“Myriad Colors” Renaissance Art Studio, April 16 to 28

 

About The Artists:
Satyajeet Varekar  has been painting on Nandi and Shepherds-a depiction of our culture and tradition. These are his childhood impressions. Each painting on the Nandi series has a story to tell. The artist is a lecturer in an art college in Sangli and has many solo & group shows to his credit along with numerous awards.

Ram Kharatmal is a national award winner artist, popular for his QUILTS. In this show he has painted a variety of chairs, each with a story behind it. He is a very versatile artist and is the Lalitkala Academy Award winner.

Varsha Kharatmal’s very distinct style, which is evolved over years, makes her paintings stand out. Her Women and Peshwai series take you to a different era. Deaf and dumb since birth, this has never been a hindrance in her quest for creativity. Inspired by Ajanta and Miniature art of ancient India, Varsha has developed her own style. She has won several awards.

Review:

Varsha Kharatmal’s women in the “Mood” series (acrylic on canvas) are brilliant. They are alluring & sensuous. The expressions of each face, the provocative poses are too inviting to resist. The promise of pleasure engulfs your mind and you long for them to reach out of the painting, take your hand and propel you into their world. Fantastic!

The strokes are confident & the colours are bold. The colour combinations are rare & vibrant. The detailing of the sarees & walls are exquisite. The portraits of couples are beautiful & Buddhas are serene, but the Peshwai women just leave you longing for more. The artist is truly gifted and has poured her expression into her work. Her unique style, though inspired by ancient art, is very modern.

Satyajeet Varekar’s Nandi series (acrylic on canvas) is executed with great skill. Nandi is the star of each piece. Rainbow coloured horns and adornments bring life into each work. His style of representation is very traditional  and almost restrained. The colours used are earthy. The technical skill can be seen but each piece is very still, like a snapshot. I would have liked to see some movement or strong emotions portrayed.

Ram Kharatmal’s Chairs series, acrylic & mixed medium on canvas, appears to be inspired by the great European artists. The artist has executed the chairs to perfection & the quilt work is amazingly real. The background colours are dull -especially done to highlight the chairs. For me this combination works well in the smaller pieces (12”X12”). My personal preference is bold bright colours all around. His water colours are much brighter & done with skilled delicacy. I enjoyed these much more than the acrylics.

Investment Quotient:

Varsha’s 24”X24” is priced at Rs.25,000 & 24”X36” at Rs.40,000. Satyajeet’s acrylics are priced at Rs. 36,000 for 23”X38” size & Rs.48,000 36”X48”. Ram’s acrylic Chairs are priced at Rs.36,000 for 23”X38”, Rs.12,000 for 12”X12”, Rs.45,000 for 30”X40”. Water colours are priced at Rs.20,000 for 23”X23” size.

As always the price quoted by the gallery is very reasonable. I do recommend any of Varsha’s Mood series for investment, especially if you are just starting your art investment journey. She is a volcano of talent & I’m sure the best is yet to come.

“Art Jam” at The Flour Works, April 14 & 15

About some of the artists:

Sanjay Yamgar (b.1975) is from a small village called Atpadi, in Maharashtra. He has trained at E’cole Supérieure des Beaux Arts in Marseille, France and Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya in Pune. Furthering his vociferous quest as an artist, he even studied, with Professors Jean-Louis Delbès and George Autard. He has exhibited in solo shows and in groups in India and abroad. His works include Painting, Sculpture, Installations, Photography and Digital Media.

Santanu Borah – Originally from the Northeast, Santanu was recently selected by the Karin Weber Gallery in Hong Kong, which now represents him. Working in mixed media, his Art is a poetic, often humorous expression of a world, that exists in what he terms as, the fourth dimension – visions, poetry, hallucinations and hypothesis.

Cy Wadia  (b.1966) began painting when he was 7. He studied Art at the Columbus College of Art and Design, in Ohio, USA, where he spent 6 years. He uses his works as an expression of his view and believes that they aren’t always pretty, but need to be expressed even still. Inspired by what could be over what is, subject matter and technique are of great importance in his works.

