By Naguesh Rao Sardessai

 ‘Hues & Views’ is an exhibition of photographs and paintings put together by young graduates from the Goa College of Art, Altinho. Currently on at the Art Gallery of the Kala Academy, Goa, it has an interesting display of significantly admirable quality works.

John Pereira and Vedha Nayak have put up paintings and photographs respectively. With about two dozen photographs and an equal number of paintings, the display reflected a balanced presentation. Both of these artists have displayed their works at the State Art Exhibitions and other significant shows.

John has gained experience in working with diverse media and materials during his days in Mumbai, where he went after his graduation in 2003. Having hands on experience in working with ceramics, stained glass, etc, he has done many commissioned works for commercial and religious institutions in the State after his return to Goa.

John works with acrylics on canvas and prefers to portray the old world charm of Goa. Relationship, feelings and emotions are depicted in his individual style. Illustrative to a certain point, they do display a painterly quality.

The line of division between illustration and fine art is very thin, yet it does count. John seems to make an attempt to juggle between the two sections. His understanding of the technique and presentation is quite good. A little bit of more fine-tuning will take his works a long way. His compositions and concepts show promise. ‘Grace’ and ‘Ganesha’ are two of his works that stand out of the lot.

Vedha who works for the IT Company as a graphic designer intends to establish herself as a photographer to recon with. Vedha’s photographs have the crispy quality and modern look. Very precise, neat and sharp that one fails to notice that she is a fresh graduate and has very little years of professional experience in the field.

Capturing Goa and Goans in her inimitable style, Vedha does not crowd the pictures. Isolated or solitary canoe, a child, chapel and other subjects within the frame reflect the photographer’s preference and struggle for holding to her individual and independent space. A space that many creative persons crave and jealous strive for.

Vedha has exhibited her paintings as well. And viewing the works against her commercial arts background, Vedha has been fairly successful with that.

John and Vedha show a lot of promise. The current show will be on view till March 31.