I am not categorized as the imitator of someone. I like this sense of individuality: Ganpat Bhadke

Recent work by Ganpat Bhadke

I am mystified by Palshikar’s use of colors and themes of Gaitonde says Ganpat Bhadke. But he maintains his individuality and does not merely remain their imitator. He is an explorer of Universe and a meticulous probing mind in the secrets of Universe and its impact on the living beings on planet called Earth. Nature has always been the core of his theme right from the beginning of his painting process. He first mastered the art of landscaping and made a smooth transition from landscapes to portraiture of especially of pilgrims he encountered at Nashik’s religious sites, who move in mass and each of them carry varied expressions and gestures. Starting from Aurangabad, moving on to Nashik, the under-developed areas he moved on to metropolis like Mumbai and then Delhi. He had the liberty to meet masters such as Manjit Bawa, Shanku Chowdhary, Himmat, Shah, Bhushan da, Krishen Khanna, G.R. Santosh and Arpana Caur who had deep impression on him.

His internal vision sharpened as he stayed in urban areas and experienced the difficulties of survival. Peace of nature and hustle-bustle of urban life stirred his mind and he studied how surrounding and environment made deep impact on human life. So, moving from just external beauties of nature and bodily expressions of human, his conscience dived and swam the ocean sub consciousness wherein he colored objects with his own perspective to make it different. He blended expressionism with landscape and portrait art. He presented this work in exhibition named “Human relation’ which was recognized by Lalit Kala Academy.

Later on, Ganpat Bhadke brush with Adivasis, the men much closer to nature than the metropolitans. Their child-like innocence, simplicity and straightforwardness inspired him to paint with freedom and devoid of aggression and ego, projecting simply the happiness and bliss. It resulted into ‘Dissolution Series’, followed by the new emphasis on beauty, gaiety and freedom and his art reached its zenith in the series of works aptly called “Garland of Vision”. In this he used a flower as a symbol for the human form for its innate qualities of simplicity and beauty which remain even in its desiccated and fossilized state. He used diffused color schemes and viscous forms to create a dreamlike imagery with symbolic representation of flora and fauna.

His promotion on next level of understanding and deeper vision could be seen in “Evolving Phases” reflecting his art journey. Abstract art is not easily deciphered by mass. It is only the spread of colors on canvas or intermingled geometric figures.  But in fact it is the color of nature, interpreted reality. Mostly they are the metaphysical ideals that are shapeless and formless.

Visual artists, from the generation have dealt with mysticism or occultism at their core, which cannot be expressed in a particular form than in geometric compositions. Ganpat Bhadke applies this method to present the complexity of nature, show harmonic relation between man and nature, man with other living things and real and mystic. All done and created in classical manner.

Apart from painting, he has diverse interest which lead him to be a part of various medias, including films and animation, where he has directed various animation films for different production houses. He also worked with writer-director Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi in his book publishing projects. He has also tried his hands in publication units. It is a an awesome experience to watch the creations of this well-learned and all rounder artist.

by Pankaja JK
 Art critic & writer:- Art blogazine 2014

 

Ganpat Bhadke  who sums up existential philosophy in the visual triangulation of forms converses with Pankaja JK  revealing his passion of painting and the practical matters.

Ganpat Bhadke at Studio Mumbai

J.K.) When did you first start painting and how did your journey as artist began?

G.B.)Though I loved painting from childhood, my real journey as an artist started in 1985 painting objects during Foundation course in Aurangabad. Being in such an historical place, I tried my at hands at Ajanta and Ellora paintings for sometime. Later on as I came to Nashik for Diploma I developed skill in watercolor style. My journey began in either historic or naturally rich arenas. Here too I was fascinated by natural beauty and religious sites and I started painting that. But as I visited religious sites of ghats and on hills I became interested in nature and expressions of people or pilgrims which aroused me to capture their feature in portraiture and thus one more feature of painting- Portrait became the topic of my interest. Later as my academic path broadened and I came to Mumbai, held exhibitions, my art was recognized and I gained many prestigious awards for my landscapes and portraits.   

J.K.) How would you describe your style?

G.B.) As I mentioned earlier, I tried my hands at every style from simple objective to abstraction. All my styles have been appreciated till now. As I contemplate, it is because the colors in my paintings are transparent like oils. I am basically inspired by nature but many a times abstract paintings develop from the subjective point of view. They are mostly in geometric forms, because if you observe nature you will find that is not formless but has a particular form for each of its element. So do my abstractions have.  

J.K.)  What motivates you to paint?

G.B.) I feel this is an absurd question in my case, because I never deliberated on the topic and decided to make it a target. Anybody or anything inspires me. World is full of mysteries like the cycle and aura of nature, various emotions and feelings of people, bodily and facial gestures, human and animal approaches among themselves and other species around. All such things at any given time or place motivate me to pick the brush and capture them on my canvas. Its like, my canvas awaits and welcomes every minute element to be protagonist of my painting.  

P.K.) Is abstraction a western idea? Why is it a best way of expression in painting?

G.B.) Yes, it is a known fact in art world that Abstract painting is a western concept. But I think Indian beliefs and scriptures too have abstract concepts which were never capture as medium of expression in art. From earlier times we presented just that what is visible and in grasping power. Interpretative comprehension did not matter to us. But Indian philosophy is full of abstract idea. I will just give you one example. A stone is regarded highly as God and given there is some similarity of that stone’s form with the image of God. It secures place in temple and permanently in heart of people. So I think though it was brought in limelight by westerner, it is an Indian concept too. 

P.K.) How do people accept your paintings? Does their opinion have influence on your work?

G.B.) People have accepted me as a painter with difference. As I do not follow the foot steps of well-known artist and develop my own creations in most natural and child-like way my work is never compared to any other artist. I am not categorized as the imitator of someone. I like this sense of individuality. As far as criticism is concerned, I hardly have any negative responses. I do not spend time in brooding over them. And those positive ones of course, boost my spirit.  

J.K.) Art is for business or passion?

G.B.) First a passion and if sold –a business.

P.K.) Which artists inspire you? Can you tell us any specific feature of their paintings that holds your interest? 

G.B.)  Nature is the greatest artist. But in art circle I highly adore painter Palshikar and Gaitonde. Palshikar sir’s use of color is beyond comparison. And I also have high regards for G.S.Gaitonde for his subjects or themes. 

J.K.) What do you think would be the status of your painting 100 years from now?

G.B.) Let me put it as ‘status of Indian Art’ because I am one part of It. Being culturally rich and having great philosophy makes India stand out from the cluster of art. It has a promising future and very soon art world will speak Indian Art language

by Pankaja JK
  art critic & writer:- Art blogazine 2014