Tuesday 6 October 2015

Compendium of Thoughts- Paintings by Vijay Achrekar


Nothing is larger than Life. Abstract art presents its definition and vastness metaphorically. “Let my art speak for me.”, was a subdued answer given by the artist to me, when I asked him to speak about his art. Truly, his visual expression is excellent and captivating. His thoughtfulness is clearly seen in his paintings. A gold medalist from LS. Raheja College was determined to be an artist from his early childhood. 

Starting with realistic expressions, he has now progressed onto express in abstract form. His entire career journey shows us that he is inspired to paint what he sees around, whether beauty or harsh realities. Paintings are his personal reactions and anticipations of situations.
He paints each and any subject that strikes his thoughts and urges him to express his thoughts on it, in visual form. The common vibe of all paintings are, the clarity and beauty. 

Expression are uncomplicated and can be easily interpreted without hassle. His experimentation with varied topics have been impressive because of the various techniques that he adopts. In this series we find that he has used mason’s tool, the trowel, not only for smoothening the texture of canvas, but its form is also seen in the painting that can be interpreted as the symbol of a reason or influence that would help levelling, spreading peace in upheaval order of today’s state of nation. 

 Artist Vijay Achrekar (copyright image by artist)

He is aware that people are distracted and disturbed by wrong influences and are getting detached from social interactions due to self-centred motives. This must be immediately controlled. No! But wiped away completely for having good will and peace around. To represent this thought, he paints triangles. Triangle is basically, a geometrically represented metaphor of developmental, cultural and social psychology.  It also shows relation between individuals and individual and society. In one of his paintings two triangles are joined at one angle, so it is quite possible that artist is hopeful to find a way to bring harmony in the society. Thus, anticipating the peaceful future.

 
(Recent work by Vijay Achrekar)
Along with the effective concept, artist also concentrates on basic necessity of abstract creation i.e. use of colours. He deliberately uses vibrant colours. Different colours are combined for perfect intensity and it becomes more effective with his improvised technique of smoothening the surface of canvas before painting, to give a free flow and suave effect.   

Right from his student days, his art has always made an impression on the viewer; provoking some or the other kind of reaction. Brushing off the positive or negative reaction, he is gratified by their interest in his creations. He carries on painting his thoughts with serenity without bothering about consequences. Since he does not follow any ‘ism’ or great artist, his art is free from any influence. Whatever strikes his mind and appeals him to express, is put on the canvas. He always experiments using new techniques to enhance his work. His overall journey as an artist shows his profound interest in realistic subjects and not imaginative or world of fantasy.  

By Pankaja JK.
ArtBlogazine.com

Monday 21 September 2015

Devotion and Art for Social Welfare: By Pankaja Jk

Ganapati Bappa Morya!

Air is filled with this devotional call. It’s five days since Ganesh festival has started. There is peaceful aura and happiness all around, least the intrusion of loud, unbearable and non- devotional music and songs.

Every pandal and household having Ganesha, brings forth sense of spirituality. There is a kind of magical spell in the idols of this Lord of knowledge. The eyes seem to speak to devotees, understand their feelings and develop hope to have happiness and peace.

My content is not exactly about the beauty of Ganesha’s idol, but its social and environmental value. Much is spoken about environment- friendly Ganesha’s idol. Many people have realized the importance of buying idol made of soluble sand (Shadu- Devnagari script), instead of plaster-of-Paris.

What about social cause? There is an example set by simple, common yet social-sensitive lady.  The noble and eye-catching act that is making rounds on social-networking sites is the Ganesha’s idol made of Chocolate by the same lady to whom I am dedicating this article.

Unknown lady with great idea of making Lord Ganesha

The lady, maybe an artist herself, from Pune (unfortunately her name is not known) is said to create Ganesha’s of chocolate and she immerses this idol on the last day, as per ritual and custom, not in water but in milk! Yes, the chocolate idol is immersed in milk and after it is dissolved, she serves the same chocolate milk to poor children. What a noble act! It is an out-way-thought of spreading happiness.

Though we all know that by feeding the poor children with such milk, once in a year will not bring great change in their health. But here, worth considering is her consideration and social responsibility. Along with celebration she also gets involved in great act. Her Devotion, Celebration and Art is so admirable that it should be considered by people


 Lord Ganesha Visarjan 

Art is said to represent society, but if it is used to help and bring smile on faces then it is more valuable than its basic function. This lady has proved it by shaping chocolate into Ganesha’s idol and then feeding the same chocolate in milk to poor. . I am sure God and poor children must be showering loads of blessings on her.

I also know that at many places and every year idols are made of fruits, vegetable and eatable items. But that are huge idols, publicly displayed, generally to hoard publicity and display of art. Practically, art can be admired in galleries. Let it be. The point is these idols are not the personal ones, set at home, like this one. This lady has proved that devotion and art can be used for immediate good cause. I am and we all should be proud of such people. 

By Pankaja Jk

Thursday 3 September 2015

Reena Kallat. Woven Chronicles, her solo project currently on display at Offsite, Vancouver Art Gallery has intrigued visitors from all over the world.

Woven Chronicles and Other Stories, An Encounter with Reena Kallat. Woven Chronicles, her solo project currently on display at Offsite, Vancouver Art Gallery has intrigued visitors from all over the world. Reena uses material very imaginatively imbuing it with conceptual nuances, incorporating drawing, photography, video and sculpture. She will discuss her work, and the thoughts and ideas that inspire it.


 The programme is part of the CSMVS and the JNAF'S efforts to engage more actively with practitioners of modern and contemporary art and provide a space for audiences to connect with them.


Do join us on the 16th of September at 5.30 pm at the Visitors' Centre. Tea will be served at 5pm.