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.