JAY JOSHI
Belief, focus, and dedication are the three things that propel you towards success, but then we should also know where to stop, and rein in our desire for success, says sculptor Navso Parwar, who recently won the Kala Academy prize for State Art Exhibition in sculpture category. Parwar’s work is now set to be featured in the Goa state art exhibition to be held at Kala Academy on 31 October. What makes it even more remarkable is that the success comes from completely self-taught expertise.
“I learnt mainly by watching the work of other artists on TV and by reading newspapers and magazines” informs Parwar, who hails from Saleli village in Sattari. “I was interested in art from the time when I was in primary school, and I used to paint and also work with clay on a small scale.” Parwar had a keen interest in art, but could not make the cut for admission into Goa College of Fine Arts, but that did not dampen his enthusiasm. “I used to watch TV, read newspapers and magazines, and observe other artists work.” he informs.
“Once, I saw an artist’s interview on Doordarshan. At one point, she said that she would like to be content in life like that of the Buddha. That line stayed with me. That artist was Harshada Kerkar, and did get a chance to learn under her guidance.” says Parwar. “Dr Subodh Kerkar too has deeply influenced and supported me. I am deeply inspired by his art installation titled ‘the nine planets’.” Later, Parwar also interacted with other notable Goan artists such as Sridhar Kamat Bambolkar, Kirtikumar Prabhu, and others.
Parwar won the prize for his laterite sculpture depicting the face of an old woman. Commenting on this work he states that there are certain reasons why he chose to sculpt an old woman over other alternatives. “There are a number of old people in my village who have to go to the bank to collect their pension. Many a times, they are not treated well by the bank employees. Today we talk about beti bachao, beti padhao, and celebrate girl child, but would we also honour old women in a similar manner?- that is the question that prompted me to make this sculpture.” informs the talented sculptor. The said sculpture was discovered by artist Harshada Kerkar when she was on a trek in the jungles of Sattari and visited Parwar’s residence where the piece was kept. Parwar credits her with recognising his talent and showing him the way forward.
“I specifically chose laterite stone, because I think it holds tremendous beauty.” says the artist who says he does not limit himself to any particular medium while working. “In Rajasthan they have beautiful palaces and mansions built out of their local red sandstone. They have developed the art of stone-carving, but here, we use the laterite stone mainly for houses.” he says. “ This is not to say that nothing has been done, but we need to do more.” asserts Parwar, who expresses interest in ‘pashana’ statues such as ‘Vetala,’ Gajalakshmi’ that are found in Goan temples.
One of his biggest dreams was to hold an exhibition of his works, after that came about with his first exhibition in 2012, he says that now he is content with what he has achieved. “Even when we chase success, we must know where to stop chasing it. Whatever accolades I win now are a bonus.” says the artist.
