At a time when heavyweight names, racketeers and self-promoters with clout muscle out the art scene, new artists end up getting trampled upon and ground into the asphalt. There has to be an oasis for the new that offers them a space where they can be understood, appreciated and promoted. With few other galleries stepping forward, Gyaan Adab has been constantly keeping its doors open to new work.
In an effort to promote gifted young artists who have demonstrated a high degree of creative talent and a commendable commitment to their art, Gyaan Adab, in association with art educationalist and therapist Susan Bullough Khare, gathered the work of Ishita Dharap, Patanjali Bhati Thakkar, Sam Bullough and Sameer Dixit.
It was a delight to exhibit their excitingly different works, enriching the experience with a series of workshops for young people and adults and opportunities for schools and visitors to meet and talk with the artists about their work… culminating in a ‘Finale’ that included a display of an enormous group art canvas, a reading of poems in response to the exhibition as well as dance responses to the show.
And it didn’t end with just that exhibition but looked ahead to a possible ‘tour’ of the city with small shows in various quarters – taking valuable new work to people who hadn’t had the opportunity to experience the creations of those and other young artists.
The show featured the work of innovative artist Ishita Dharap. She has a Diploma in Art and Design from Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru and has been drawing, painting and freelancing in graphic design and illustration. She has had two group shows of her work in India and the US, and one solo exhibition in Pune, in 2014-15 (at Gyaan Adab).
Patanjali Bhati Thakkar’s work was also a part of the show. Deeply reflective, her art is a result of a culmination of mindful strokes rendered in the present moment. An interest in Buddhist beliefs and theosophy has come to play a significant role in her art. A Bachelor in Fine Arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and a Postgraduate in Art Direction from FTII, Pune.
The responsive canvases of Sameer Dixit were featured in this group initiative. His art mirrors moments of life that touch him. Using acrylic and the occasional charcoal on canvas, he began painting professionally in 2011. Born and brought up in Pune, he has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Painting from Bharatiya Vidyapeeth College and has gone on to win several awards and recognitions.
The fourth artist was Sam Bullough who has trained in a variety of arts related subjects in Ireland, including photography, visual art, architecture, graphic design and basic ceramics, in Ireland. His artwork involves extensive research combined with personal introspection, which then finds form through a variety of mediums and materials.
What brought their work together? Not just artistic skill but a shared feeling of creative adventure, dedication, personal vision, aesthetic integrity and a lot more.
The mini tour will now move to Darpan Art Gallery at the beginning of November. Meanwhile, Gyaan Adab’s doors remain wide open to new artists. Please get in touch if you are looking for that oasis, that nudge, that support, that safe place where people understand your work and your beautiful spirit that creates it.
Write in immediately with samples of your work to director.gyaanadab@gmail.com and start your journey.
Randhir Khare is an awardwinning writer, teacher, artist and storyteller who has mentored a whole generation of creative talent. He is Director of Gyaan Adab, Pune’s Premier Cultural Centre. Randhir Khare writes every Wednesday for Pune365.
- Randhir Khare: I am my own Competitor, says Sudipta Mukherjee - November 9, 2016
- Randhir Khare: Art is now a commodity - November 2, 2016
- Randhir Khare:A Curious Adventure - October 19, 2016
