Eclectic Metaphors the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai 5Th - 12Th October, 2016

Eclectic Metaphors The Taj Mahal palace, Mumbai 5th - 12th October, 2016

Gallery pioneer presents

A group Show ECLECTIC METAPHORS Curated by Alka Raghuvanshi

Preview at 6.30pm on Wednesday 5th October, 2016

on view till 12th October, 2016 11.00am to 7.00pm daily

Taj Art Gallery The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai +91 22 66653366, 66653175 www.tajhotels.com Participating Artists (Camp Guest Artists participants)

Alka Raghuvanshi A.Ramachandran Anita Kulkarni Arup Das Annu Naik F.N. Souza Babli Das G.R.Santosh Basant Bhargav Jamini Roy Jagadish Dey M.F. Hussain Kishore Roy Mal Chandji Jangid\ Krishnendu Porel Mehboob Alam Manoj Nayak Meena Sansanwal Dr. Nand Kishore N.S. Rana Narender Sharma P.Gnana Neena Gulati Nilesh vede Nilandri Paul Ram Kumar Niren Sengupta Soina R. Sawharwal O.P. Shamra Suchismita Sahoo Praveen Upadhye Suhas Roy Sanjay Ashtaputre Sunil Das Sanjib Gogoi T. Vaikuntham Shampa Sircar Das Vinod Sharma Shridhar Iyer Y. Shirwadkar Sidharth Dr. Snehlata Prasad Tirthankar Biswas Vilas Kulkarni

4 Eclectic metaphors

Eclectic Metaphors is an exhibition that displays an amalgam of works with vivid emotions and thoughts. Each work has the hallmark of its creator and showcases sophisticated techniques with masterly use of colours and forms. Each art work is characterised by a deep rooted Indianess which is inherent in the thought process of each artist. And yet all the artworks indicate myriad metaphorical combinations of ideas, emotions and contexts. The collection in many ways can be appreciated as a true blend of Indian spirit and ethos. The exhibition is a culmination of efforts of various artists, many of whom participated in an art camp organised by Gallery Pioneer during summer this year.

Gallery Pioneer, established in 1999 by Praveen Upadhye, a renowned artist himself with over 30 years of experience, has promoted both experimental cutting edge art as well as traditional art. In his endeavour to promote quality art and connect it to larger numbers of art lovers, Praveen Upadhye in collaboration with art lover Saurabh Singhvi, held an art camp in Mukhteshwar, Uttarakhand, albeit with a difference. Artists painted at the camp with a view to create a painting of 3’ X 4’ which would eventually be turned into a serigraph for greater outreach. To take this forward, a serigraph printing workshop was held to convert the paintings from the camp into serigraphs and a portfolio prepared from these prints.

The camp was a huge success with participation by renowned artists such as Anu Naik, O.P. Sharma, S.D. Shrotraya, Sidharth, Niren Sen Gupta, Jagdish Dey, Sridhar Iyer, Niladri Paul, Shampa Sircar Das, Alka Raghuvanshi, Vilas Kulkarni, Anita Kulkarni, Dr. Snehlata Prasad among others. The exhibition displays all the works done by the participating artists along with a few guest artists. The guest artists include artists such as M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, Mehboob Alam, Ram Kumar, T. Vaikuntham, G.R. Santosh, Y. Shirwarcar, Vinod Sharma among others.

The Taj, Mumbai, has a long history of promoting the arts and the Taj Salon has been founded with the aim to promote meaningful contemporary art along with the traditional Indian art forms. Both Gallery Pioneer and Taj Salon share the same vision and objectives and are committed to further the cause of Indian art and culture. The exhibition becomes a platform for both to unite and celebrate the vibrant facets of Indian art.

5 Curator’s Note

The exhibition is a culmination of efforts of various artists, who participated in an art camp organised by Gallery Pioneer. Gallery pioneer established in 1999 by Shri Praveen Upadhye, a renowned artist with over 30 years of experience, has always promoted experimental cutting edge art works along with traditional art. In its endeavour to promote quality art and also take it to the masses, Praveen Upadhye in collaboration with art lover Saurabh Singhvi, envisaged the concept of an art camp. For this event each artist contributed a studio painting of 3’ X 4’ size. Further a serigraph printing workshop was held with the collected paintings and a portfolio was prepared from these prints.

The camp was a huge success with participation by renowned artists such as Anu Naik, O.P.Sharma, S.D.Shrotraya, Sidharth, Niren Sen Gupta, Jagdish Dey, Sridhar Iyer, Niladhri Paul, shampa Sircar Das among others. The exhibition displays all the works done by the participating artists along with a few guest artists. The guest artists include artists such as M.F.Hussain, F.N. Souza, S.H.Raza, Ram Kumar, Ramesh Gorjala among others.

Taj Salon at the Taj Mahal, Mumbai has also been founded with the aim to promote meaningful contemporary art along with the traditional Indian art forms. Both Gallery Pioneer and Taj Salon share the same vision and objectives and are committed to further the cause of Indian art and culture. The exhibition becomes a platform for both to unite and celebrate the vibrant facets of Indian art.

As the name suggests, eclectic metaphors, displays a wide-ranging collection of works with vivid emotions and thoughts. Each work has the hallmark of its creator and showcases sophisticated techniques with masterly use of colours and forms. Each art work is characterized by a deep rooted Indianess which is inherent in the thought process of each artist. And yet all the artworks display the same indianess with different metaphorical combinations of ideas, emotions and contexts. The collection in many ways can be appreciated as a true concoction of Indian spirit and ethos.

6 A. Ramachandran Untitled Watercolour on Paper 21 x 28.5 inches 2007 A. Ramachandran Provenance: From a reputed Private Collection, Delhi. Untitled Watercolour on Paper 21 x 28.5 inches 2008 Provenance: From a reputed Private Collection, Delhi.

7 Alka Raghuvanshi Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 48 inches 2016

Anita Kulkarni Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 48 inches 2016

8 Annu Naik Untitled Oil on Canvas 32 x 32 inches 2015

Annu Naik Untitled Oil on Canvas 24 x 36 inches 2014

9 Arup Das Untitled Oil on Canvas 42 x 42 inches

10 Babli Das Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 48 inches 2016

Basant Bhargav Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 48 x 36 inches 2016

11 F.N. Souza Untitled Ink on Paper 8 x 11 inches 1990 F.N. Souza Provenance: From a reputed Private Collection, Delhi. Untitled Ink on Paper 8 x 11 inches 1990

12 G.R. Santosh Untitled Watercolour on Paper 10.5 x 17.5 inches 2015

Jagadish Dey Messenger Bird Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 48 inches 2016

13 Jamini Roy Untitled Tempera on Cardboard-paper 14 x 24 inches 1960 approx.

Jamini Roy Untitled Tempera on Jute 36 x 30 inches 1960 approx.