Review:

The show was arranged by the Barking Dog Studio at a local café, The Flour Works. The “art festival” was conceptualized to aide NGOs working for stray animals like Blue Cross, ResQ & Animal Friends. A percentage of all proceeds from the exhibition will go to the animal charities affiliated with Art Jam.

The show featured paintings in mixed media – watercolours, acrylics, oils, tar, as well as a series of sculptures. The artists showing in addition to those mentioned above were Nikki (sculptures) & Ketki Pimpalkhare. The work of the highlighted artists was very impressive.

Sanjay Yamgar’s work is bold & brilliant. Each painting reveals a myriad of the artist’s views. He has skillfully combined seemingly unrelated thoughts into a single powerful piece. The lines are beautiful & brush work amazing. I loved this concept & it was excruciatingly difficult to move away from his work. There is so much to absorb yet there is no confusion. Every idea is crystal clear.

Santanu Borah’s work appears to me, to be influenced by Aztec & Native American art. The serpentine lines & omnipresent eyes are hypnotic. The colours are bright & vibrant but not so loud to lose the message. The expression is consistent. The artist’s hand is not trained but there is a palpable talent. I am eager to see some more of his work.

My favourite in this show was Cy Wadia. There is boundless talent matched by skill. Each painting is almost photographic. The clean confident lines, the immaculate blending of colours coupled with the simplicity of the thoughts conveyed “had me at Hello”. “Intertwined Destiny” , a piece in which the tree is the protagonist is on a spiritual level I haven’t seen for a while. Stupendous work.

Unfortunately, prices were not available when I visited so I cannot give details on the investment quotient. But, if the prices are fair with respect to the usual parameters, I would recommend considering a long term investment in piece by these three talented artists.

Thanks to Barking Dog Studio for arranging the show!

“Different Strokes” – Tilting Art Gallery, 23rd March to 1st April

About the artist:

Pradeep Bhatnagar is a Gynecologist in the Armed Forces. He is a surgeon by profession. He says “the beauty of life and need for women’s empowerment  & the need to save the girl child, drive me to express my feelings by way of painting. It involves lot of original creation and innovation in playing with the colors.”

Review:

The show is an eclectic mix of themes, social messages & medium of work – acrylic, oil, paper collage, water colours & metal embossing. The artist has no formal training but his raw talent & passion are evident.

It is always inspiring to see a person who has followed his hobby with passion, especially in today’s world. The collection refelcts his genuine feelings – straight from the heart. The expression of these feelings in his work is not inhibited in any way.  Each piece has an aura of strength & power which is juxtaposed with the artist’s affection for his craft.

The series of acrylics on canvas are textured expertly & with great care. The colours blended magnificently. Though bordering on abstract the artist’s thoughts & messages are clearly conveyed to the viewer.

The artist has dexterously crafted the frames for the metal work by hand & honestly, I found the frames infinitely more intriguing than the work they encased.

His confidence using the various mediums echos in the skill with which he uses them. Some of the final products are so stunning – it has hard to believe he is self taught. Of the myriad pieces on display there were a few that I really enjoyed. Seekh Bidai, Rashi & Red Pitcher. The bold colours contrast & blend simultaneously, but the emotions that come through are gentle & loving. 

These may not be investment pieces just yet, but I have no doubt that if you do buy one you will enjoy it for a long time. I would love to see more work from this artist soon.

A great debutant show! Thank you Sir. I am grateful for the experience.

THE RENAISSANCE-ART STUDIO – “HANUMAN- symbol of Power & Strength” March 16th to 28th

About some of the artists:

Sanjay Bhalerao  (b.1975) is a young experimental painter from Pune. He completed his Government Diploma in Art from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya in Pune in 1996, and Diploma in Art Education from the same institute in 1997.A highly sensitive and emotional artist among his contemporaries, he has a wide canvas of dreams, which motivate him to create an alternate world through painting. In his pursuit of creating meaning and language, the artist uses vibrant colors. In his works, Bhalerao deals with existential issues of past, present and future. He follows his own rhythm and relates deeply to situations, mirroring his insights to his viewers.

