar , recently (May) showed his works at the Gallery Attic, Panaji. Reticent and sage like reclusive, Navelkarbab - as this writer prefer to address - him needs to be pulled out of the closet at regular intervals. Left alone, Vamona would revel in sketching and painting. Understanding the dynamics of the market, hard selling his works and studying economics of the art world is scurrilous.

A very rare artist who loath the limelight, Vamona is a great admirer of internationally reputed Goan artists late V. S. Gaitonde (another reclusive artist) and F. N. Souza. Passion, even at this age, is what remains his driving force. His keen observation of the social establishment and the nuances therein inspires Vamona.

Not interested in painting pretty pictures and sceneries, he has off late begun to dabble in abstracts whilst continuing his preoccupation with human beings and animals intact.

Painting for Vamona is spirituality. No wonder he gets lost in the process like a yogi and signs his work with an additional name – Ganesh. This a symbolic gesture through which he offers each of his work to his family deity Lord Ganesh and his late elder brother with the same name.

Swami Vivekananda, Albert Camus, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, J Krishnamurthy, Bertrand Russell are few of the thinkers who have influenced him.

The recent show was titled ‘The Call’ and had on display over twenty-seven works with subjects ranging from bulls in actions to human figures to complete abstracts. Vamona takes the line for a walk and it is interesting to see the mark he leaves all over the paper. Sometimes these lines are evocative at other times they are just blobs expressing in the language of the soul.

Few of the works are highly expressionist. The abstracts, which he has rarely displayed, are symphonic. One can hear the music play through the black ink marks. The passionate outpouring does translate into commonly comprehendible visual language that facilitates easy connection with the lay onlooker.

EXAMPLE IN HUMILITY

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Goa, had recently (May) organized an exhibition of drawings of multitalented artist H. V. Sharma at the Goa Kala Academy’s Art Gallery, Panaji.

With numerous academic certificates and diplomas, Sharma is a storehouse of immense knowledge and talent. Besides having a diploma in painting from the famed Sir. J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, he has earned four different types of diplomas of applied art. Not content with this he earned a diploma in sculpture, then studied carnatac and Indian classical music alongside getting lessons in drama. Besides this, he had the good fortune of being guided by noted Psychologist S. Krishna Rao and the first Director of Bal Bhavan, Delhi, Dr. Prabha Sahasrabudhe.

Professor Naik Singh Gill instilled in him the love for portraiture. Sharma has handled and painted with nearly all the medias available. He has experimented with painting on stone slabs to give an illusion of relief and produced his own pigment however he prefers to work with ballpoint pen.

Right from the initial lessons in art that he got from his mother, his ideal in life, to this point of achieving expertise, Sharma has come a long way. At this ripe age of eighty-seven, he doesn’t tire of producing works or teaching students.

The ballpoint pen primarily serves as a mundane writing tool however Sharma has transformed it into a medium of art expression. Using black ink refill, Sharma obtains various shades in the spectrum giving his work a complete feel.

The objects and structures he comes across stir Sharma’s emotions and he endeavors to humanize these feelings. ‘Word,’ he says, ‘is not my medium. Lines and shades are. What goes on between the object and me is an abstract experience.’ And Sharma attempts to give a solid structure to these ideas.

Some of his abstracts and satirical drawing that the exposes the hypocrisy of the political and civil society are noteworthy.

This lover of music and multifaceted personality is an example in humility and dedication.

ENCOURAGING TALENT

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Bal Bhavan, Panaji, in collaboration with the Kala Academy, Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture, Goa and the Directorate of Information & Publicity, Goa had organized an exhibition of paintings, craft and clay work titled ‘Balutsav’ at the Goa Kala Academy’s sprawling premises.

