MARGAO: Traditionally, the art of drawing rangolis has been a domain of women and housewives, but Nishan Mangaldas Palkar, a 21-year-old fine arts student at Goa College of Art, is boldly challenging this norm. With each delicate and intricate design, Nishan is making his mark in the art world, proving that creativity and skill know no gender, and that men too can excel in this art form.
Having participated in numerous competitions and creating realistic and intricate rangolis for private events, Nishant does not shy away from putting his back in it, and even recalls spending 12-13 hours bent over an elaborate rangoli . “Working on rangolis is time-consuming and results in intense body aches,” he laughs. For events, he is often accompanied by his mentor, Akash Naik, and classmate Vedang Naik.
“I was drawn towards producing art while I was in class III,” says Nishan, recalling early memories of drawing and painting fruits and other objects as he learned to write. “These drawings would fill up the whole book, unofficially making it my art book,” he adds, crediting his mother for her constant support and motivation. “Throughout my journey, whenever I did something, she would say, ‘chol tu fudem.’ These words have always kept me moving ahead.”
Self-motivated from the start, Nishan believes everyone is capable of creating art. “Everyone is born to create art and is capable of making wonders. It is just that one needs to give one’s hundred percent while working on something that makes oneself happy,” he says. Nishan emphasises that he does not compromise his artistic imagination to please others. “I give my best in what I do and this makes me happy.”
Nishan’s versatility shines through his work, which spans various media such as canvas, paper, wall
surfaces, textile, and stone. He enjoys using acrylic paints, pastel colours, watercolours, and fabric paints, with acrylic being his favourite. “I am yet to learn how to work with oil paints,” he notes, planning to acquire this skill in the coming year. Besides painting, Nishan sketches with charcoal and graphite and recently experimented with thread art, completing a piece in seven days.
His work routine varies depending on urgency. If a piece needs to be completed quickly, he works for around six hours at a stretch. For non-urgent projects, he works when in the mood, believing that his mood greatly influences his creativity. “I am open to creating any type of art, with no restrictions at all,” he says.
Nishan signs his paintings with ‘AP37’ in memory of his mother, Anjani Palkar. Supported by his uncles, friends, and cousins, Nishan continues to pursue his passion, making a name for himself in the art community.
Nishan is also a devoted fan of cricket and karate. Additionally, he enjoys video editing and creating short reels.