14 Kishore Roy Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 48 x 36 inches 2016

Kishore Roy Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 40 x 30 inches 2016

15 Krishnendu Porel Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 48 x 36 inches 2007

16 M.F. Husain Untitled Serigraph Print on Paper 28 x 58 inches

M.F. Husain Untitled Oil on Canvas 17.3 x 23.5 inches Signed 1984

17 Mal Chandji Jangid Big Sitar Sandalwood 48 inches ht. approx. 1975 approx

Mal Chandji Jangid Rajasthani Doll Sandalwood 42 inches ht. approx. 1975 approx

18 Mehboob Alam Untitled Oil on Canvas 48 x 48 inches 2006 Manoj Nayak The Views Monger Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 48 inches 2016

19 Dr. Nand Kishore Galaxy 27 Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 36 inches 2016

Meena sansanwal Impression Acrylic on Canvas 22 x 36 inches 2016

20 N.S. Rana Untitled Bronze 12 x 14 x 2 inches 2015

21 Nilesh vede Peace Small Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 36 inches

Narender Sharma Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 48 x 36 inches 2016

22 niladri Paul Nritta Acylic on Canvas 40 x 40 inches 2016

niladri Paul Colour of the Sub-concious Acylic on Canvas 40 x 30 inches 2016

23 Niren Sengupta Niren Sengupta Untitled Untitled Acrylic on Canvas Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 48 inches 20 x 48 inches 2016 2011

24 O.P. Sharma Outer Mandala Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 36 inches 2014

O.P. Sharma Pleasant Encounter Acrylic on Canvas 40 x 33 inches 2011

25 P. Gnana Reason to Live Solid Bronze 38 x 38 x 28 inches 2013

P. Gnana Krishna Patina on Bronze 12 x 22 x 3 inches 2014

26 Praveen D Upadhye Dal Punj Charcoal on Paper 21 x 28 inches 2015

Praveen D Upadhye Dal Punj Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 48 inches 2015

27 Ram Kumar Untitled Acrylic on Paper 17 x 12 inches

28 S.D. Shotriya Banaras Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 40 inches 2016

29 Sanjay Ashtaputre Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 31.5 x 37.5 inches 2016

Sanjay Ashtaputre Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 31.5 x 37.5 inches 2014

30 Sanjib gogoi Untitled Mix Media on Canvas 38 x 42 inches 2014

Sanjib gogoi Pujarin Mix Media on Canvas 32 x 56 inches 2014

31 Shampa Sircar das Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 48 x 36 inches 2016

32 Sidharth Untitled Mix Media on Paper 40 x 30 inches 2016

33 Shridher Iyer Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 48 x 36 inches 2014

34 Sonia R. sabharwal The Angellus (set of 3) Acrylic on Canvas 20 x 24 inches 2015

35 Dr. Snehlata Prasad Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 36 inches 2016

SUchismita sahoo Untitled Acrylic on Paper 36 x 48 inches

36 Suhas Roy Untitled Mix Media on Paper 16 x 20 inches 2011

Sunil Das Untitled Charcoal on Paper 20 x 30 inches 2007

37 T. Vaikuntham Untitled Acrylic on Canvas Board 16 x 12 inches

Tirthankar Biswas Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 38 x 38 inches 2013

38 Vinod Sharma Untitled Oil on Canvas 36 x 36 inches 2016

Vilas Kulkarni A Journey with the Post Box Mix Media on Canvas 30 x 40 inches 2016