The artist has had regular solo & group shows since his first solo show in 1998 at the Shyam Ahuja Art Gallery in Pune. He has shown at Gallery G Art, Bangalore; Malaka Spice, Pune; Derby Art Gallery, Dubai; and Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2008. He has also participated in ‘Kala Mela’ at the Lalit Kala Akademi, Kolkata, in 1997; and ‘Monsoon Show’ at the Y.B. Chavan Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 1996. He has been awarded first prize by the Bombay Art Society twice, once in 1999 and next in 2003. He written a thesis on Lord Hanuman.

Appanna N Pujari (b.1977) obtained his AMGD and then PG Diploma in Painting from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat Bangalore in 2004. He has received numerous awards including 20th century Icon competitive award in 2004 & 35th Annual exhibition award in 2006 organized by Lalitkala Academy,Bangalore.

He has participated in group shows and camps held throughout Karnataka and other states and now has his own terracotta studio and also teaches during his spare time on a freelance basis.

His collections have already been displayed in Gadag, Dharwad, Bijapur, Hampi University, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, Lalitkala Academy, England, Germany & Swizerland.

 Suhas Sutar is a junior artist from a small village near Solapur. He has held a few exhibitions of his work & has given live demonstrations. He holds a lot of promise and is on our “rising star” radar.

Review:

The show is an homage to Lord Hanuman. The work on display is from a medley of 12 artists from across the country. The artists showcasing sculptures are Suhas Sutar, Mukund Ketkar & Gauri Gandhi. Tanjore paintings by Vimala and sketches, drawings and paintings by Ramesh Gorajala, Appanna Pujari, Arpitha Reddy, Praveen Khare, Suresh Choudhary, Sachida Nagdev, Amol Pawar & Sanjay Bhalerao.

The media are varied – ink, charcoal, acrylic, oil & the differences in forms of expression are enlightening.  Some are very typical in their representation of the Lord and others are unqiue & inspired. Of all the artists on display, the above mentioned artists’ efforts really appealed to me.

Annappa Pujari’s work is intriguing. The use of just a few colours renders a tranquility to each work. I found the piece in which Lord Hanuman is surrounded by small fish particularly enchanting. It exudes peace but the an underlying current spiritual wisdom and strength.

In stark contrast to his work are Sanjay Bhalerao’s pieces. His work accosts your senses. His use of charcoal & dry pastels is sublime. His representations radiate Lord Hanuman’s courage, power & sensitivity. Full red lips, the fineness of the curly hair, the bold facial lines, the haunting eyes. All against a brilliant white background. Lord Hanuman – Rockstar, instantly comes to mind while taking in the 36”X 36” work. He holds a tanpura gently in his hands juxtaposed with his muscular body is phenomal. It encompasses his devoutness & his bravery. His kindness & his rage. Amazing work.

But the Star of the show is Suhas Sutar. His brass sculptures truly capture all that we know & admire about the great Lord. The inanimate figures project such an intense sense of movement that I found myself waiting for the sculptures to come alive & take off. Each work possesses an energy that inspires you to face your challenges. The Lord is the wind beneath your wings! The artist has taken care of the minutest details & each one is expertly crafted belying the artist’s young age. All were not titled, but “Udaan” & the piece with the tail in flames are my favourites.

The show is inspired! A must see for genuine art lovers and followers of Lord Hanuman. Once again Kudos to the curator!!

Investment Quotient:

Appanna Pujari’s Acrylics on Canvas 15”X30” is Rs.25,000. His specialty appears to be painting mythological figures. The current price is reasonable but I think the artist needs to explore his capabilities further and this will help his market value increase.

Sanjay Bhalerao’s Charcoal with Dry Pastels on canvas 16”X 16” is Rs.20,000 (can be bought individually but the collection of the four expressions together is amazing). The 36”X36” is Rs.50,000. This artist has diverse skills and can definitely be considered for immediate investment , especially at this price.

