Clear lines and original shapes. Therefore, his paintings are truly ‘portrayal of verified existences’.- Pankaja JK

I soar in the sky with wings of steel,
My blood rushes like in leaf’s veins,
My heart leaps up like a hand-cart
Bound forward till its fall,
Me a machine?
Or is it other way round?
Platonic are my relations
With all the material things that my life bonds. 

(Prashant Anasane at his studio Mumbai )

The above lines give us clear idea about the unique theme of Prashant Anasane’s paintings and installations. Generally an artist relates life to nature and feels that human being is a Universe in himself. But for Prashant it’s a different world. For him material things are important in human life. Through his creations, Prashant wants to show relationship between people and material world. Material world has played a fundamental role in shaping human thought, society and over all- Evolution. Our developed brain with its extraordinary executive functions evolves under the subtle guidance of tools in use. There is a close physical interaction between Things and people; almost everyday. They are useful and necessary to us, but these useful artifacts still remains ignored.

Things also gain abstract value and have symbolic system like language which has basic parts of speech.  Prashant has presented us the material world and shown that experiences can be expressed in visible artifacts beyond verbal zones. They have the conceptual, emotional and sensual expressions. They perform emotional role. Take the example of earthen things, a God’s idol or a pot of water, both stimulate the senses. His painting of Axe, evokes the feeling of cutting and division.

What makes his paintings unique is, he does not just try to relate natural elements with human beings but tries to highlight on the fact that human progress was and is possible only due evolution and development of Things. And these material things were designed according to needs of people and based on same working theory as that of living being’s body. There is a similarity of structural theory in animate and inanimate things. Things too civilized with times; they were further modified to make human life comfortable. Therefore, advanced things and objects led to progressive and developed human lifestyle. Prashant highlights this interdependence in his paintings. 

( Untitled’ installation at Jehangir Art Gallery Solo show 2013, Kala Ghoda Mumbai)

His ‘Untitled’ painting and installation of hand-cart highlights the need for discovery of things. The cart is in its original form. It symbolizes labor class. It was invented to provide some relief to people carrying heavy luggage. The cart has been serving its purpose in past and even in present times. He has not changed the original structure so as to bring forth the real purpose of the cart.   

The stone-age period things are not painted by him, but his paintings present an advanced stage and starts from the time when iron, copper had creped in to replace the things made directly from the handy, available natural resources. So only advanced stages of Things are portrayed in his creations.
He also shows the deeper connection of inner and outer existence of things. The synthesis of emotions in human beings and synthesis of parts in Things, led to outer expressions in human beings and texture and working of inanimate. He presents s this concept by using canvas and drawing figures on it. The images on it take shape according to internal weave of threads of canvas. Different things may have anatomical similarity; this is clearly projected in his painting of fish and leaf on same canvas. 

Prashant’s paintings make us contemplate the importance of Things in life. The biological evolution can be credited to material culture that plays casual but unavoidable part. Simple, original structures are presented without make-over by colors and without fiddling with original shapes, this makes us deliberate and they grab our attention. Taking into consideration the social point of view, all these creations are worth watching and admiring. 

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

(Prashant Anasane,Sudhakar D. Yadav with friends at Jehangir Art Gallery Solo show 2013, Kala Ghoda Mumbai)

Note: Right since stone-age man’s development and civilization has been associated with material things. Along with basic elements of life, Things or Tools have polished and made human life comfortable. 

Length, breadth, depth and mass of the things led to awareness of matter and energy and their interactions. Co-relation of human being and Things made us promote things as noun, pronoun and relatively as an action. Likewise, human being started communicating through material things. 

As soon as he became aware of micro scientific structure of Things, he modified and developed it further using technology and walked the path of evolution. 

History, geography, social science, environment, science and like wise knowledge and facts of every other field reflect in Things. Prashant has used these reflections in his paintings. Instead of meticulous ornamentation by using colors and attractive shapes, Prashant has presented the theme through clear lines and original shapes. Therefore, his paintings are truly ‘portrayal of verified existences’.

(Copy right  image by artist)

GenNext is in an all-new avatar! This time it will be held in the National Capital of the country, New Delhi at the new premises of the Aakrii Art Gallery.

GenNext is in an all-new avatar! 

This time it will be held in the National Capital of the country, New Delhi at the new premises of the Aakrii Art Gallery.