39 Yashwant Shirwadkar Banaras I Oil on Canvas 40 x 30 inches 2015

Yashwant Shirwadkar Banaras II Oil on Canvas 40 x 30 inches 2015

40 A. Ramachandran the J. J. School of Arts, Bombay in 1954. Naik has exhibited in Dubai, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the former West Germany. Annu Naik lives and works in New Delhi. STATEMENT I have Born in 1935 in Kerala, A. Ramachandran graduated with a degree in Malayalam Literature always admired the human figure. I find it extremely interesting and use it as myvisual from Kerala University before pursuing a Diploma in Fine Arts and Crafts from Kala Bhavan, vocabulary. Gestures moods and movements of my figures go far beyond what is visually Visva Bharati University at Santiniketan. Deeply influenced by Nandalal Bose, Ramachandran evident. For me its a language and that is the language I use in my paintings. Life, in my eyes, makes a strong case for Indian aesthetics and for the use of classical Indian images to is a performance set against a backdrop of varied environments, joys and sorrows … some articulate an ideological position. The painter converted to using archetypal Indian imagery mundane and others typical. This gains reflection in my work on canvas as frames frozen in only after years of painting in the modernist vein. Deeply influenced by the prevalent socio- time. A ‘freeze frame’ is not always fidel to the essence of life; therefore I use a lot of white political situation in Kerala, his early works represented oppression, violence, war. Human space to lend motility and expanse to the frame, 2001. figures were dismembered, most of them headless. Several aspects of Indian classical art have been integrated into his art, including compound motifs and imagery, decorative Arup Das elements along with the exuberance of forms and colours. He admits that he has been inspired by and extensively used Kerala murals, Nathadwara paintings and Ajanta murals in Arup Das is a figurative painter and an acclaimed muralist. Human figures occupy the central his works. A decorative element much like the murals is observed in many of his paintings. position in his paintings. Das attempts to portray man as a social and historical being, placed However, in most of his works, the decorative element does not stand out; it is intrinsic, built within the framework of his cultural and natural environment. He is as comfortable painting into his figures’ clothes and jewellery as a part of the overall design. Ramachandran believes with oils as he is with watercolours. He is at his productive and innovative best when he is that his monumental painting ‘Yayati’ was one of the landmarks in his growth as an artist, working with a combination of media. He employs a wide variety of shades to depict his human because it allowed him to incorporate elements of classical proportions and postures in his figures. “There is a mingling of pictures and a blurred effect in my work which facilitates work. Executed as a narrative, it compelled Ramachandran to use Indian mythological interpretations of my creations,” he says A recurring theme in Das’s paintings is the coming of imagery in a contemporary form. the Messiah with its message of eternal hope and ultimate salvation for mankind. Das’s canvases are a judicious blend of ideas that are timeless but told in a language that is pertinent Alka Raghuvanshi to our times. Born in West Bengal in the year 1924, Arup Das graduated from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Calcutta. He has held 22 solo shows in several countries including Dr Alka Raghuvanshi, wears many hats for she is among the few authorities on the arts who Japan, the UK and Canada, and has participated in 24 group shows in India and abroad. He traverses the folk and classical arts, performing and plastic arts, crafts and aesthetics with won the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi in 1957 and the President’s Silver Plaque ease and is known for her crusading spirit for the arts. She is an unusual combination of in 1957. He lives and works in Delhi. His works are in the collections of the National Gallery of scholarship and hands on person who has constantly strived to put the arts centre stage Modem Art, New Delhi, the Sahitya Kala Parishad, New Delhi, and the All India Fine Arts and with her multi-disciplinary approach traversing the various media. She is India’s first trained Crafts Society, New Delhi. art curator, having trained at the Goldsmiths College, London and the Museum of Modern Art in Oxford. A keen painter herself, she is able to perceive and experience the various arts from Basant Bhargav the vantage position of a doer as well as an onlooker. In her writing career on the arts spanning nearly 32 years, she has documented an entire generation of artists and artists Basant Bhargav takes inspiration from his name and celebrates ‘basant’, or the spring harvest who have shaped the artistic heritage of the country captured in two books Dr Raghuvanshi—A season, in his paintings, which center on nature. His landscapes do not refer to any specific Moment in Time with Legends of Indian Arts and Pathfinders—artistes of one world. place but rather to those he has created with his active imagination. The artist paints what he feels about what he has seen. He is interested in the abstract formulation of forms, and in Anita Kulkarni giving life to form through colour. Bhargav was born in 1974, and has worked on various themes through his artistic career, including the geographical diversity and beauty of his Anita Kulkarni was born in New Delhi in 1965. Her childhood was spent in learning music & country, India. Created with the help of a palette knife and thick brushstrokes, his works give dance from her father the world renowned Kathak exponent Padma Vibushan Guru Pt. Birju the impression that the colours on the surface have taken on a life of their own. Maharaj. She received her formal training in art by completing her B.F.A in Sculpture from the College of Art, Delhi University in 1988. She was awarded the Gold medal from College of Art, Francis Newton Souza Delhi in 1988. The same year she was awarded by the Sahitya Kala Parishad with the Yuva Mahotsava Award. She received the ‘Special Mention’ Award at the All India Henry Moore Souza was born in Saligao, Goa. Francis Newton Souza took admission into the SirJ.J. School Sculpture Competition in 1988 organised by the British Council. She was awarded the Junior of Art of Mumbai but, was expelled for participating in the Quit India Movement. He founded Fellowship from the Dept. of Culture, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India in 1992.She was also the Progressive Artist’s Movement in 1947, along with S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain, K.H. Ara, etc. He awarded by the Academy Of Fine Arts, Punjab in 2011. She has dabbled in a host of media. went to London to pursue painting in 1949, and received recognition in the 1950’s for his solo Over the years she has created sculptures in stone, terracotta, fibre-glass, cement-concrete exhibition at the Gallery One,London. Around the same time, his autobiographical essay and metal. Her paintings are mostly in acrylics. She has held twenty-one Solo shows of her ‘Nirvana of a Maggot’ was published. In 1959, another one of his books ‘Words and Lines’ was works and participated in numerous group shows & artist camps in India and abroad. Anita published receiving literary recognition. In 1967, F.N. Souza migrated to New York,USA. He has installed several murals and sculptures at public places and corporate offices. Her participated in the ‘Commonwealth Artists of Fame’ in London in 1977, and an exhibition in works are in the collections of Art Institutions, Museums, Art Galleries, Corporate Houses Detroit in 1968. His Retrospectives were held in New Delhi, and Mumbai in 1987. He had shows and private art collectors in India and abroad. like at the ‘Indus Gallery’ of Karachi in 1988, ‘Bose Pacia Modern’, New York, 1998. Presently, the paintings of F.N.Souza adorn the Tate Gallery of London, and the National Gallery of Annu Naik Modern Art in New Delhi. Annu Naik was born in 1943 in Karnataka. She graduated with a diploma in Fine Arts from