This exhibition marked the culmination of Bal Bhavan’s Summer Camp organized in all the thirty-three centers spread across the State. With the opening ceremony putting up acting and dancing talent on view, it was amazing to see the pool of talent sprouting from the remote areas of Goa. Total of over eight hundred children participated in this ceremony, which was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mr. Pratapsingh Rane in the presence of Chief of Bal Bhavan, India Mrs. Amita Shah, Chief of Bal Bhavan, Goa, Mrs. Vijayadevi Rane, Member Secretary, Goa Kala Academy, Mr. Pandurang Phaldessai, Director of the Directorate of Information & Publicity, Goa, Mr. Menino Peres and other dignitaries.

The visual art section, which was spread across in the open lobby, included craft, painting, photography and advanced art section.

The students crafted various items out of jute, cane, paper, clay and waste and discarded materials like plastic bottles, sack, paper etc. Embroidery and woolen items too have a place in the show.

Hairclips, utility boxes, flowerpots and other decorative items made interesting viewing. Hanging lamps, decorative plates, flowers, gift boxes and other similar pieces have been crafted out of waste paper. Innovative chandelier made out of plastic bottles stood out. Appealing dolls and decorative candles called for attention.

Clay craft section includedoil lamps, wall pieces, face study etc. some of the photographs on display beat the professionals in quality and maturity.

Advanced Art Section, displays paintings done by the students attending special course under the direct guidance of noted artist and teacher Wilson D’Souza, was started a year back. The advanced course is targeted at youngsters aged between nine to sixteen years of age and art enthusiasts’ from fifteen and above. There are quite a few housewives, professionals and businesspersons who are enjoying the benefits of this course.

Mavis Rodrigues, Shyamli Singbal, Thionne Rodrigues, Lakhi Soni, Sonal Shah and Ved Prabhudesai who have displayed marvelous works. Nandini Raikar and Anagha Sathe are the two housewives whose work stood out of the lot.

The exhibition was open till May 24

UNIVERSAL TRUTH ON CANVAS

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares is not an ordinary citizen of this country. He has the distinction of conceptualizing and creating a unique place called ‘Ancestral Goa’ that has encapsulated the rich heritage forms, cultural elements and social life of Goans, in its pure form, within a limited piece of land. Besides this, he is the creator who sculpted the largest laterite sculpture that got a mention in the Limca Book of Records.

Maendra is a socially conscious artist with noble thoughts and ideas. This has led him to put up an exhibition of art works titled ‘Living Together n Harmony’ at Big Foot Art Gallery in Loutolim. The displayed seven works clearly defining the value of unity and harmony of differing faith that should lead us to have amity and peace in the world.

The works painted with minimal hues are filled with overwhelming white to transmit the underlying message of peace inherent in every religion in the world. Maendra has incorporated various items used by the faithful like beaded rosary, multihued threads etc. Using various common elements like water, fire etc. he has managed to put across the message of unity and brotherhood. ‘Water’, he says, ‘is used by many races and religions for different rites. All underlying the purpose of purity.’ Beads connects, fire enlivens and enlightens, threads unites us all and such other powerful symbol are creatively used by Maendra to drive home the need for dissipating the differences and hatred of all kinds across the regional and communal board.

His message is simple: live and work for the greater good.

EXPRESSIONIST IN GOA

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Passion and spontaneity is seen in through the bold paintings of German born Dietrich Kerky’s that’ll be shown at the ‘Gallery Gitanjali’, Fontainhas, Panaji, from March 21. The show titled ‘Between Worlds’ will be having over 20 colourful paintings on display.

Having shown his works, over four years back, at the said art gallery, Dietrich clearly seem to have grown in passion and enthusiasm despite his growing age putting many a young people to shame.

Dietrich’s life is full of colourful events and his paintings reflect that fascinating aspect. Bubbly, forceful, brazen and oblivious of the academic niceties, his paintings speak an altogether different language. It’s not anti – establishment, however it’s definitely not sugarcoated either.