With the inception of the new millennium, the dynamism in the art world magnified in all its respective terms and the young contemporary art practitioners began to set new trends and discourses in the field of visual arts. But all these could not have happened if some noble and prospective patrons had not come forward and given this new shape and vision for the younger generation creative minds. And to mark this significance and majesty of the new generation artists, one could unanimously utter one single name “GenNext” – a brand by itself in the contemporary art world of India. The show which had begun as an anniversary exhibition of the Aakriti Art Gallery in Kolkata nearly a decade ago with a handful of young artists below 40 years of age practicing in Kolkata and its nearby localities eventually spread out as a nation-wide exhibition for the young generation artists picking out the best of the best from different corners of the country, from cities to the interior rural belts and then it finally took the global dimension where artists from all over the world just coveted to be a part of this show here in the City of Joy, Kolkata. And in this way GenNext has already completed its seven editions in the last decade. This year, GenNext is getting ready to step in its eighth edition with a much bigger innovative spirit, novel spree and set to go gaga over new motifs, minimal trends, experimental ideas a with a touch of classical nuances in different art forms.

Aakriti Art Gallery, both in Kolkata and now in New Delhi is exclusively set to promote art of every kind and gear up the cultural spirit of the country by connecting the local with the global and now in the country’s capital in this new venture of the eighth edition of Gen Next, Aakriti Art Gallery looks forward to an immense response and participation of the younger generation artists from all over the world. It believes to create an iconic emblem in the field of visual arts - a venture to select, showcase and promote young budding creative minds that otherwise go unnoticed amid the band of recognized artist.

Well, if you are also the one who is simply waiting for this one call from the GenNext Exhibition, what are you waiting for… write in your artworks on a dvd/cd along with your brief profile and send it to Aakriti Art Gallery at its official address in Kolkata. You are absolutely free to select the genre of your work and medium of your choice, you can be a painter, a sculptor, a graphic designer, a video artist, an installation artist, an avant-garde artist, an experimental artist and many more…

it doesn’t matter, if you

have the right kind of passion and something really intriguing in your creative discourse, you could be the one who can definitely make it into the GenNext VIII.

Last day of CD submission is 15th July 2014
So get set go!
Aakriti Art Gallery 12/3A, Hungerford Street, Kolkata 700017, Ph.: 91 33 22893027 / 22895041
E-mail : aakritiartgallery@yahoo.com
www.aakritiartgallery.com

Revolution -2014

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Revolution Art 

Group Art Show of Contemporary Art at Art Gate Gallery, Mumbai to be held from: May 22nd – 31st, 2014 Venue: Art Gate Gallery, Churchgate, Mumbai

Revolution of expression by artist from Maharashtra. - Pankaja JK

Maharashtra is a cultural hub and it has nurtured great artist from every art field; right from motion media to fine arts. Who can ever forget the greatness of Dadasaheb Phalke, V. S. Gaitonde, M.F.Hussain and the living legend Prabhakar Kolte?

( Revolution  Artist M F Husain 1983 Post Ticket )

A common thread that ties them together and makes them men of repute is the revolutionary ideas that they put forward through their art and which stirred the world. The changes happen in every age and all over the world. But speaking of Maharashtra, it has made history and continues to produce some of the finest artists of India and world. Chosen from the bunch of bloomed and blooming talented artists to exhibit their creation in the contemporary art group show called ‘Revolution’. 

Revolution is a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving. Revolution in Nature and Society is meticulously and finely captured by these artists. Nature has disparate spheres and so also human traits. Both show transformation and change according to changing circumstances. They have been successful in effortlessly merging the nature and human on a single canvas and in a sculpture. These artists have captured the changes in their creations and presented the revival of expression and culture. All the artists are highly educated in art and with their intelligence and in depth vision make theme interesting and express varied forms of nature through experiences and reflections.  All of them are obliged by the society and wish to return back in terms of art that is pure and can be preserved in long run. 

We can easily observe their versatility mastery in the field in their expert works in oil color, acrylic, fiberglass and watercolor paintings.  These creations are not just imaginary romantic thoughts but, the lessons learn while adjusting the life style according to changing nature of society that is fast becoming urbanized. 