41 Ghulam Rasool Santosh Central, Mumbai (2006)Euphonic Palettes Nitanjali, Grand Hyatt Dubai, UAE, Euphonic Palettes2 Nitanjali, Alliance Francaise, New Delhi, Indo-Pakistan Contemporary Art, Nitanjali Poet-painter Gulam Rasool Santosh, who comes from the tragically beautiful Kashmir valley, with Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore., Indo-Korean Friendship, IFACS, New Delhi (2005) Indian Art was born in 1929, to a lower middle class family. He once said in an interview, “in Kashmir, art Unbound I, Nitanjali Art Gallery, London.(2004), Vintage Art, India (2002), Habitat Centre, New was taught in school after class V. But I remember drawing in class II, starting, at the onset, on Delhi, Karma Art Gallery, New Delhi, “Art Positive”, India Centre, New Delhi, Delhi Art Club, New a landscape which I liked so much that I concentrated on landscapes, doing several of these Delhi among others. before I changed my style.” He completed his matriculation in 1945, with painting as a subject but was forced to give up the thought of further studies because of his father’s death. Santosh Krishnendu Porel took up several odd jobs like sign board painting, silk weaving and white washing walls to support himself. Slowly, he began concentrating on commercial art and became a skilful Critics have been all praises for Porel’s paintings ever since he first exhibited them saying papier-mache artist. In 1950, Santosh joined the Progressive Arts Association in Kashmir, that it was unusual for any artist to have developed, so early in his career, a grasp of light and formed as a result of painter S. H. Raza’s efforts to mobilize Kashmiri painters. He showed color that was comparable with the skills of the greatest academicians and landscapists. across India as a member of this association. In 1954, he won the government scholarship to The principal subject of his creations are the Ornate architectural adorning, used in Indian study Fine Arts under painter N. S. Bendre at the MS University, Baroda. Since 1953, Santosh religious sites and temples. But there is more to the artist and his work than immediately has held over 30 one man shows. In 1973, he received the Lalit Kala Akademi award and in meets the eye. Unlike his predecessors, his works have a message to convey. Occasionally a 1977, the Padma Shree. G R Santosh died in 1997 in New Delhi. figure might break the silence of stones and cities, but only to illustrate the fragility of the human condition in contrast to the eternity of architectural grace and beauty that surrounds Jagadish Dey it. In works that display an almost photographic realism, Krishnendu Porel employs a subtle interplay between light and darkness, dull and bright colors, to capture each mood he feels Jagadish Dey’s early paintings were transformed landscapes, based on his flights of fancy. It from the environment that he is painting, and transfer it adeptly to his canvases. The colors showed in a surrealistic fashion, cloud like forms ethereally suspended in air. The whole that Porel uses are often gloomy, like quiet greys and browns, giving a serene and calming situation was like a dream, where the real and unreal coexist. His present phase is one which light in the painting that strikes up a contrast and leaves viewers at peace. Whether he is gradually shifted from these Dreamflowers to figurative representations sometimes in the last painting the old colonial homes and streets of his hometown, Kolkata or the clean and crisp eighties. He have painted man and woman in a variety of moods. Another constant feature in architecture of New Delhi, where he lives now, the artist’s meticulous attention to even the his works is the peacock. It is seen in the company of female figures, and acts as the means of smallest detail in his work is very evident. It only takes a glance at one his paintings to feel communication, between the figures.Born, 1942, at Bangladesh; Graduated from School of Art, its mood, see its movement and begin to understand its message. Delhi polytechnic in 1963, Faculty member, College of Art, New Delhi from 1965-2002; Awarded AIFACS Awards in 1969,1982, Sahitya Kala Parishad’s Award in 1981,82,89, Senior fellowship Mal Chandji Jangid awarded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, overnment of India in 1998, National Academy Award by Lalit Kala Academy,2000; Exhibited at Triveni Kala Sangam in Born in 1923 in Churu district of Rajasthan, Mal chandji Jangid was a master in wood 1966,1979,1981, Dhoomimal Gallery in 1990,92,94,2001, Taj Art Gallery, Mumbai in carving. With generations involved in this art dating back to the Mughal era, Mal chandji took 1985,92,94,96,98, Sanskriti Art Gallery, Kolkata 1993, Jehangir Art gallery, this art to another level with intricate designs and mind bogling detail. He was also re- christened as Mal Chand Kalakaar, an indication of his achievements. He was awarded the Jamini roy national award in intricate sandalwood carving in 1971 and was also awarded by our late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. He died in 1988 leaving behind a vast body of work for Born in 1887 in an obscure Bengali village of the Bankura district in West Bengal, an area generations to cherish, especially rich with a folk art tradition, Jamini Roy arrived in Calcutta in 1903 to enroll in the Govt. School of Art. He was the most famous pupil of Abanindranath Tagore, whose contribution Manoj Nayak to the emergence of modern art in India remains unquestionable. Jamini’s presentation of Santhal drummers, toiling blacksmith, Krishna-Balaram and women figures like Radhas, Gopi’s, Manoj Nayak was born on October 12, 1969. He did his B.F.A in 1995, and M.F.A.in1997 Pujarinis and Virgin and Child became very popular during the 1940s and his collectors (Painting)) from College of Art, Delhi. He has been part of manyand group shows. Some of included the middle-class Bengalis as well as the European community. His work was exhibited the prominent shows include LKA, Art Gallery, New Delhi 1999, Gallery Mirage, Delhi 1995, in London in 1946 and in New York in 1953. He was honored with the State award of Padma Shridharani Art Gallery, Delhi 1995, IIC, Delhi 1996, Vedant Art Gallery Chicago & S. Art Gallery Bhushan in 1955. He died a much celebrated and revolutionary artist, at the age of 85, in Delhi, 1996, Yamini Art Gallery, Delhi 1997, LKA, Art Gallery, Delhi 1999, 2001, Guru Nanak Calcutta in 1972. Bhawan, Ludhiana 2002, Contemporary Miniature Paintings & Sculpture of India Show 2003, Hyatt Regency & at Visual Art Gallery, Habitat Center, New Delhi 2003. Exhibitions, All India Kishore Roy Annual Art Exhibition, AIFACS, New Delhi 1996, National Art Exhibition, LKA, New Delhi 1998, 2000. He was honoured by Nirmal Trust, Karnal 1996. Kishore Roy was born on 21st December, 1964 at Kolkata He did his BVA from Govt. Art College Kolkata. And BA from Motijheel College, Kolkata. His solo shows include The Magic of Maqbool Fida Husain Mythology, Travancore Palace, Nitanjali Art Gallery, New Delhi (2008), Green Summer”, Nitanjali Art Gallery, New Delhi.(2004), Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi (2003), Triveni Kala Sangam, New M. F. Husain was born in 1915 in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. In 1935, he moved to Bombay Delhi (2000), Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (1999), M.E.C. Art Gallery, New Delhi. (1997-98) and and joined Sir J. J. School Of Art. He started off by painting cinema hoardings. He first came Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata (1995). His Group Shows include “19@ Nitanjali”, Epicentre, into limelight as painter in the late 1940s. In 1952, Husain’s first solo exhibition was held at Gurgaon (2008), “Siksha”, Exhibition of Contemporary Artist, Hyatt Regency, New Delhi (2007), Zurich and soon he became popular in Europe and USA. Husain was also the founder A Tribute to Lalit Suri, NGO Savera, New Delhi, “Uninterrupted Journeys”, Nitanjali at ITC Grand member of Progressive Artists Group, Bombay established in 1948; Delegation member from

