PANAJI
An exhibition of works by two maestros of art, the legendary Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma and the influential Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, will be held by the Rotary Club of Parvari Blaze in collaboration with the curator of ‘Art for All’, Sanjeev Singhal, to raise funds for empowering projects aimed at uplifting women and children. The exhibition titled ‘Creating Hope’ will be inaugurated by Rotary District Governor (RID-3170) Nasir Borsadwala along with the Rotary President Hari Krishan Kaul and Rotary Secretary Vinita Palekar at the CMM Arena Megastore in Merces on May 19.
The display will offer the audience an experience of the timeless creations by these two artists through exclusive art prints on canvas, meticulously produced using museum-quality printers. Raja Ravi Varma, known as the father of modern Indian art, and Vincent van Gogh, a pioneer of post-impressionism, both left indelible marks on the art world, each in their unique ways.
Varma’s realistic portrayal of Indian subjects infused with European techniques revolutionised Indian art, bridging traditional Indian aesthetics with Western realism; on the other hand, Van Gogh transformed art through his expressive use of colour and bold brushwork, capturing the essence of emotion and movement in his paintings. Both artists challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of artistic expression, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence artists across cultures and generations.
The exhibition is the brainchild of art curator, collector, and publisher of exclusive art prints, Sanjeev Singhal. Son of India’s well-known realistic artist, J P Singhal, Sanjeev spent his early days seeing and observing art. Born into a family of art, Sanjeev always connected with creativity. He ran an art gallery ‘Studio S’ in Koregaon Park, Pune, and spends most of his time pursuing his passion “ art. He believes that art exhibitions are an endeavour to ignite a passion for art which lies dormant in all of us.
Sanjeev says, “Each has been worked on by a professional artist under my watchful eye. The idea behind this exhibition, ‘Creating Hope’, is mainly to showcase two or more maestros of their time. Besides, showing a good body of works of the two artists who have had a profound impact on the art scene during their time, and are looked up to even now, will help the young students and patrons alike to experience the fine execution of the art.”
Raja Ravi Varma (1848“1906) was a self-taught painter from the princely state of Travancore (now Thiruvananthapuram). At the age of 14, he received patronage from the Maharaja of Travancore and began his artistic education. His training included exposure to both Indian and European techniques, thanks to mentors like Rama Swami Naidu and British portraitist Theodor Jenson.
Varma’s works seamlessly blended European academic art with a distinctly Indian sensibility. His depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses resonated with people across social strata, enhancing their involvement with fine arts. His lithographs made his paintings accessible to the public, significantly expanding his influence. His religious depictions and fusion of diverse traditions continue to inspire Indian artists, leaving an indelible mark on art history.
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a prolific artist who created approximately 2,100 artworks during his lifetime. Among these, around 860 were oil paintings, most of which were produced in the last two years of his life. Van Gogh was keenly aware of modernist trends in art and began painting in 1881. His younger brother, Theo, provided both financial and emotional support throughout his artistic journey. Van Gogh’s early works primarily consisted of moody still lifes and depictions of peasant labourers.
It was in Arles, southern France, that his art underwent a significant transformation. His paintings became brighter and more vibrant. In the fall of 1888, he eagerly anticipated Gauguin’s arrival in Arles, but their tumultuous friendship ended after a confrontation during which Van Gogh famously severed his left ear. Tragically, he died from self-inflicted injuries on July 27, 1890. Van Gogh’s unique style, characterised by swirling patterns and intense colours, continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