Artist Audumber Rudrawar is a man of few words; his creations also reflect the same trait. He feels that encounters with rigid life can be best expressed in art form by understanding it up to the core and reaching its basic form and he resolves to project it skillfully in his creations. This very resolution has created his special place in Mumbai’s Art world. He says everything in his paintings is from the world around him. The forms occupy the all-important ‘space’ in his paintings. He is very sensitive to every nuance of its shape, orientation and their placement. Working in watercolor on paper this feature becomes all the more important. Hues are not just for decorative purpose colors but take the form in his work.  Working in watercolor on paper this feature becomes all the more important - the medium doesn’t allow you a second, so his works can be like the works of a Zen master who creates after a meditation and contemplation. He titles his paintings sometimes - Advait, Unit, Cobalt Space...are also minimalist like the paintings.

 
Tuka Jadhav's life is live example of encounters with life challenges both physically and mentally. His rise from humble origins. Lost in colorless world due to catastrophic loss of vision an eclipse at the zenith of his career blindness made transformed his inner vision and led to his revolution in paintings which are exemplary and grandiose. The mood is created by the abstract ‘Buddha’ installation using a bicycle wheel, seat and screw. ‘Cosmic Harmony’ evokes the timeless and eternal influence of the Sun and the Moon to make nature blossom on earth. Like the Yin and Yang of existence the artist's handprint above the red-black sun expresses the common link of matter and spirit. A series of six river paintings pay homage to the water element as the source and sustenance of the stream of life. Pravaah or the flow is symbol of the eternal ebb and flow of thoughts, moods and feelings finds expression in myriad forms and colour schemes. ‘Bhoomi Sparsha’ in ethereal blue and white is a flight of fancy celebrating the meeting of the heavenly and earthly realms. ‘Godhra Mother’ and ‘26/11 War’ are stark reminders of the terrors of our troubled times, the kite-shaped works ‘Heart & Soul’ and ‘For Neal Armstrong’" are soaring tributes to friend Shivaji Kale and Neel Armstrong the first men on the moon. ‘Global Peace’ brings out the show's somber theme.
   
All the artists here are determined to face the challenges if life and create an admirable art through it. Their confidence to accept life as it comes and joy of creating fantastic creations can be seen in their exhibits in this show.

Painting by Ganpat Bhadke

Ganpat Bhadke’s paintings encompass whole universe in human being. The human being is a miniature universe. All that is found in the cosmos can be found within ourselves. All primal shapes are psychological symbols corresponding to inner states of human consciousness. A Trikona (Sanskrit for triangle)is a widely used geometric symbol that corresponds to a deep metaphysical vibration from the cosmos. Different positions of the Trikona are believed to impart different types of properties and attributes to the symbol. An upward pointed Trikona is a metaphor to describe ascension towards the spiritual realm. The individual being and universal being are one. All that exists in the universe also exists within us. A committed concentration upon the form of the Trikona provides a window into the absolute.  During the process, consciousness expands from concrete reality to abstract truth.
The union of individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness is identical to Ultimate Reality and is the origin of all phenomena.

(Painting by Deepak Nagji Mer)

Deepak Nagji Mer an art intellectual is influenced by the holy cities of India he visited. His works are Eccentric, irregular, peculiar, evocative and definitely interesting are some attributes that can be used to express the eclectic collection. With his mastery over illustration and a thorough understanding of the intriguing and the interesting, Mer manages to combine the surreal with the very real emotions that need some ‘reading between the lines’. His canvas is a departure from the predictable, has a story waiting to be told and gives the art-lover an opportunity to explore other ‘points of view’ as well. The unsaid finds expression on his canvas, a voyage into the deep and endless emotional and curious intricacies within the human heart

Speaking about his paintings artist Abhang Balasaheb, an abstract impressionist, tells that his paintings are indeed reflections of nature. The energy and spirit of nature is transformed and takes the form on canvas. In his paintings the abstraction of nature’s energy symbolizes the mystical nature which is in unpredictable and changes at its own will and pace. No one can restrict it. It is colorful, vibrant, and restless. The geometrical figures seem to be its elements which are steady and unchangeable and yet have immense effect on conduct of nature.

sculpture by DINKAR THOPTE

Nature is composed of different elements and each element reacts and affects the cycle of nature; so also human behavior. Exhibition ‘Revolution’ shows a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behavior of human being as they try to adjust with their circumstances and surroundings. It is aimed at revival of art and to bring it out from fossiled state of expression. Here are the masters and budding talents showcasing creations something like nothing done or created before.  Along with the paintings viewer’s and art lovers can trace the revolutionary reflects in sculptures and installations. 

