Prabhakar Barwe, who passed away in 1995, was a prolific writer and visual thinker in addition to being a distinguished painter. This exhibition commemorates Barwe in both these aspects. It comprises a range of works, beginning with life drawing studies and sketches from his college days in the mid-1950s and continuing through his designs and the explorations of his Tantric phase, to conclude with the symbolist abstract works that he produced from 1980 until his untimely death at the age of 59. The exhibition includes a large trove of works from the artist’s family that have never been exhibited before, accompanied by a selection of canvases on loan from major private collections. Important archival material about the artist in the form of articles and photographs will also be on display and accessible to viewers.
Prabhakar Barwe would meticulously note his thoughts and observations about art and life in a relay of diary entries consisting of word fragments, considered texts and drawings. He began these notations in 1972 and continued until 1995. A few of these diaries will be displayed by digital means.
The exhibition was accompanied with the release of the English translation of Prabhakar Barwe’s book, Kora Canvas. Translated from its original Marathi into English by novelist and columnist Shanta Gokhale as The Blank Canvas, the book has been edited by Jerry Pinto and features an introduction by Ranjit Hoskote. It is published by Bodhana. The Blank Canvas offers its readers invaluable aesthetic, and philosophical insights into the creative process. Rare and intriguing images from the diaries complement the text. Printed in an elegant black-and-white handbook format, as a 250-page hardback volume, this is a must-read for any artist and art lover.
at
Percept Art
P2, Ground Level, Raghuvanshi Estate Compound,
11/12 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W). Mumbai 400013
Phone +91 22 32991696
Gallery open all days, 11am to 10pm
The Blank Canvas, is available for sale at the Percept Art Space.
The exhibition continues until 28 February 2014