There is a lot going on simultaneously in Shripad Gurav’s large painting in which he
questions Where do we Come From, What are We, Where are We Going? There are a
host of human characters as well as animals set in a somewhat surreal island
landscape, each one self-absorbed, unconcerned about what is happening around
them. An apt comment on our times, the artwork, skillfully executed in colour
pencil, graphite pencil and watercolour on rice paper, has been selected for
inclusion in the prestigious 2nd edition of the All India Art Competition &
Exhibition held in Hyderabad. Of the numerous entries, a discerning jury
selected some of the best for an exhibition currently on view at the State
Gallery of Art, Madhapur, Hyderabad. Goan artist Gurav’s work is among them.
The reticent artist says this particular work was inspired by
“the hybrid life of Goa reflecting a mixed culture where many things are
happening in one scene and the numerous figures are engaged in some kind of
activity.” The drawing itself suggests that the figures have mysterious
symbolic meanings and that they might answer the questions posed by the work’s
title. Says Gurav, “The drawing is a deliberate mixture of universal
meaning—the questions asked in the title are fundamental ones that address the
very root of human existence—and its esoteric mystery.”
One of the most exciting contemporary artists working today,
Shripad Gurav’s style has evolved into a signature idiom in response to the
times we live in, reflective of both visual delight and depth. His art often
speaks to the past, present and future as he draws viewers in to the painterly
scenes he creates, inviting them to enter and imagine their own possibilities.
The artist grew up in a village in Keri. His father was a priest
and his uncle, a headmaster of a local school. It was with the latter’s support
that the young Shripad’s interest in drawing and painting was encouraged all
through his childhood. Later, with his entire family’s support, Shripad
continued his study of fine art at the Goa College of Art followed by a Masters
from the S.N. School of Fine Art, Central University of Hyderabad. An initial
interest in print-making under the expert guidance of Rajan Fulari led to a
wider interest in other art practices, deepening Shripad’s knowledge of art and
nurturing his growth as an artist. He also counts Laxma Goud and Viraj Naik
among his mentors. He likes the works of Rembrandt, Durer and George Grosz and
is constantly seeking to nurture his own artistic growth by reading, travelling
and watching art related films and documentaries. The creative quest comes
through in his compelling works, replete with figures drawn from Goan life,
rich in colour and symbolic meaning.
Of his idiom,Gurav says, “I work in figurative style. Mostly I
do etchings and it is my foremost language of expression. Although it is
tedious and laborious, still it has a magical mystery behind it. When you get
to the final image you feel that you have found something which is not seen
before, there are assumptions and presumptions which makes you more curious
throughout the process. I feel figures are the means through which I try to
show possible desires of mankind. Memory plays an important role in drawing an
image; spontaneity is another aspect. I like to experiment with an image. I’m
interested in finding connections by constantly going back and forth.
Besides printmaking I like to draw. Whenever I am bored with one
medium I shift to another medium, it can be watercolour, pencil etc. It
refreshes my mind.”
The artist has received several awards and Honourable Mentions
on a national scale. Deeply committed to his practice, he says, “As a working
artist of my genre I find this journey has been interesting, the creative
voyage is never ending.
I am a full-time professional artist living only on Art. Art is
Living.”
Shripad
Gurav lives and works in Goa and his work can be currently seen in Goa in an
ongoing group exhibition with artists Manjunaath Naik and Jyoti Mehta at
Swetlana Cardoso art gallery in Chandor. The exhibition runs until July 31.