Watch, contemplate and admire the revolution of expressions! 

- by Pankaja JK
 (freelance art critic & writer:- Art blogazine) 

The exhibition will display Contemporary paintings and sculptures by Mumbai based Artist like 
ARVIND KAMBLE * AUDUMBAR RUDRAWAR* BAPU SAHEB  ZANJE* BALA SAHEB ABHANG* CHANDRKANT TAJBIJE* DEEPAK N  MER* DILIP BADE* DINKAR THOPTE* DYANESHWAR JAGDALE* GANPAT BHADKE* HARIRAM PHAD*JOGDAND NANDKUMAR* MANORKAR* NANDKUMAR BOSKE* OM RAJPUT* SATISH KALE* SHIVAJI KALE* SHRIKANT KADAM* SURYAKANT TIWARI* TUKA JADHAV* VIJAYAKIRAN MURTI* VIJAYLAXMI D. MER* VITTHAL MORE *  

Revolution Art 

Group Art Show of Contemporary Art at Art Gate Gallery, Mumbai to be held from: May 22nd – 31st, 2014 Venue: Art Gate Gallery, Churchgate, Mumbai

(Note : This PRESS RELEASE for all Indian news paper and Media, leading PR Agency  and online social media, please share )

Revolution Art- Contemporary Paintings & Sculptures Group show 2014

Revolution Art- Contemporary Paintings and Sculptures Group show at Art Gate Gallery, Mumbai
Date: May 22nd – 31st, 2014 Venue: Art Gate Gallery, Churchgate, Mumbai

Byline: The Art Gate Gallery hosts an exhibition of Contemporary Paintings and Sculptures Group show by Mumbai based Artist 

ARVIND KAMBLE * AUDUMBAR RUDRAWAR* BAPU SAHEB  ZANJE* BALA SAHEB ABHANG* CHANDRKANT TAJBIJE* DEEPAK N  MER* DILIP BADE* DINKAR THOPTE* DYANESHWAR JAGDALE* GANPAT BHADKE* HARIRAM PHAD*JOGDAND NANDKUMAR* MANORKAR* NANDKUMAR BOSKE* OM RAJPUT* SATISH KALE* SHIVAJI KALE* SHRIKANT KADAM* SURYAKANT TIWARI* TUKA JADHAV* VIJAYAKIRAN MURTI* VIJAYLAXMI D. MER* VITTHAL MORE *  

Painting by Abhang Balasaheb

About the exhibition: In this Group show exhibition Revolution Art is showcasing a body of more then 100 works by 17th  Artist and Sculpture from Mumbai, Maharashtra   
Note from Tuka Jadhav Artist+Curator
Einstein once said that the most incredible thing about the universe is that it is credible at all. There is chaos as well as order in it and after failing to find the Holy Grail of Science in his “Grand Unified Theory" Einstein took comfort in the peace and joy he found in the pursuit of art and music. It is a sad irony of our times that a sight impaired artist should embark on a guest to become the new visionary of the cosmic harmony that eluded Einstein himself. The art of painting can reflect reality like a mirror or distort it like a prism and it is but a magic alchemy of forms expressed in colour and texture in the manner of a shaman and sorcerer as Degas confessed. To give it an attribute of divine revelation is to rob the glory of creation from the creator himself.

(Tuka Jadhav in studio getting ready for Revolution art show)

Tuka Jadhav's story is as tragic as it is thought provoking. His rise from humble origins to win the Bendre-Husain Award is an inspiration to others. His catastrophic loss of vision an eclipse at the zenith of his career. His attempts at a renaissance are exemplary and grandiose. We are all moved by the divine beauty of creation reflected in nature. A writer and poet try to express it in words, a musician by melody and a painter with colour. "Synergism” is the coming together ef such creative energies to bring about peace and harmony. The mood is created by the abstract "Buddha" installation using a bicycle wheel, seat and screw. The centre-piece of the show is a gigantic 110 x 200" work called "Cosmic Harmony". It evokes the timeless and eternal influence of the Sun and the Moon to make nature blossom on earth. Like the Yin and Yang of existence the artist's handprint above the red-black sun expresses the commingling of matter and spirit....