Sexually explicit positions and in-your-face compositions confront the viewers. The figures, at times remain prominent and in some canvases they surprisingly are ambiguous and not easily decipherable. The figures, one can say, play hide and Seek with the viewers which facilitates the whole canvas to slip into a sporadic dance of seemingly amorphous happenings. ‘At times’, says Dietrich, ‘the viewers interpretation of my works have been completely paradoxical to the original idea projected on to the canvas.’ He seems to have no problem with it as long as the onlooker makes sense in his own sweet way.

A great admirer of Wasily Kandinsky, Dietrich, this writer feels display selective shades of Spanish Rococo/Romantic painter Francisco de Goya and Irish born British artist Francis Bacon as well.

From being a soldier in his teens to being held as prisoner of war in Siberia, Dietrich moved on to make puppets for a living before he was picked up to act in films. It was here that he began sketching lines from the script for easy recollection of dialogues. These sketches caught the attention of a well-known artist who prodded him to exhibit the same.

Dietrich, since his first exhibition in the year 1965, has consistently shown in Europe, South America and Asia.

An Expressionist in the stylistic sense, Dietrich’s connections with people and his observation is amazingly uncanny. The works displayed here have scenes and people from the tangible place in Calangute where he currently resides to imaginary ideas that are cooked up in the realm of his fertile mind. These excessively expressionist works that apparently seem semi abstracts and cacophonic, invite the viewers to draw their own conclusion.

Few of the expressionist portraits on paper add variety to the show of works of assorted size and vivid colours.

Dietrich has held over sixteen exhibitions of paintings and directed and acted in sixty films and thirty television serials.

The show was on view till April 15, 2009.

YOLANDA’S PEN & INK DRAWINGS

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Yolanda de Sousa Kammermeier needs no introduction. With her trademark style of creating a ceramic like effect on canvas with relief and high gloss she has created a niche for herself in the art world.

However, she, for the first time in so many years, is showing her drawings in pen & ink on paper at the ‘Art Chamber’, Calangute, in the exhibition titled ‘Apathy’.

These drawings ostensibly are simple sketches and randomly drawn pictures of people in various positions of mental and physical state of indifference. They are, in fact, an attempt in worthy documentation.

Yolanda’s observation and study of people need to be commended. Here, she has gone beyond mere illustration to infuse a wealth of motivational teachings that has the potential to activate viewers’ positive attitude. She sketches, admits Yolanda, to break the monotony of colours and pigment that helps in refreshing and rejuvenating her creative self.

In spite of these works being spontaneous outpouring, Yoland is conscious throughout the process and makes it a point to add proverbs or interesting quotes to the sketches. ‘Solutions to life’s troubles lay not within pages of books….. but within oneself’ is accompanied by a picture of a man deeply intoxicated whilst a brooding and visibly depressed figure is accompanied by ‘The secret lay in finding, not in seeking’ besides similar other interesting pictures wait to be seen and read.

Along side these works; Yolanda has put up few of her other works that’ll be showcased by ‘Galerie Gora’ in Montreal, Canada in a solo coming May. ‘Marooned’, ‘Pulling Strung Strings’ and ‘Blue’ are outstanding works. Besides these ‘Journey Beyond Time’ stands out for its beautiful rendering of a victory banner typical of the Portuguese era. She’ll be traveling to Canada along with her works broadly based on the theme – Destiny.

The show was on view till March 31, 2009.

sorry folks. sorry for the huge gap in posts.
enjoy the journey into the world of goan art.
happy cruising.

CARNIVAL OF COLOURS

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

‘Carnival Of Colours’ is truly a display of riot of colours, shades, forms, styles and above all multihued ideas. Hosted by the Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Miramar, it has on display over hundred admirable works executed by an army of more than fifty established as well as upcoming Goa based artists.

