Art is a reflection. What we see and feel, we try to recreate in the hope of doing some justice to it, if not all. The Art Gallery of Sanskruti Bhavan at Patto in Panjim is hosting yet another art exhibition, this one is by Goan artist, Ravikiran Parmeshwar.
Hailing from Vasco, Ravikiran, who is holding his debut art exhibition titled ‘Flavours of Goa’, sits at the gallery entrance and watches in silence as people walk in to admire his talent.
Although this is his first exhibition in Goa, Ravikiran has displayed his paintings in places like Gujarat, where his show was inaugurated by spiritual leader Dalai Lama who signed a portrait of himself. The portrait is on display at the exhibition.
THE START
Having completed his primary education at Mata Secondary School in his hometown, Vasco, Ravikiran moved to Mumbai where he enrolled into the Thane School of Art.
“I did my diploma in drawing and painting at Thane School of Art after which I started engaging in freelance projects and other work such as jewellery design on a part time basis,” says the artist, who is also passionate about photography.
Inspiration gives no warning of when it is about to strike but when it does, it often leaves behind wonders that nobody would’ve thought could ever exist.
DRAWING INSPIRATION
Talking about the inspiration behind his paintings, Ravikiran says; “When I came back to Goa after my studies, I took a trip around the streets of Goa with a camera in hand. I would later look at some of the photographs that I had taken and think about converting them into paintings.”
He started putting brush to canvas with a fresh perspective; “I stopped at my chosen spots and wondered if I could paint the same visual from a different angle,” he shares, and reveals he uses acrylic colours to paint.
And it turns out, he could! After clicking and painting several paintings of the Goan landscape for a year, today, Ravikiran is hosting his first exhibition in Panjim.
PORTRAITS TOO
While the landscapes were inspired by Goa and its scenic beauty, the inspiration for the portraits was taken from the people occupying important chairs in Goa.
“I remember Pratapsingh Rane being the Chief Minister back when I was in school, so I painted a portrait of him,” said Ravikiran.
And today, the current Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant smiles from his portrait which is hanging beside one of Mother Teresa.
As for taking the artwork home, everything aside from the portraits are up for sale.
“I am very happy. Watching people appreciate my art and the hard work that I have put in is a good feeling,” says Ravikiran, whose smile curves a little bit more every time somebody new walks in through the gallery door.
DETAILS
WHAT: Art Exhibition
WHEN: April 15 to 18, 2024
TIMNGS: 10 am to 8 pm
VENUE: Art Gallery, Sanskruti Bhavan