Painting by AUDUMBAR RUDRAWAR

About the artist: more artist works details  please contact and Enquiries : Art Gate Gallery : Deepali Davne
022 4213 8855 Time 11apm to 7pm only 

The artist lives and works in Mumbai.
Art Gate Gallery  can be contacted at:022 4213 8855
or emailed at artgate.sc@gmail.com

Exhibition details: April 22nd – 31st (11.00 am to 7.00 pm) Sunday Open :Art Gate Gallery 1st Floor (above Satyam Collection) Chheda Sadan 115, J Tata Road Churchgate Mumbai, India

Art show on Date:22th April 2014 6pm opening

(Note : This PRESS RELEASE for all Indian news paper and Media, leading PR Agency  and online social media, please share )

- ARTIST+CURATOR  by Tuka Jadhav

Before I show my work, I would like to speak a few words about myself

I am Raj More, a Visual artist from Maharashtra (India) .Born and brought up in a small town in Akola ( Maharashtra), now I live and work in Mumbai. After my schooling in Akola I migrated to Mumbai to complete my further education in Art from Sir. J. J. School of Art from Mumbai, University Mumbai. For the last 15 years, after my graduation from “Sir J. J School of Arts’’ in 1999, I have dedicated my life for art and Painting in the field of visual Art while living in the Mumbai. I chose Mumbai...

Short Interview : by Pankaja JK 

JK: Which points do you consider important to develop your concept?

R.M.: For me, painting is like a film. I give a 3-dimensional effect to every image. Composition is also very important and powerful in framing the work; it forms the base of good painting. I learn this in photography study. It makes my painting accurate. There is a movement – if you see the bull, the crow, local train, rickshaw or truck in  my paintings they appear to be moving.  
  

JK: What boosts your confidence?

R.M: That, I should like my own painting as a viewer. Involvement in it and development of the concept and completing it as I contemplated is very important for me. If it is done, I feel self confident and I work with more zest and zeal. Also people’s appreciation boosts my confidence. 

J.K.: How is your work process?

R.M.: Intensity to put my ideas makes me go. It is a continuous process. I used acrylic colors which dry instantly, so I have to be quick, perfect in applying strokes and dapples. Acrylic perfectly matches my psyche. When I work, it is a one man army and it is essential for me to complete the painting in one sitting.

(Raj More as Mumbai local Brand artist)

J.K.: Have you ever had Vada pav (Indian burger); utterly Mumbai’s snack for public and snack cum food for poor?

R.M: Vada pav and Misal! No soul in Mumbai or just a visitor would miss these tasty, cheap and fulfilling snacks. Vada pav is one of the identities of Mumbai city; the city where no one remains hungry. And the specialty is that it tastes good only when eaten at roadside stalls. Now-a-days posh malls are coming up and they have food joints where Vada is sold in attractive packing at higher rate but it does not match the taste of roadside preparation. This snack adds to the beauty of Mumbai.

JK: Which personalities have inspired you?

R M: Frankly, I have no inspiration from painter community. I do not follow any of them. I have learnt from my own experiences and work. I never felt the need getting inspiration from others. Yes I am impressed by Van Gogh, Picasso, but they are not inspirations for me. IN India Hussain was a role model for me and let me clear it that I admire Hussain for his initiative to popularize Art among the people and also to make Indian Art known on the international platform. He had his energy and truthfulness in his actions.

I am inspired by film makers. I like seriousness and concentration that goes into film making. My favourites include Kurosawa, Guru Dutt, Mani Ratnam and even the upcoming Directors who genuinely make film. I try to give the effect of movement. My paintings are films. I like cinema with message be it any genre, but I don’t like humorous films without any useful content.

JK: What are your future plans?
  I intend to do installations and films.

JK: That Great! Wish you all the best for all your future plans and this show. 

R.M: Thank you. 

Raj’s energy level is like Mumbai city’s energy level; non-stop always high. As he was leaving I could see that he was thinking of a mission that was on his schedule list and he was so restless that he did not wait for lift and rushed down the stairs….Raj and Mumbai always on their toes….

  -As told to Pankaja JK, Freelancer art writer

Revolution Art - PRESS RELEASE Exhibition: Contemporary Paintings of Tuka Jadhav with his friends coming soon at Art Gate Gallery Mumbai

COMING SOON...