42 India, World Peace Conference, China, 1952; Member of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, 1954; Dr. Nand Kishore Member of Rajya Sabha, New Delhi in 1986 & 1992. Husain has established Sankalana Dr Nand Kishore was born on1st January, 1971, Delhi and completed his BFA (Painting) from Museum, Bangalore; Husain ki Sarai, Faridabad in 1992 and Husain-Doshi Gufa in College of Art, New Delhi in 1992. He also completed his MFA (Painting) from College of Art, Ahmedabad. In 1966, Husain was honoured with Padma Shree by the Government of India. New Delhi in 1996 and Ph.D in Music and Fine Art Faculty from Delhi University, Delhi in 2009. In January, 2010, he was offered the citizenship of Qatar, which he accepted. He passed His solo shows include “Painted Poetry” at Jharokha Art Gallery, Hauz Khas, New Delhi (1995), away on 9th June 2011, in London. “The Origin, Rule and Role of Nature” at Triveni Art Gallery, New Delhi (2002), “In the Realm of Meena Sansanwal Life & Thought” Presents Krishna’s Collection Art Gallery, at Triveni Art Gallery, New Delhi (2005), “Matters of the Spirit” at Triveni Garden Art Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House, An inherent fascination for art led Meena to realise that art lived within her, thereafter it was New Delhi(2010). His Group Shows include “7 Artists” Studio 55, at Sunder Nagar, New Delhi destiny that led her to be an artist . She also believes that it is the hidden and the (1995), “RESONANCE” Master Guild at Ravindra Bhavan Gallery, New Delhi and Art Junction, vital unconscious self which urged her to be an artist and that she has come in this world to Hotel Lalit Inter-Continental, New Delhi (1999), “HEPTAGON” at Ravindra Bhavan Gallery, New express and create. Born in 1971, Meena Sansanwal completed her BFA (painting) in 1994, Delhi (2004), “Mystic Journey” AIM Presents Mystiq Art Gallery at Rabindra Bhawan Gallery, and there after obtained her master degree in 1997 from Delhi College of Art. Mostly New Delhi (2005), “60th Milestone” at Travancore Art Gallery, New Delhi (2007), “Variations” portraying angels helping out the world, her personal world too, is one of love, peace and Presents a’ la Dream Art Gallery at Rabindra Bhawan Gallery, New Delhi (2007),“Ernesto Che harmony. Meena›s artworks bring to mind, a transient and peaceful quality. She keeps in Guevara” Presents a’ la Dream Art Gallery at Cuba Embassy, New Delhi (2008), “Togther” at touch with her surroundings and nature, which could be the reason for this. Forms comes Visual Art Gallery, Habitat Centre, New Delhi (2008) among others. naturally to her and all the recent works are centred on women and Angels. « painting itself is a meditative experience for me « says Meena. The medium of her painting is oil on canvas Niladri Paul , gold leaf, and sometimes use of pure powdered pigment. The technique compliments the I have been painting for as long as I can remember. Even before I knew it was called art . From concept of the painting as well. Meena had participated in many solo and group exhibitions the moment I first held a pencil in my hand , I started doodling , much to the exasperation of my . Her works were included in the National Exhibition, Lalit kala Academy in 2001and 2002. parents and teachers. I would draw on anything and everything , from blank papers , walls , Participated in live auction Khushi 2015 and Ravenel Autumn Auction 2008 newspapers , sand and of course sketch books also at times , when provided. So it was a Hongkong. Recipient of many awards and scholarships, her works is part of many private natural progression to join the art college and learn the fine nuances of the craft . And thus collections in India and overseas started the colourful journey of my life. From the first solo show itself , I have followed my heart Mehboob Alam and painted whatever inspired me to take up the colors and splash them on the canvases , conveying my very own individualistic expression. I have always been drawn to powerful forms Mehaboob Alam was born in Srinagar in 1943 and did his diplaoma in painting from the , strong lines , sweeping brush strokes , and bold , vibrant colors. Freedom and spontaneity institute of music and fine arts, Srinagar. He is also the founder member of the Kashmir artist have been important to me in my personal life as well and therefore animate all my paintings association and the Kashmir Artist Guild. He has been awarded with the J$K Cultural too. A constant fascination with the performing arts lead me to begin the still ongoing academy award in 1965, 75,77,79,85,86,89 and 2004. He was also awarded by Lalit Kala endeavour of translating the ever evolving movements , rhythm , and sound onto my canvases. Academy, New Delhi in 2015. Mehboob is one who by dint of hard work achieved what he My contemporary application and sensibilities combined with this hugely complex and all wished for, who by his determinism and dynamism made a decisive role in artistic circles of encompassing subject lead to a style of painting that bridged the gap between figurative and yesteryears and his experience of life appeared on canvas in different moods. His simple abstract art. The energy of my pigments convey a primitive force and energy of cheerful personality never presents flamboyance, showmanship or any sort of gimmickry. Always to optimism that i myself feel . be seem in him contemplative mood as to where to start, what to be depicted and what to conclude with restlessly. Niren Sengupta N S Rana Niren Sengupta was born in January 1940 in Bengal. He was the former Principal of College of Art, New Delhi. He has taught for over 30 years at graduate & post-graduate levels in various 1951- Born in Delhi,1979-Passed B.F.A. in sculpture with 1st Class 1st and specialization in art institutions. He is a graduate in science from the Calcutta University and also a graduate in Metal Casting From Delhi College of art, New Delhi. In 1981 recieved diploma in commercial Arts from Govt. College of Art & Crafts, Calcutta. For him, art is an expression of inner language. art from Sarda Ukil School of art., board of technical education , Delhi. He was offered His communion with happenings around him evolves and reflects in his works. He finds lasting Fellowship from Delhi university, Delhi and was Visiting Lecturer in Delhi College of Art, New beauty in the serenity of the total surrender of the monks of the Ramakrishna Mission. A Delhi. He taught art at a School for several years while also continued with his own practice. mission that signifies sacrifices and service to mankind. His works are aesthetic expressions He has worked in a range of media including terracotta and fiberglass, metal in various forms of his inner reflections infused with serenity, sacrifice, service and beauty. He has several solo and primarily in bronze, which has been the main medium that he has mastered and enjoys and prestigious group exhibitions to his credit. working in. His exquisite creations of deities and icons reaffirm his interest in figuration. Rana has had more than seven solo shows and participated in numerous group exhibitions Nilesh Vede in different parts of India including those held at Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bangalore, Born on 27th Nov 1981 at Yeola, Maharashtra, Nilesgh Vede has done a diploma In Applied Art, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Recipient of awards from the Delhi Crafts Council, Delhi College of Art, Elementry from the L.S.Raheja school of Art. He also holds an Art Teachers Diploma ( J. J. UNESCO, Sahitya Kala Parishad and AIFACS, his work can be seen with private and corporate School Of Art Institute and a Diploma in Textile Design (V.J.T.I.) His solo shows have been collectors across India. Presently Head of the Department, Sculpture dept., Bhartiya Vidya hosted at P L Deshpande Art Gallery (2006), Nirmal Art Gallery (2006-09), Museum Art Gallery Bhawan, K G Marg, New Delhi. (2011), Nehru Center Art Gallery (2013), Jehangir Art Gallery (2014) He has als been part of