Right from internationally renowned Mario Miranda to undoubtedly a master but unfortunately largely overlooked veteran Vamona Navelcar, multi faceted and widely admired Subodh Kerkar, immensely talented and cerebral painter Theodore Mesquita and other equally established names like Sadguru Chendvankar, Suhas Shilkar, Yolanda D’Souza, Mohan Naik, Rajendra Usapkar, Liesel Cotta, Francis D’ Souza, Harshada Kerkar to rapidly appreciated emerging artists are sharing the gallery space.

Leading the pack of emerging artists is already feted and hot selling Viraj Naik. Others in the line are N. Kanhaiya, Santosh Morajkar, Aadhi Vishal, Chaitali Morajkar, Norman Tagore, Asmani kamat, Pravin Naik.

Each of these emerging artists has the desirable potential. Enhancing and upgrading their skills besides remaining committed to and honest towards art is what is expected of them.

Few of the works and artists besides the ones mentioned earlier do catch ones attention for differing reasons. And these artists deserve a piece of the market share. Shilpa Nasnolkar for her bold works, Rajesh Chodankar for his firm lines and interesting forms and Vijay Bhandare for his cerebral paintings. Vijay’s pen and ink composition titled ‘Holder’ is excellently drafted. In Addition to the above Sachin Naik, Salvador, Sudin Kurpaskar, Savio Peres, Shamoli Barreto, Kaushalya Lotlikar, Shridha Lotlikar, Vitesh Naik and Madhavi Pai Raiturkar do call for attention.

Shaistah Thapar’s huge work done in the memory of the 26/11 Mumbai Attack does make the heart beat for the victims and strengthens our resolve to keep the Indian flag flying high. Raj Bhandare’s ‘Resurrection’ is overwhelming. A magnetic quality exudes from this mixed media work. It grows on the viewer with the passing of every other moment.


Swatee Nair’s large abstract piece on canvas is almost meditative. The chaotic brush strokes surprisingly help the viewers transcend the boundary of this tangible world.

Narendra Manswal has displayed his extraordinary skill of working on stone and Raul Miranda’s vertical composition on canvas draws ones attention. Vitesh Naik’s painting does deserve a mention.

John Dai, Pranali Gaunekar, Rajesh Salgaonkar, John Pereira, Priyadarshan Salgoankar, Manjunath Naik, Sandesh Naik, Vishesh Chari, Jayesh Chari and Chetan Salunke, Sripad Gurav, Kaushal Lotlikar, Charu Saigal, Gautam Kudaskar and Shraddha Assoldekar are the others who has put up their works.

The show will be on till April 11.

SHOW OF TALENT

The current generation of artists has been producing quality work and is constantly in a hurry to upgrade their skill and produce excellent art works. They don’t sit content with the limited quality output. There is a persistent effort to explore and discover conceptual and stylistic variety.


Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Miramar, had recently hosted a show of the works of young art graduates, Sudin S. Kurpaskar, Sandesh D. Shetgaonkar and Archa R. Kamat.

These fresh graduates from the Goa College of Art, Altinho, with excellent academic track record, show a lot of promise. Even though conceptually and stylistically not very radical, their latent skill does get projected in a subtle way.


Sandesh and Archa are preoccupied with the female form however Sudin is in the process of establishing a communion with the nature. Especially with the winged elements - be they eagles, sparrows, parrots and others.

None of the three intend to preach or display ideological leaning. If there is any message conveyed in the process, it’s not with a deliberate intent. They are more involved in creating rather than establishing any fact. This innocence is what draws one to their works.

Each of the three has their individual strong points that give them enough scope to cement their identity in the long run if they remain consistent in their dedication. Experience breeds maturity. And maturity helps deliver quality. One cannot get matured overnight and as such the trio, one can be sure, has the capacity to produce excelling works in the years to come.

Archa’s works are more connected with the Indian culture and environment. Shy ladies, delicate figures, conspicuous glances, colourful surroundings etc. stand out to connect with the viewers. Young girls in contemplation, ladies in conversation, another in deep meditation and such typically local compositions get a special place in her works.