Suhas Sutar’s brass sculptures are all approximately sized around 11”X3.5”X 5.5”, each is priced at Rs.25,000. This is one artist who has tremendous potential. They are all beautiful pieces and are excellent long term investment opportunities. Please check back here later for information on maintenance of these pieces.

B. Mandke, Art Hut

About the artist:

Mr. B. Mandke (b.1949) is an extremely senior artist from India. Both Lalit Kala Academy and National Gallery of Modern Art have permanent exhibits of the senior artist apart from some topnotch corporate houses.

Review:

STUNNING!! The power of these works literally blows your mind while taking your breath away. Each piece accosts all your senses. The colours are vibrant, the strokes bold & the message crystal clear. These are abstract works, oil on canvas. All in different shapes & sizes. The effect is almost hypnotic. Inspite of being abstract art, it is not so abstract that the artist’s voice is lost in translation. His confidence, brilliance and skill eminate from each piece. He is gloriously uninhibited in expressing his thoughts. These days, it is rare to find an artist who paints from the heart & not for the audience. He is truly a master in my book, who is capable of giving the better known abstract artists some serious competition.

The smaller pieces are just as bold as the bigger ones & can be mounted on your wall as a brilliant series. My favourite in this series is “the film studio” (above) The lens looks right into your soul. The large (36”x36”) piece titled “when life meets mr. rainbow” can change the energy in any room.

All in all, this is the real thing! Authentic investment art. Kudos to the curator. Please visit this show, it is simply AMAZING!

Investment Quotient:

The artist’s prices have recently been raised, but the gallery is offering a decent discount as part of their annual discount sale.  The 12”x 12” was going for approx. INR6,000 just a few years ago. Now it is INR20,000. The 36”x 36” was about INR40,000 and is now at INR120,000.

No doubt. This is the kind of work that will appreciate well. I recommend any of the pieces for investment, depending on how much you can invest now. It would be one of the wisest  long term investments one could make, especially given the current uncertainty in financial markets .

“Hamaosth – God is everything & everything is God” Anup Chitrak, Tilting Art Gallery (21 Jan to 1 Feb 2012)

About the artist:

Anup Chitrak (b.1944). Ranked first in his class at Sir J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai & studied fine arts in the Nutan Kala Mandir under Prof Dandavate Math. He has worked in advertising and has had a number of shows in India. He is known for his paintings of myths & legends. This series has been inspired by the great Sufi poets Rumi & Bulleh Shah.

About Sufi Art:

A Sufi is someone who sets themselves on the path of self purification leading to enlightenment & union with God, through various meditative and spiritual disciplines and is therefore often popularly known as mysticism.  In mystical painting, the artist cultivates a meditative state clear from thought, imagination and fantasy. From this clear state the images and archetypes are projected from the artist’s spiritual Reality. The mind needs to be at rest so that it will not subject the pure images to conscious (common) associations of “logical” color and form relationships. The result should reflect the realization that the source of all multiplicity of form, experience, thought and feeling in which we partake is found in oneness, in pure essence. When not done in this clear state the result is something which either appeals to the curiosity and wonder of people or which startles or intrigues the mind of the viewer.

Review:

The concept is fascinating. In the gallery, I am literally surrounded by whirling dervishes. Their white robes flowing as they dance. Some in the moonlight, the figures bright against the dark yet vibrant backgrounds. They are illuminated as they meditate with their inner glow, which reflects the moons rays back. A cosmic conection. One dances before a candle, one around a tree. God is everything. They are painted to blend in with their environment, not standing out, this is to show the oneness of all existence. They are meant to be in motion but each frame captures a pose giving a very 2D effect.

The artist has used mixed medium on canvas and all the work is framed & of a large size. Only the sketches are small. He has texturized the work beautifully and his technical skill is evident. The flowing robes done so delicately & the blissful expressions, even though their eyes are closed. Very well executed.  I particularly like the few pieces where the faces are not characterized, this gives the viewer the space to explore.