43 many group shows at Burjuman Art Gallery 2005 UAE, Nirmal Art Gallery 2006-09 Art Route Ram Kumar Gallery 2009, Lalit Kala Akadamy 2015, Birla Acadamy of art and culture, Kolkata 2016 among Ram Kumar born in Shimla, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Economics from St. Stephens others. College, Delhi University. An artist and writer, he has been hailed as one of India’s foremost O P Sharma abstract painters. He is said to be one of the first Indian artists to give up figurative work for Abstract Art. Ram Kumar took classes at the Sharda Ukil School of Art under Sailoz Born 1932, Haryana. Graduated with Drawing & Painting from Meerut College, 1951. National Mukherjee and was noticed by the famous painter S.H. Raza. In1952, he went to Paris to Diploma in Fine Arts from Delhi Polytechnic, 1958. Principal, College of Art, New Delhi 1981- study painting under Andre Lhote and Fernand Leger. He was awarded the prestigious 1993. Recipient of National Award of 1969 for Painting by Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. Won Rockefeller Fellowship in 1970. Ram Kumar has participated in various exhibitions in and out several awards including AIFACS, New Delhi in 1966, 67 and 69. Held 33 one-man shows. of India, including Venice Biennale, 1958, Festival of India shows in the then USSR and Participated in several National and International. Painting in public and private collections in Japan, 1987 and 1988. One of Ram Kumar’s latest solo exhibitions was in Delhi, 2008. The India and abroad. He has Written about art in important art magazines and art columns, and Govt. of India awarded him the Padma Shree, 1972, and also awarded with the ‘Kalidas has given several public talks by invitation from Art Societies, Museums and Institutions in Samman’by the Madhya Pradesh State Government, 1985. Ram Kumar lives and works in India and abroad, on his paintings in context of contemporary Indian Art and the tradition of New Delhi. Tantra Art. He is an advisor to various Art Committees including Boards of education, Parliament House Complex, HUDCO, Urban Arts Commission and several University Counsels. Sanjay Ashtaputre He is an author of the books ‘ Art in Art ‘ in 1994, ‘Om Prakash - Forty Years 1958 - 1998’ in 1999 I hail from Aurangabad but now I am settled in Hyderabad. I have had a career in art spanning and ‘Om Prakash- Sixty Years 1951 - 2012’ in 2013 more than three decades. I have worked as an illustrator for comic books and with various P. Gnana ad agencies. I have painted in the representational, figurative and abstract styles and exhibited my works in solo and group exhibitions in Hyderabad, Mumbai and other prominent P. Gnana is a distinguished, leading painter and sculptor in Singapore. He received a scholarship places in India. My works are held in various collections in India and abroad. I am deeply to LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore and has since produced and exhibited work widely influenced by Indian classical music an play the sitar with proficiency. across Asia. P. Gnana’s art is synonymous with the metaphorical representation of the cow, which has emerged as a phenomenon in its own right. He has created cows in bronze, metal, Sidharth painted and with paper prints on the sides, from car parts, both small in size or giant life sizes. Born in 1956 in Raikot, Punjab, India, Sidharth’s mother inculcated in him a spirit of The cows are characteristic and realistic no matter what materials have been used to create connection with nature and the divine. He started painting signboards while still at school. them. Experimentation, serious and sometimes meditative, has been one of the key instruments He learned the skilled art of creating murals and friezes from Tara Mason, skilled master that has shaped Gnana’s creative journey through the past 16 years, allowing him to rejuvenate craftsmen of the area in Punjab.He not only meditated on the tenets of Buddhism but also in a world of constant change and fluctuating emotions. Having exhibited in Singapore, learnt the highly esoteric and formal religio-magical art of the Thangka painting technique Malaysia, India and Dubai, P. Gnana’s exemplary work can also be found in the collections of from the Tibetan monks. His artistic journey continued and he went to Sweden where he the President of the Republic of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum and the National observed and practiced western artistic traditions seen in the canvases, frescoes and Heritage Board. windows of churches and museums. Praveen D. Upadhye Sanjib Gogoi Praveen was born on 31st December 1965 in Shed BAL, Belgaum District, Karnataka. He did Born in 1973, ASSAM. Qualification: M.F.A. in Painting with first class from Rabindra his Master Diploma in Art and Paintings from Government Fine Arts School, Dharwad. He has Bharati,University Jorasanko, Kolkata; B.F.A. in Painting from Govt. College of Art & Craft; Participated in various camps like Banan Smith School Of Fine Art, Belgaum 1982, Lalai Kala Under Gauhati University, Assam in 1999. Award/Scholarship: 2000 - National Scholarship Mela Bangalore,1983, Govt. Fine Art School Camp,1984, 1985,1986,1987, College Annual by Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India, Department of Culture. 2001 Exhibition 1983, 1984, 1985,1986,1987, A.I.S.F of Karnataka 1986,1987, A.I.F.A.C.S Annual - Rabindra Bharati University, Merit Scholarship. 2005 -V.C. Shyanal award honored by Exhibition 1989, Mussorie Camp 1993, Bhimtal Camp 2013, Bhopal Camp 2014. He has sculptor AMARNATH SEHGEL, Delhi, Research and Dissertation Painting of HASTI collectively participated in various shows Nationally and Internationally like Fine Arts School VIDYARNAVA (A 18th Century Secular Assamese Manuscript Critical Analysis of Art and Dharwad 1984,1986,1987, Aurobindo 1990,1991,1992,1994,1995,1996,1997, Gallery Freedom Culture (A Case Study in the Evolution of Rhythm and Human sensitivity). Exhibition 1998, 1999, 2000 , I Am Gallery 2001, Krishna Collection 2001, Nehru Center 1999, India with participated: From 1995 to 2016 participated many national and international exhibitions, Art Washington DC 1999, India Habitat Center 2000, 2015, Panchash VHAI 1998,1999, Mask group shows and including two major solo show in Delhi. Participated many charitable Show 2012, Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj 2012, India Art Festival 2013, 2014, 2015, Lokayata Art exhibitions, national and international level of workshop of paintings. Now working as Gallery 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, Gallery Pioneer 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. As an Artists he has freelancer artist in Delhi, INDIA. organized many shows but his One Man Shows were Gallery Aurobindo 1995, Art Consultant 1996,1997, Lalit Kala Academy 1997, 2001, Gallery Pioneer 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, Shampa Sircar Das 2007, 2008, India Art Festival Mumbai 2011, 2012. Lalit kala academy-2015. Govt Fine Art School Dharwar 1st Prize 1987, Shanti Sagar Janam Jyanti 1st Prize 1987, A.I.S.F of Karnataka Shampa Sircar Das did her B.F.A. (Painting) in 1993 from College of Art, New Delhi followed 2nd Prize 1987. His paintings have been applauded and appreciated worldwide. He has many by M.F.A (Painting) from Jamia Millia Islamia in 1995. The rich Indian cultural heritage and Private and Corporate collections in India and Abroad. Indian Philosophy inspire Shampa’s works. The works are resplendent in symbols that are embedded in a common cultural matrix. The canvas becomes a large area of space, a void,