Sandesh, on the other hand, attempts to capture the basic reality in nature on the canvas; the naked truth to be precise. His forms harbor no such inhibition. They are bare and bold establishing the original nature of human beings. His female forms are contorted, sometimes in an unusually awkward pose yet nothing seems odd or unnatural. He has been fairly successful in formulating a style, which has a blend of western contortion and Indian lyricism. Each of his work, seemingly similar to the other, establishes unique identity. The choice of colours adds a special touch to his works.

Sudin on the contrary makes no effort to institute stylistic uniqueness. Not that the others do, however, Sudin seems to concentrate on developing his draftsmanship. It is pertinent to observe his brush strokes and note the overall handling of the pigment. Neither his choice of subjects nor his compositions fall in the highbrow category yet he does make the viewers introspect. Nature remains his focal point and birds in particular his primary concern.
All three artists hold a promising future.

SYMBOLIC AND NARATIVE

Goa’s young and talented artists have been consistent with their practice of drawing and painting despite getting very little exposure in the larger sense. Their enthusiasm is self-generated, intentionally oblivious of the market forces or commercial feedback.

Praveen Naik and Vasudev Shetye, together, are currently presenting a body of work with appreciable quality and standard at the ‘Gallery Attic’, Panaji.

Both have been showing their work on regular occasions and have produced works, which compel the viewers to utilize their cerebral faculties along side, the aesthetic sensibilities.

Symbolic motifs and enigmatic presentation is Praveen’s forte. He prefers to expresses through recognizable and identifiable figures like Buddha, sparrow, canoe, fish, mountain etc. However, he configures them in his individual fashion only to enhance and express his ideas in a more coherent manner.

His preoccupation with the process and meaning of life consumes and influences his choice of subjects. The theme spills out spontaneously on to the canvas and builds up to make a strong statement. The depth of his involvement is visible through his works. It’s interesting to see the visual magic created by layering of pigment. The hues shimmer and add charm to generally cerebrally loaded works.

The universal reality portrayed here is sure to facilitate easy connection with the viewers.

Vasudev’s paintings, on the contrary, are seemingly narrative in comparison. What strikes out in his paintings is the smart use of piece of cloth, leather, metal piece etc. All these are blended and camouflaged so skillfully in the painting that one is lost in the maze of forms juxtaposed on the surface. A totally new meaning is infused in these foreign objects.

Circus and the various aspects, individuals and scenes related to it are illustrated in an interesting way. The tight compositions and interesting choice of hues exhibit Vasudev’s talent. The trapeze artists, horse riders, ringmaster, jokers get a respectable place in his works. In spite of the depiction of glamorous front of the circus artists, their desires, sorrows, hopes, struggle and aspirations seem to be the actual and underlying aspects the artist desires to present. However, there is no overt attempt visible.

Praveen and Vasudev have powerful draftsmanship and sound understanding on their side. And they show a lot of promise. ‘Flying Thoughts’ and ‘Black Hair’ are two notable works worth a mention of these two artists respectively.
The current show will be on till March 14.

BACK TO NATURE

Creative people have been sensitive and responsive in many different ways to the happenings of the times since long. Nature has been their favourite muse.

Mohan Naik, a very successful and noted artist, is no different. He just loves the overwhelming nature and the rural life. Living in the countryside in the midst of local tribes and serene surroundings, he has not remained untouched by the influence of it all.

An example of this can be seen at the show of his paintings currently on at the ‘Gallery Gitanjali, Panjim Pousada’ in the famous Latin quarter of Fontainhas, Panaji. With over forty works on display, Mohan does not attempt to preach any virtues of nature yet his works encourages a feeling of empathy and love towards nature.

Many of his paintings compulsorily have animal forms making a presence. Trees, birds and rural folks are juxtaposed in multiple ways. Each composition makes an equally vivid impression. Mohan’s concern and fear of losing the natural wealth found in Goa at the altar of industrial development is easily reflected on to the canvas.