The artist has explained the meaning of each work in beautiful Hindi calligraphy, which runs along the border. Personally, I would have preferred he didn’t. Sufism is about the mystical. The interpretation should be left to the viewer.

The sketches are fantastic, they appealed to me much more. But there are just a few on display.

What I would have really liked to see, is some more variety in the representation of the artist’s interpretations. Sufism is not only about whirling dervishes, it is so much deeper. Therefore it leaves me with a feeling of incompleteness. To me, the approach appears more commercial than spiritual.

Prices:

The sketches are priced around INR35,000 while the paintings are in lacs. The painting shown above is approx INR3.5lacs.

“Shades of Life” Suresh Choudhary & Bhawana Choudhary Chandra, The Renaissance – Creativity Redefined, Jan.10-20,2012

About the artists:

Suresh Choudhary: b.1943. Has graduated from Sir J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai. He has held many shows since the early 70’s & is a recognized veteran artist.  He has been awarded many fellowships by the Govt. of India. He is known for his paintings of Horses.

Bhawana Choudhary Chandra: b.1972. Has graduated in Fine Arts from Bhopal. She has had some shows in India & is looking forward to showing abroad. This is her first show with her father.

Review 1:

Suresh Choudhary’s paintings immediately stun your senses. They are haunting & mysterious. Each piece in the series is so dramatic, it takes your breath away. The works are all done in oil on canvas. The artist has skillfully given a 3D effect, making the paintings come alive. Each work is done in shades of a single colour. They are dark colours yet the overall effect is magnificently bright; powerfully depicting landscapes, castles & fortresses. All are engulfed in a mystical fog which captures your curiosity. You instantly feel a strong desire to become a part of the scene, to enter & unravel the magical world before you. The small details of each scene are done so subtly but they are integral to the idea being expressed.

The artist’s talent & experience reverberates. It encompasses you as you enter & you can feel the energy emanating in the room.

A huge thank you to the curator, a fabulous show. Pune needs this kind of quality art to move up in the echelons of the Indian art scene.

Investment quotient:

Choudhary’s work is a bargain at the prices quoted by the gallery. All are in the range of INR25-40,000. I would strongly advise an investment in a piece of his work from this show.

Review 2:

Bhawana’s work is a stark contrast to her father’s in terms of size & style. More contemporary & abstract. There is a softness to all the pieces, inspite of their large size. The artist’s has ingeniously used colour to express her ideas. There is a refreshing variety in not only the various colours of each piece but also the techniques of expression. Subtle & bold. They speak to you lovingly, inviting your senses to be slowly caressed by their message.  There is no shock & awe effect, but hints of the father’s influence are visible. The painting of the Gulmohar (above) was outstanding for me, out of all the pieces. The others paled in comparison.

I felt the artist is exploring herself and her abilities. The artist shows promise and with a good guide or mentor can be someone to watch out for in the future.

Investment quotient:

Bhawana’s work is priced much higher, INR56-99,000. Other than the Gulmohar, I did not find something I would like on my walls. I would wait to see more work from her, to see where she can go before investing that amount.

“Tribal Trance” Ullhas Raikar, Bliss Art Gallery, Dec 24 – Jan 8, 2012

The striking thing about this exhibition is that all the pieces are exactly the same size, with the same frames, same title and the same price. Each work is black & white with a few splashes of colour executed in mixed media.

The artist’s background in illustration shines through each work. The attention to the minutest details in each work, whether the designs on the clothing, the pieces of jewellery adorning the women, the utensils or the foliage is exquisite. There are numerous pieces on display and each is well executed. Most of the paintings are of tribal women covered in more jewellery than cloth. What struck me was that, in this collection, the women were not made to look stunningly gorgeous as one might expect. They are painted in a slightly disfigured manner; arms are disproportionately long, necks are curved. Their eyes are vacant of expression. If they are meant to be in trance then it shows. The depiction of the women conveyed to me the artist’s obsession to show his females as titillating, evil temptresses – alluringly dressed & posed, with locks flowing. The few well proportioned men depicted are all standing with their backs to the women, conveying strong willpower not to give in to their seductions.

