Meet Mohan Naik, a veteran artist showcasing his solo exhibition, “Rustic Rhapsody Returns”, a captivating portrayal of rustic Indian life, at Carpe Diem in Majorda. His works resonate with nostalgic charm, capturing the essence of village life that is slowly vanishing in an ever-developing world.
GOA CHANGING INTO A URBAN DESERT
Coming from a humble background, he spoke to Gomantak Times Digital about life, art and his mankule Goem (small Goa). Born and raised in Goa, Mohan embarked on an unconventional artistic journey after completing his double graduation.
He said, “I come from a farmering background. For us the land and livestock around us are everything. I paint images of these landscapes and the simple lifestyles of the village people. Many are from past memories of the place which is rapidly changing into an urban desert. Our animals are also an extended part of our family and after so many years of capturing this essence, the focus was on the simple beauty of our local traditional lifestyle and hence a rustic rhapsody.”
WARM ARE THE 'COLOURS OF GOA'
Mohan Naik's art is a timeless celebration of rural harmony. The choice of pastel and warm colours, meticulously balanced across the canvas, mirrors the natural colour palette of the Indian village. His paintings don't just depict livestock like goats and cows; they symbolise the intimate companionship that these animals provide to the people of these rustic spaces.
“For me, the warm colours seen in my works are the shades of the land – mud, sand, rocks, grass both green in the rain and yellow in the dry months. Our Goa is blessed with rich vegetation and plenty of animals and hence their colours used in my paintings are the ‘colours of Goa’. I have helped my parents in the fields in my younger years. I have also been a teacher at school and shared my passion for art with the children there,” says Mohan.
Our Goa is blessed with rich vegetation and plenty of animals and hence their colours used in my paintings are the ‘colours of Goa’. I come from a farmer's background. For us the land and livestock around us is everything.
Mohan Naik, artist
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
Mohan had the determination to follow his dreams, dedicating himself entirely to the world of art. In doing so, he not only realised his own success but also paved the way for countless other artists, proving that art is a path worth pursuing with passion.
“My desire to continue doing what I loved most drove me to study formally in the arts field and make a career of it through perseverance and the good will of my clients,” says Mohan.
“Goa has very rich talent in art. There is always a place for more art and artists. Today, online platforms are many and each artist has the ability to market him or herself," says Mohan.
He adds, "But traditional and classical methods such as art galleries must be supported as they go a long way in promoting art in general, in giving more visibility to artists, and in being presented in an aesthetic and professional manner.”
Mohan's art is a bridge that connects the past with the present, preserving the beauty of rustic life for generations to come.