Yet, he remains an eternal optimist. His deliberate attempt to focus on the positive and document the best of this tiny State help the viewers to refresh and rejuvenate. He seems to enjoy the process of creation and crave for the smile of contentment on the viewers’ face.

Stylistically a slight shift is seen in many of the works yet the intrinsic beauty has not diminished. Overt influence of miniature elements has given way to more individualistic style. He has experimented with techniques. Using reverse technique of scraping off and etching the painted surface, Mohan adds a unique character to his otherwise conventional works.

Noteworthy of the lot are his series on the lush green fields. Rocks have started getting attention in his works, albeit for seemingly philosophical reasons.

Living a laidback life of satisfaction after having earned critical acclaim and achieving significant commercial success, Mohan plans to facilitate promotion of fellow artists and upcoming talent.
The current show will be on till March 7.

THE PASSION OF DHIRAJLAL

Dhirajlal Damodar’s passion for birds in particular and nature in general is commendable. And the efforts he endures, at the ripe old age of 75, to satisfy his inner calling will put many young ones to shame. With camera in hand, he roams around clicking photographs of subjects that call his attention.

Born in Mozambique in the year 1934, he came to Goa with his father Damodar Juthalal, mother and siblings a good decade after his birth. Having set up an exports and mining firm under the banner ‘Damodar Mangaljee & Co. Ltd.’, Damodar handed over the reins of the flourishing business to his able progeny Dhirajlal and Manoharlal.

Along with following in his father’s footstep Dhirajlal followed his heart. Having bitten by the photography bug after receiving a Kodak Box Camera in his teens, there was no looking back after that. With the passing of age and acquisition of superior and worlds renowned brands of cameras, Dhirajlal ventured mainly into wildlife photography and began documenting various varieties of birds.

With innumerable miles of travel behind him, Dhirajlal has a vast collection of pictures ranging from scenic beauty of the region to specific and unique animals and birds. His repertoire of bird pictures is mainly from Bharatpur, Kutch, Gir, Ahmedabad, Karnataka and Goa region. He doesn’t merely stop at the visuals, but instead pushes further to understand and research on the factual details of the subject. And if needs to he refer to books by celebrated ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.

He even attempts compare the subjects from varied regions. Many of the pictures are from his recent tour to South Africa.

Despite being the Chairman and Managing Director of Damodar Mangaljee & Co. Ltd., he spares his Sundays and holidays for his passion. Music, especially Indian and Western classical interests him and he finds operas fascinating.

The proceeds of the show, hosted by Ruchika's Art Gallery, Miramar, will go to the homes for the orphans.

IN MEMORY OF VISHWASRAO CHOWGULE

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Sudhir Katkar would have remained an unknown name, as a hoarding and poster painter, if not for his intense urge to get into the prestigious Sir J J School of Art, Mumbai and arm himself with a sound training.

Sudhir, today, is a professional painter and has to his credit large number of commissioned works that finds a place in the famous private addresses and corporate quarters.

Beginning as a humble film poster and hoarding painter, at the tender age of thirteen, he acquired the necessary skill and confidence to take on the highly competitive and quality conscious art market. He has captured the likeness of famous yesteryears film stars from Rajesh Khanna to superstar Amitabh Bachchan and glamorous Rekha to talented Smita Patil. If this was for public consumption then the serious portraits of noted industrialist and corporate czars were for private collection.

After painting over two thousand portraits over the years, besides other works, Sudhir fondly remembers the kind support extended to him during his struggling days, by Goan industrialist late Vishwasrao Chowgule.

This exhibition, currently on at the Ruchika's art Gallery, Miramar, titled “Aadaranjali” is organized as a mark of honour and a symbol of his notable contribution. With the exception of few family portraits there are over fifty paintings done in oils on canvas. Assorted sizes, different subjects and subtly varied styles dominate the show.

Sudhir doesn’t claim to preach yet few of his works like the one on Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa do make one contemplate. His Mother Teresa is a reflection of his grandmother. Fascination for nature has made Sudhir travel around and paint landscapes of Kerala, Goa and other areas. He’s enamored by Goan life and natural beauty and that can be seen in the paintings of Palolem, Calangute and few other spots.

Of late, Sudhir has begun to use impasto technique with fluid and bold approach. He prefers to paint pleasant subjects that relax the viewers and buyers alike in this strife filled world.

Having shown his serious art works in the Jehangir Art Gallery and other centers, he plans to revive the dying art of film posters by marrying modern techniques and styles with it.
The current show will be on till January 27.

ALL WOMEN SHOW

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Miramar, has come up with a unique all women show of art by Nirupa Naik, Druvinka and Shirley Bhatnagar.

Goan artist Nirupa along with Sri Lanka born Druvinka and US based Shirley’s coming together adds an interesting touch to the show. If Nirupa is emotionally charged whilst painting and brings in nostalgic flavour then Druvinka explores the expansive human consciousness through her paintings. Shirley’s creative products are sculptural and functional in nature yet exude an aura of pure art.

Nirupa’s works are a perfect reflection of her tranquil personality. Her three decades of tryst with the canvas and colours have been enriching, given the unique style of painting with clustered lines, deliberate splotches and bright hues that generate a festive mood.

Each of her paintings conveys the message of happiness, peace and harmony. With childhood steeped in the quiet environs of nature in the midst of swaying palms and towering beetulnut trees, gentle hills, lush green fields and serene ponds, Nirupa paints her innermost feelings of the folk memories and beautiful nature ensconced in her village. Manmade elements make a very rare appearance whilst tiny forms painted with bright colours and multiple shades and tints embellish the paintings.

“Festival”, “Infinite Joy From Within”, “Tree Of Joy” and “Song of Dawn” are some of the works that are on display. Nirupa through her works intend to touch the heart of the viewers.
Druvinka on the contrary displays a very rare streak of cerebral artistry even though she paints with an intention of taping the consciousness. Not completely disregarding the existence of traditional means, she attempts to accomplish contemporary refinement. Her seemingly complex and layered paintings are basically spontaneous outpourings
She states that her works display freedom through the elements of art and attempts to strike a deep chord with the reality of nature. She employs forms like lingam, circles, buds, snakes, vagina, idols, silhouettes and shadowy figures to present her ideas. These are forms suggestive of tantric symbols that elucidate the complexities of cosmology and the idea of universality.
Druvinka’s paintings border on the definition of spiritual outpourings. The Vedic spiritual concept of the whole cosmos and an individual living creature being a product of the single universal truth gets defined in these framed works. In fact, her works invite the viewers to participate and experience the absence of duality between the microcosm and the macrocosm.
The transparency in the works and the vortex of multiple layers collectively force the viewers to make a compulsory participation. She works in a typical meticulous fashion, creating unusual textures.
Shirley’s ceramic art and design display were made in New York City and few in the suburbs of New Jersey. All of these creative products are the outcome of the efforts employed in the past three years. Sculptural in nature, even those that are meant to be functional exude an aura of pure art.

Shirley, a B.A in Design from NID, Ahmedabad, utilizes her talent and training to design and manufacture utility and functional products like Tea Sets and lotion bottles to general pottery and textiles. Shirley experimented with variety of materials such as ceramics, textile, paper, metal like aluminum, brass, copper etc. and wood to create products and sculptural works.

Besides these she went on to train the economically disadvantaged to gear up for a possible vocation along with managing a studio at IM Art Center, New Jersey, USA. She has collaborated with Rajiv Sethi, India's renowned scenographer to create a ceramic installation for the new Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai.

The current works are confined between average to small size.

Amongst the works displayed here, “Porcelain Complicated” is a shade reflection of her previously produced coiled series. Very thought provoking and cerebrally instigating. “Friends” on the contrary is upfront, inviting the viewers into the lives of the sculpted figures.