The series is inspired by ancient esoteric rituals & supernatural practices of the 21^st century. To me, though there is nothing 21^st century about the paintings. The characters attire & the backgrounds look ancient.

There is a marked lack of variety in not only in the size, price etc but also in the artist’s expression. It verges on being monotonous. I felt the artist is staying in his comfort zone, is it a lack of confidence in trying something new or in uninhibited expression? I would have loved to see what the artist can do on a larger canvas.

Another concern from an investment point of view: The artist has been showing since 1973. Why are the pieces priced at only Rs.8,000? If at this stage in his career this is his asking price & his work shows inhibition to move out of his comfort zone, what are the chances of a decent return on investment? I think art collectors are looking for unique pieces which are bold & confident. Art which expresses something about themselves & therefore they can connect to & want to buy. I do not see many potential investors for this series.

The show is worth a viewing. But remember to take your driver as there is no parking in the vicinity of the gallery.

Shola Carletti – Titling Art Gallery Dec15-31,2011

The artist’s fascination with gold is evident as you enter the gallery. It is the predominant colour in each work.

The pieces are all abstract art representing the artist’s philosophical interpretations. The continuing theme of gold is interspersed with other vibrant colours using mixed media. This renders the pieces attractive & bold. I could almost feel the artist shouting to be noticed on the local art scene. Almost all the pieces are a large size. I can easily see them mounted on the walls of a hotel lobby or reception area of an office. In other words, they lack the warmth and emotion I would be looking for, when I chose a piece to put up in my personal space. The piece called “Totem” in black & gold was interesting but did not speak to me. The “Cosmos” left me cold & confused.

Personally, I felt the works lacked the finesse & imagination, in the representation of ideas, that one craves from quality art.

The single sculpture of the two pondering women was well executed, perhaps it needs a little more inspiration in representation to make it more appealing.

I would wait to see more from the artist before investing.

Arvind R Mahajan – Art Hut Dec 1-21, 2011

Walking into the gallery, the first thing I felt was tranquility. The paintings exude the artist’s inner peace. The simplicity of the charcoal lines on a pristine white background is stark & stunning. The brief splashes of colour so perfectly combine that they go almost unnoticed but add volumes to the total effect of the paintings. The lines are bold & confident yet express softness. There is no inhibition in the artist’s expression. Each piece in this series emits a vibration that envelopes you in a sea of peaceful surrender. As if each one is urging you to free yourself of all your worldly burdens and experience your inner peace.

The trio of paintings of the amorous couple stood out for me. Such simple poses but the eroticism between them almost palpable. I could feel them teasing me as I stood, alone, watching their courtship.

The depictions of the deities are truly divine, sans the colour & ornaments to which we are accustomed. They make you wonder why we spend our lives in materialistic pursuits.

Durga mesmerizes you with her serene beauty while the mischievous glint in Ganesha’s eye seeks out the child in you.

The artist excels at this medium. Only the coloured charcoals seemed out of place in the room.

The prices quoted by the gallery are very fair & it would be a wise decision to visit Art Hut. An even wiser decision would be to own at least one if not more, of these powerful works.

About the artist:

Arvind R. Mahajan has graduated from Bharati Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune in 2001. He has world wide collectors. He has many awards to his credit:

2005 – Art Society of India Award, Mumbai

2004 – Chitari Academy of Fine Art Award, Pune

2002 – Merit Certificate – S.C.Z.C.C., Nagpur

2001 – V V Oak Prize

2000 – Maharashtra State Art Exhibition Award

His shows:

Solo Show           2008 – Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

Group Show       2010 : Art2Day Gallery, Pune

2010 : Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

2007 : Birla Academy, Calcatta

2006 : All India Art Exhibition organized by Kala Digra, Patna

2006 : Birla Academy, Calcatta

2005 : The Nag Art Fest, Pune by Nag Foundation

2002 : Monsoon Show Sponsored by Jahangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

2001 : Artist Colony at Hotel Sun & Sand, Pune

1997 : Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi