BY NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI
The Art Camp, currently on at the International Centre - Goa, Dona Paula, has six artists from different cities of India painting in their inimitable style and theme.
Many artists get influenced by the surroundings and the socio-cultural atmosphere, whereas, for others it doesn’t make any difference. They extend their original concept and paint accordingly, remaining oblivious to their temporary influence.
The former, consciously or otherwise, attempt to assimilate and incorporate a few elements from the immediate surroundings. Anubhav Som (Somnath Dikpati) from Delhi and our very own Goan artist Harshada Kerkar show the way. Harshada, formally a complete realistic painter has off late started experimenting with abstract forms and style. Here, at the ICG, she has successfully captured the essence of the sea, sand and the surf, Goa is so famous for. Sea shells and patterns of gushing waves and the combination of shades and tints of blue with yellow ochre replete with subtle texture accentuate the beauty held in her canvas.
Anubhav has painted a young, elegant woman in a curious mood that he plans to juxtapose with the structure at Dona Paula. Having learnt of the legendary story that goes with the statue on the rocks, he decided to focus on the face of the female and play on and illustrate the moods and emotional state of a lady in love.
Dinkar Jadhav has painted the famous ‘Wada’ (huge well crafted house) of Pune. His colourful canvas and his inimitable style does capture the interest of the viewers. Dinkar’s realistic yet very sketchy looking works commands attention. Ajay Deshpande’s works are human centric. Local and folk figures rightfully occupy their place on Ajay’s canvas. Usually filled with few figures, each form is given special treatment and importance. Sketchy paintings, yet they seem complete and exciting to look at.
Swapnil Srivastava and Viraj Naik on the other hand have continued with their own concepts. They have given an extension to their studio works. Swapnil has painted Lord Buddha with His calm and composed poise, enveloped by a lyrical running creeper that adds poetic truth. Neatly crafted eyes and hand raised in a ‘mudra’ completes the picture.
Viraj, preoccupied with the socio-political issues, does works that not necessarily are pretty. He doesn’t attempt to please or tease any viewers’ senses nor does he aspire for such reactions. His paintings are to be seen and contemplated over. They are to be enjoyed for the lines and compositions.
Jagmohan Bangani is the only artist who had to drop out due to unavoidable personal reason.
The Art Camp, organized in association with the Indian Ateliers, Goa, will conclude today.