44 where forms are constantly resonating, emerging out, expanding and then dissolving into it. Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal Transience and a sense of movement in these paintings touch the viewer with the play Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal was born in Mumbai in 1968. She successfully obtained her between form and emptiness. Her works have been part of the auction circuit and the artist Bachelors degree in Fine Art from the Goa College of Arts, Mumbai University in 1989 and even has displayed in numerous Solo shows and Group shows in national and International Art during her stint at college exhibited her works every year at the annual State Art Exhibitions Exhibition. Solo shows are 2014 Confluence of Consiousness - Kumar Gallery, Delhi. 2012 The that were hosted by the Government of Goa. Soon after her graduation, her work as an artist Matrix of the Transmundane - Kumar Gallery, Delhi. 2010 Dhyan - Shridharani Art Gallery, came to be noticed nationally, and in 1992 and 1993 she was awarded with a research grant Delhi. 2010 Dhyan- Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. 2009 Artist of the month - Art Positive, from the Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi to further her work and study of the history of Indian Delhi. 2008 Pratidhwani - Shridharani Art Gallery, Delhi. 2007 Shunya - Visual Art Gallery, paintings. In what is only a very short career, Rodrigues Sabharwal has prolifically exhibited India Habitat Centre, Delhi. 2007 Pankh - an exhibition for underprivileged children. 2006 her work in group shows across the country every year, except 1999, when she took a short Tattva - Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. Her works have been part of over 100 Group shows hiatus from painting. She held her first solo show at Gallery Steps in New Delhi, 1995, and there including Galleries and Art Fairs in India, Dubai, Chicago, London and Singapore. has been no looking back for this young artist since then. Now, having number of individual Dr Snehlata Prasad and group shows to her credit, Sabharwal is basking in the recognition she has deservedly won. This artist also spent some time occupying the post of a designer for the Office of Dr. Snehalata Prasad was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, INDIA. 14Th feb.1976.right from her Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, New Delhi, where she assisted in conducting childhood as Rajasthani pink .she had an innate sense of perceiving the beauty of milieu and workshops organized by the ministry to design and manufacture toys in Mumbai and New expressing it in the from Of drawing ,she channeled her creative abilities to evolve by Delhi. The artist lives and works in Goa. pursuing specialization in related field. Which led her Ph.d in Fine art-Paintings ,Prior to which she post graduated in the same subject .To got a Practical feel of for learning she also Suhas Roy did freelance courses conducted by eminent artist like PadmaShree Arjun Prajapati and Suhas Roy’s preoccupation is primarily with the female face and form, and his subjects are Shree Dwarka Prasad Dr. Snehalata Pradad is now based at Hyderabad. Telengana INDIA. romanticised, inhabiting the dreamlike world between sensuality and innocence. His work is Her SOLO EXHIBITIONS include Progressiv Art Gallery ,New Delhi. March 2014, Art Chamber usually inspired by life around him, but his themes are as much influenced by the everyday –Castelo Vermelho 115 a Gauravaddo-Calangute, GOA., Jan 2014, Gallery Space Art Gallery, world as they are rooted in fantasy. The vast and complex texture of life is seen as mystical and Banjara Hill, Hyderabad,Dec 2013, Muse Art Gallery, Marriot Hotel,Hyderabad,April.2013, Art dark in his work. The mystical flavour of his works arose from his interpretations ofthe Resort, GOA,Feb2013, Muse Art Gallery,Marriot Hotel,Hederabad,August2012, Muse Art ‘unknown’. It is his craftsmanship and consummate skill that ensure that his richly romantic Gallery,Marriot Hotel,Hederabad,Sept.2011, Lalit Kala Akademy,New Delhi.July2011, subjects do not touch extreme syrupy and stereotypical portrayals. Instead, their very patent 10th,9th,8th,7th,Kala Mela ,Jawahar Kala Kendra,Jaipur.1999-2003, Jawhar Kala Kendra beauty veers towards melancholic grace and elegance. This graceful portrayal of his subjects ,Jaipur Dec.2002, Jawhar Kala Kendra ,Jaipur Jan.2000. has much to do with his choice of materials - his crayons, charcoal and brush have sensitivity S D Shrotriya and refinement. Suhas Roy he studied at the Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Calcutta, and under the tutelage of Prof. S.W. Hayter at the Atelier 17 Ecole Superior Des Beaux Born on 9th Aug 1939, Moradabad, S.D. Shrotriya did his M.A. Ph.D. Drawing & Painting from Arts, Paris. His works have been exhibited all over the world through exhibitions like the Asian S.D.(P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar – 251001 and went on to become the Head, Dept. of Graphic Prints Traveling Exhibition, USA, the Tokyo Print Biennale, Japan, Contemporary Indian Drawing & Painting at the same college. His long stretch with water colour painting has Art, Yugoslavia, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Hungry, and Wounds, at the Central Institute Modern instilled in him the feeling that art and aesthetic expierence associated with it, are for sharing Art, New Delhi, and the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. Roy lives and works in with people- people who have art-prone sensibilities, ready to welcome the offered palette. Santiniketan where he is the head of the Department of Painting at Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan. So if he thinks that my art is a bridge between my aesthetic sensibilities and his creative experience, he might not be much at. Even after a strict devotion to colours and canvas, he Sunil Das feels that his efforts are no more than small strides marking the beginning of a never ending One of India’s important post-modernist painters, Sunil Das rose to prominence with his odyssey. He has been dedicated to art for four long decades, and believed that every test drawing of horses. “I must have done 7000 horses between 1950 to 60,” he says. “In 1962, I inspired him to outdo his previous attempts for he knows howsoever impossible a feat may went to Spain, where I was fascinated by the bull fights.” About 60 years of age, he can look be to achieve, it can be accomplished through hard work and determination. He also fees back at his nine to ten phases of paintings, all of them marked by supreme skill and a sense of that his journey is far from over for he still sees a long road ahead to his destiny. integrity. An indefatigable painter, Das jumped from one style to another easily. Talking about Sridhar Iyer his art style, he says, “To express my authentic feelings about reality, I have to interpret it, I have conceptualise it. The previous reality gets transformed in the laboratory of minds. Then, Born in 1961, Shridhar Iyer, one of the most inspired artist in the abstract genre, whose work I bring it out on the canvas.” Das came from a middle class family and his father was just a is beyond doubt global in manifestation, content and form. His very distinctive style explores small businessman. After completing school, he decided to become a painter and joined a pure contemplation on a spiritual level as his trait. His ability to grasp the philosophical at an local art school. “I am a good sports man,” he says. “I like things which have a lot of rhythm and abstract level is extraordinary and his works specify his astonishing legerdemain as he energy.” He doesn’t ever use photographs or models for his painting. “I do a sketch before I juxtaposes strong and fragile colours in complete harmony. He revels in the interplay of form start painting. I always struggle with colours and shapes, until they fall to desired pattern. Like and colour as his works have an urbane and sophisticated feel to them and their subtle a music conductor, I summon all my music instruments to play and orchestrate an aesthetic elegance sets them apart. He has been exhibiting since 1985, having held several solo unit out of various experiences.” He does not confine himself to using brush or pen while shows and has been participating in important groups globally. His works are part of some painting, and often paints with the palms of his hands or with his fingers. important collections across the world.

