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.