Umakant Tawde has an eternal
passion to depict peace, harmony and unity in nature and material world. He
subjugates the concept in various forms
and symbols. His distinction as a solicitous painter can be admired in the
depth of his thoughts, in upcoming series of 12 paintings titled Manifesto
Peace.
The paintings are represented in
very colloquial manner, using native style of canvas representation, the
current trend of computer effects, graphic work and installation. If Gandhiji
is much acclaimed figure in the world, inspiring most powerful people, then why
is the need to portray him? Of course! It necessary to do so. Shown in the painting From Mohandas to
Mahatma’, is his transition from a tip-top dressed youth for a white- collared profession to a fighter(
outside war zone) for human rights, freedom and unity. It magnetizes us to his
personality and fervor. The painting also depicts his motive to change the
external appearance and that was to empathize with the people he struggled,
for viz. the poor Indian society;
harassed and denied of justice due to caste, class and ambitious differences. Patience and understanding were the keys of
his philosophy. His resistance was unique in its form: Non- violence- the act
which was far remote from framed mind- set that a fight means arms- for- arms.
His thoughts echoed and received attention by people all over India and also in
other nations that were being slaved by vindictives; as in South Africa.
The artist himself confesses of
knowing very little about Gandhiji in his childhood and of paying homage to him
after hoisting the national flag on Republic Day and Independence Day. He then
wondered why Gandhiji was considered Father of the Nation and what was his
greatness compared to other freedom fighters who shed their blood and
sacrificed their lives for freedom? But
as he matured, profound thoughts took
over his innocence, he gained insight into the brighter side of freedom
struggle staged by Gandhiji through Peace and Unity. The gist was ‘Silence is
powerful than words or action’. His creations represent the same.
The color, feel of texture
charges the feeling of patriotism in ‘The
Charkha of Unity’. Prodigy of Gandhi lies not only confining himself to minimal
needs to stay alive and carry out the mission, but also in having innumerable
followers following his footsteps of living simple life, wearing khadi and
being vegetarians. They effectively carried forward non- cooperation with
British rulers as guided by Bapu. It
also indicates the rich and varied cultures, religions and languages of India
in the form of Charkha which worked in unison to weave the simple yet durable
fabric of Independence. The colors in this painting signify his love for all
religions such as color green for Muslims, red the Hindus. The black background
is the subtle indication of patriots who came from every walk of life and
religion without personal identities, but addressing themselves as ‘Indians’ to
fight for the common cause.
‘Crossword of life and death’, in
this the artist has shown the benevolent Gandhiji in relation to the recent
threats of terrorism faced by nations all over the world. The cube of plotting,
planning and slaying is brutal and unthinkable. Bapu’s opposition to the
British rule was serene, to combat the cruelty. So, instead of armed fight in
today’s condition, isn’t it better to retaliate in his manner to avoid further
animosity? To find the way we do need microscopic view of the situation as
shown in ‘Microscopique view’ where Gandhiji is shown keenly having microscopic
view of the trouble in the political, social and religious spheres at that
time, the watch represents the troubled time . The orange ladder represents the
success of his thoughts and efforts to find solution. So, for us it’s time to
have ‘bird’s eye view’ or rather say ‘Gandhi’s eye view’ to face the malice.
This series speaks volumes on
Peace and Unity not only through images but also through the medium of
presentation .i.e. colors, graphic representations, installation and simply
picking on the already existing things like postal stamp in relation to the
topic, enlarged and pasted on the ply. Speaking of the use of colors
Pink and Khadi in ‘Bapu’ and ‘Keep the spirit alive’ depict his journey from
youth to old age, spent in charting out non- violent moves of opposition.Charity begins at home, so does
the fight for noble cause as seen in ‘World is my Family’, where Gandhiji is
supported by Kasturba to fight evils in the society. The couple is truly an
ideal couple.The painting ‘My Life Is a
Message’ is his last ritual fire which instigates the feeling of patriotism,
love and peace in us.The London Art museum showcases a
goat named Gandhi depicting it as useful to mankind in every way during life
time and also after being slaughtered it does not loose its value.
Gandhiji’s postal stamps on ply
speak of his popularity all over the world. No wonder, Barak Obama, the President
of one of the most powerful countries of the world America, idolizes and
considers Gandhiji as his greatest inspiration in making political moves in
peaceful way to curb the vindictive aims of the destroyers of the world today.Installation on ‘Unity’ has the
powerful message of staying united every moment, to face the threat that
universe is facing in the civilized disguise. If it is let loose, the price
will be lives of thousands of innocents. It voices the message that, not only
the birds of same feathers should folk together, but it’s time for all the
birds with different feathers to folk together.
Umakant’s topic and its
presentation is a wordless library with thoughts as books and rumination of it
is to strengthen the knowledge.
Still there is so much to ponder
over this great personality. “Generations to come, it may be, will scarce
believe that such a one as this (Mahatma Gandhi) ever in flesh and blood walked
upon this earth.”- Albert Einstein.
Article by – Pankaja JK 2010