Einstein once said that the most incredible thing about the universe is that it is credible at all. There is chaos as well as order in it and after failing to find the Holy Grail of Science in his “Grand Unified Theory" Einstein took comfort in the peace and joy he found in the pursuit of art and music. It is a sad irony of our times that a sight impaired artist should embark on a guest to become the new visionary of the cosmic harmony that eluded Einstein himself. The art of painting can reflect reality like a mirror or distort it like a prism and it is but a magic alchemy of forms expressed in colour and texture in the manner of a shaman and sorcerer as Degas confessed. To give it an attribute of divine revelation is to rob the glory of creation from the creator himself. 

Tuka Jadhav's story is as tragic as it is thought provoking. His rise from humble origins to win the Bendre-Husain Award is an inspiration to others. His catastrophic loss of vision an eclipse at the zenith of his career. His attempts at a renaissance are exemplary and grandiose. We are all moved by the divine beauty of creation reflected in nature. A writer and poet try to express it in words, a musician by melody and a painter with colour. "Synergism” is the coming together ef such creative energies to bring about peace and harmony. The mood is created by the abstract "Buddha" installation using a bicycle wheel, seat and screw. The centre-piece of the show is a gigantic 110 x 200" work called "Cosmic Harmony". It evokes the timeless and eternal influence of the Sun and the Moon to make nature blossom on earth. Like the Yin and Yang of existence the artist's handprint above the red-black sun expresses the commingling of matter and spirit.

A series of six river paintings pay homage to the water element as the source and sustenance of the stream of life. This aspect of “Pravaah" the eternal ebb and flew ef thoughts, moods and feelings finds expression in myriad forms and colour schemes in Tuka's work. Like words and rhyme to a poet and melody and rhythm to a musician they are an integral part of his an of "Synergism". The two evocative works in swirling red, white end green celled "Flowing Ganges" end "Triveni Sangam" capture this essence end spirit. They were made on the spot et Assi Ghat end Rudra Prayag end inspired by their sacred piety. “Empty River” end "Niranjani" have green traces of haunting memories of a lost Iushness of his rustic youth. The massive 11O x 110" work "Tarang" is full of a buoyant and rippling spirit end recalls Tuka's eloquent verse in "Brush Blossoms". The "Song of the Waghori” gives e musical expression in colour to being free as a bird of paradise.

"Bhoomi Sparsha" in ethereal blue and white is e flight of fancy celebrating the meeting of the heavenly and earthly realms, "Prayer" shows e worshipful figure in William de Kooning's style, "Sonography" and "Bicycle" explore the formal aspects further, "Godhra Mother" and "26/11 War" are stark reminders of the terrors of our troubled times, the kite-shaped works "Heart & Soul" and "For Neal Armstrong" are soaring tributes to friend Shiveji Kale and Neel Armstrong the first men on the moon. The serene “Ahimsa" and "Life Fundamentals" with the embedded "Aum" of creation.

 

Complete the set with the vertical panel "Global Peace" which brings us beck to the show's sombre theme. Tuka's vision is grandiose. Whet it may Iack in exactitude he tries to make up with the exuberance end extravagance of his irrepressible spirit. Like e spark in the dark it rekindles e forlorn hope for a way to find some "Cosmic Harmony" in the darkness and despair of our times as we celebrate Diwali  Eid end Christmas as the festivals of light.

Like a Spark in the Dark
lonely firefly left his mark
In the darkness of the night
Like him I sought the Light!

The artist lives and works in Mumbai. 

He can be contacted at: call +022 4213 8855 or emailed at artgate.sc@gmail.com

Exhibition details: May 22 – 2nd june (11.00 am to 7.00 pm) 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Art Gate Gallery 1st Floor (above Satyam Collection) Chheda Sadan 115, J Tata Road Churchgate Mumbai, India

 

( Report courtesy C. S. Nag. (Author & Filmmaker) 

(A still  and image- for illustrative purpose only / no copyright)

 

Are Designers and Artists conditioned to be Inspired or Imitate?

(Good Artists Copy; Great Artists Steal - Pablo Picasso)

With the world becoming global village it is very natural that concepts and ideas get copied, plagiarized. But the basic question is, “What is it that appeals to senses and why are designers and artists inspired to copy or follow the original creation?” Consider the cases of Ray-Ban sun glasses, ambassador car or two-wheeler bullet. These brands are original and stand out among others in their category. Many designers have tried to follow the same designing pattern of Ray-Ban. But only original brand is in demand and fetch highest price.  Though there are en number of cars in market, Ambassador is still considered safe and enjoys VIP status. Simplicity and comfy style have made these things most sorted.