45 Suchismita Sahoo Junior Fellowship from Dept.of Culture, Ministry of HRD, Govt of India in 1992. He was Born on 23rd September 1979, Suchismita Sahoo dis her Bachelor In Fine Art From Utkal awarded by the Academy of Fine Arts, Amritsar in 2010. He has also been honoured with the University, Orissa. She also did her Master In History Of Art From Punjab University, Punjab. Indira Gandhi IFJA Award in 2013. He has held twenty two one man shows and participated Her solo shows include “Benediction Of Nature” Triveni Kala Sangam, By Gallery “Krishna’s in numerous group shows & artist camps in India and abroad. Apart from paintings Vilas has Collection”, New Delhi.(2006), “The Beauty & The Beast” Epicenter, Gurgaon Curate By Susma installed several murals and sculptures at public places and Corporate offices. His works K Behal (2009), “Face Of Things To Come?” India Habitat Centre, New Delhi(2010). She has also are in the collections of prestigious Art institutions, Museums, Art Galleries and private art been part of many group shows such as Orissa State Exhibition, Lalit Kala Academy, collectors. Vilas lives and works in Noida, U.P. Bhubaneswer, Orissa (2000), “Monsoon” Gallery Krishna’s Collection, New Delhi (2000), Group Vinod Sharma Show At Jehangir Art Gallery Bombay (2007), Group Show By Genesis Art Gallery, Kolkata (2009), “Art Beijing 2009” By Em Art Gallery, Beijing, China (2009), “The Asia Top Gallery Hotel Born in 1954 in Mumbai, Vinod Sharma received his Bachelors in Fine Arts degree from the Art Fair” At Seoul, Korea, By Exhibit 320, New Delhi (2010), “All India Women Artist Contemporary College of Art, Delhi, in 1976, following which he did his Masters in Fine Arts from M.S. Art Exhibition” By Art Scapes Art Gallery, At Chandigarh (2013), “Korea – India Contemporary University, Baroda. Sharma’s career has spanned more than sixty years. To the artist’s credit Art Exchange Exhibotion” By Gallery Hanbyeokwon, At Seoul, Korea among others. Impressed are over thirty solo exhibitions held across India as well as abroad. His most recent solo by her work, She was awarded the National Research Scholarship by “Lalit Kala Akademy”, exhibits include, Gadfly Art Gallery, Perth, Australia 2010; Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, New Delhi in 2013. 2008; Group Show at Hotel Marriot in Mumbai, 2009. He has participated in over 30 Art camps held across India as well as abroad. His fellowships include; 1978 Fellowship in T.vaikuntam Printmaking by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi and1999 Senior Art Fellowship in Painting by Vaikuntam’s art has a sense of strength to it, a power that emanates from the paint or charcoal Government of India. that he applies to the surface, from his controlled lines, and from the fine strokes that he Yashwant Shirwadkar executes. He generally uses only primary colours, as he believes that composite colours do not exist in nature and are therefore, unnatural. As he explains, “I like using rich primary colours, In 1977 he received a diploma in art, specializing in drawing and painting, in Maharashtra. which give a sense of character and depth to my paintings. Like reds and saffron and even Since then Shirwadkar has been prolifically exhibiting his impressionistic landscapes.Oil on orange, because these are essentially Indian colours. I don’t like using colours that are mix of canvas is this artist’s favourite medium, although he has painted several watercolour works two, because they are not natural, they don’t exist in surroundings around us, in our everyday as well. Sometimes a palette knife instead of the regular brushes serves as a tool in helping life”. Born in 1942 in Boorugupali, Andhra Pradesh, T. Vaikuntam completed a Diploma in him to create his realistic landscapes. Most frequent amongst Shirwadkar’s works are Painting at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad, in 1970, and then another in scenes from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Most Hindus consider Varanasi a Painting and Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University, holy cityas the River Ganges flows through it. In Shirwadkar’s paintings we see this city in Baroda, in 1972. He held his first solo exhibition at the Kala Bhavan in Hyderabad in 1973, and all of its glory. He paints people taking dips in the river or praying and meditating on its since then has had regular shows at various galleries in Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi, banks, the multitude of small temples almost falling of the cliff face and the narrow streets Kolkata and Mumbai. His most recent shows have been ‘Yes, I am He’ organized by India Fine teeming with life and activity.In his 2002canvas, ‘Symphony on the Steps,’ we see how the Art at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2007; ‘Telangana: Inheritance of a Dream Lost’ at Art artist has deftly used a palette knife (no brushwork at all) and oils to recreate the typical Alive, New Delhi, also in 2007; and ‘Mukham’ at Sanskriti Art Gallery, Kolkata, in 2006. Among scene one witnesses on a Banaras Ghat, or the steps that lead down to the river. Yeshwant his several honours are the National Award for Painting, which Vaikuntam received in 1993, Shirwadkar is extensively traveled and has held solo exhibitions of his work in and the Biennale Award from Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, which he received in 1988-89. The artist Mumbai,Chennai,Bangalore, Delhi,Varanasi, Cochin, France, Germany, London, Luxembourg, lives and works in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.. Belgium, Nepal, Switzerland and the United States of America. In 2000, he held his 50th one- man show at the Artpilgrim Gallery in New Delhi. At the same time he has participated in Tirthankar Biswas group shows too both in India and abroad. His works are also regularly included in My paintings come spontaneously from the store of imaginations which I gather continuously domesticand international auctions of Indian Art, breaking records at auction houses like through my childhood from the visible world as well as the non-visible feelings. The subject of Sotheby’s and Christie’s. my paintings varies from “Scam Smelling Dog” to “God Giving Blessings”, Female Nude to “Bad elements Terrorized the World”. But the common denominator in my paintings are moment, movement and force. It can be a sixer from an energetic cricketer, it can be an escaping deer from am approaching tiger, it can be an out-posted hut from a flash flood or it can be a swinging head of palm tree with monsoon wind. Some times these are very realistic and some times semi-realistic. The variation of medium is also just like my subject. I use from diluted ink to pencil, pastel, charcoal, acrylic and oil color depend upon the demand of the subject.

Vilas Kulkarni Vilas Kulkarni was born in Dharwar, Karnataka in 1967 and has spent most of his life in Delhi. Catalogue © Gallery Pioneer, 2016 His childhood was spent in learning painting & sculpture from his father Shri.Dattatreya Printing: Archana, New Delhi, www.archanapress.com Kulkarni. He received his formal art training by completing his B.F.A in Sculpture from the College of Art, Delhi University in 1988. He was awarded the B.C.Sanyal Award in1988 & the Cover: Sidharth, Untitled, Mix media on paper, 40 x 30 inches, 2016

46 Nostalgic moments from the Mukteshwar camp. F-322, 2nd Floor, Opp. Shiv Mandir, Lodo Sarai, New Delhi-110030 9818226414, 9818003839, 8499942662 [email protected] | www.gallerypioneer.in