(Design is more then Brands )

Not only in commercial designing but even in art we have forms that are closely associated with artist. Using ‘bindu’ is associated with Raza, that it has become identity, Hussain’s play with ‘horse’ and controversial paintings, Picasso’s geometrical figures, Mark Rothko’s style of ‘multi-form’ though simple rectangles placed on top of one another, floating horizontally against a ground and et al. Artists all over the world get inspiration from them and try to paint ‘like them’ but ultimately land up painting ‘them’ i.e. imitating them. Why does this happen?  

All creations evoke and express emotions. Emotions are the same everywhere. Still, the way emotions are presented do vary according to style of a painter. What makes style unique? Why is it difficult to be inspired by these artist and develop own style but totally different from original? The only answer is - Simplicity of expression makes these creations unique. Simplest concepts and things are hard to be divided in fragments. It is complete and whole in itself.

(Bindu)

New artist and designers should understand the basic nature of design or painting. But copying seems to be trendy. There are many reasons for it. Companies will do it out of ignorance or to be one of the best. New artists may try it to confirm their presence and acceptance. Commercial gains are higher if the set patterns are followed. But one should note that ‘inspiration’ is different from ‘imitation’. So to establish yourself, try to be as simple as possible in expression even while expressing intricate. Let it be close to common understanding and inferences. Take for example, ‘The Eden Garden’ of Bible. It’s a Universal and everybody knows Adam and Eve. Since ages visual is the same. Has anybody tried to change the style keeping the theme intact? It will be almost difficult. It needs a passionate probe into what makes this visual famous. 

(‘The Eden Garden’)

Apart from inspirational-imitation I have observed that there is exchange of artistic creation among various media. Even if the concept is presented as it is by another artist still the visuals have same weightage and fame. Speaking about this artistic exchange I would like to bring to notice the painting- book-multimedia and vice a versa or intermingling of all. They very famous in Indian art is the use of visually stunning image of a woman carrying lamp in darkness and the effect of light on the illuminated part of the face. The clearly visible trance and tranquility is unforgettable. This remarkable creation is of The Glow of Hope Painting by S. L. Haldankar.in painting form.

( The Glow of Hope Painting by S. L. Haldankar. and Still image from Kaagaz ke Phool)

The same visual is used by film maker Guru Dutt in his classic black and white movie ‘Kaagaz ke Phool’ to bring out the emotions of a lonely women restless in love yet calm and serene. Both the painting and the motion media has same unforgettable image and yet devoid of ‘copy’ or ‘imitation’ tag. Also take the example of V. Shantaram’s Rajkamal studio logo in motion; it is clearly a modified concept of Raja Ravi Verma’s paintings having women beauty as his brand theme. And the best one is the RK studio logo. Raj Kapoor has a same visual presented in motion and static form. The logo actually is scene from the first successful movie under RK banner ‘Barsaat’ featuring Nargis, Raj and a violin.Next in the line is writing art into motion media- the books made into films; related to various genres of comedy, family drama, thriller, mystery etc, There are many Hollywood and  Bollywood examples and the list is never ending. So, take the case of R. K. Narayan’s book ‘Guide’ and evergreen movie made by evergreen Dev Anand. Gulzar’s ‘Angoor’, based on Shakespeare’s drama ‘Comedy of Errors’ Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Three Idiots’ all these have become super hit stories in book form and in motion media.

(The logo actually is scene from the first successful movie under RK banner ‘Barsaat’)

As mentioned earlier the appealing concepts are simple and closely related to us. So this simplicity have to be tended and modified to look as an individual passionate creation. Inspiration can be sought outside the field of our interest. Observation is necessary to jot the artistic implications. Here again I would mention Raza’s use of ‘Bindu’; its is a common accessory used by Indian women to increase the beauty of face or it would be more romantic and beautiful if I put it in Indian language- ‘Shringarik Alankar’. A simple, inexpensive ‘bindi’ has gained fame and commercial benefits simply because it was used in artistic creation and symbolic representation.

Development of original style to give a new look that appeal the senses of people are very difficult and one who does it becomes genius.   

   -  by Pankaja JK
(freelance art critic & writer)

(A still  and image- for illustrative purpose only / no copyright)