I have been painting and sculpting for last 25 years.This search and exploration of art has taken me to places and thus I was exposed to many unique experiences and events.When I look back at this journey of 25 years my mind is filled with a mosaic of emotions. I have 51 exclusive and 90 group exhibitions to my credit. Every one of them was an unique experience. Each exhibition showcased unique paintings, sculptures. This memories make me nostalgic and that becomes the source of new ideas, new paintings, new sculptures. There are always new exhibitions, new paintings. I keep thinking of those which were chosen by connoisseurs. What do I achieve from this? Mind keeps prodding, what were the thoughts and feelings that I put on the canvas in colors? What prompted the lines on a paper? what were the ideas that came to life and crystallized into a sculpture? what were the enchanting melodies that lifted my spirits? which words guided me to this journey of color and images? I was attracted towards the simple yet profound philosophy of Tukaram. Exploration of his poems and that of Dnyandev reflects in my creations. Indian culture made its impact on my art through the age-old creations like Ajantha and Ellora, Khajuraho. This understanding of art was then groomed and enriched by the experiences I gathered in the modern cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Amsterdam, Paris, London etc.
Human civilization has developed itself through the process of understanding various manifestations of the basic elements. This process has given birth to all inventions and developments. I could see many stages of this journey. From the water-starved hamlets to most modern cities, I have seen and sensed them all. Arid villages are lured by a mirage and affluent urbanites also chase a self created mirage, mirage of greed. A thin chord relates these dreams. From villages to metropolises, from shanties to palaces I have roamed through them all. Were the seeds of creation sowed from these journeys? color was the medium of expressing these experiences. But, have I captured the ideas or I have mastered only the medium? Every creation aspires to crystallize one ray of glorious thought. In this process the self turns transparentand stares in my face. I keep trying to create something immortal. That process shakes all the poise, pretensions . What remains is the urge for creation. This urge can only be compared to the tireless efforts of Bhagirath to bring the Ganga on earth. I place myself as one of followers of this Bhagirath.emotion and creation- the unending process continues and I become a mere spectator.A painting does not tell you the inspiration of the artist. A critic, armed with a well oiled thought process can understand these inspiration and tries to explain and evaluate it. However when the artist explains the process of his creation, the art finds its meaning. I know that not many artist subscribe to this theory. I can name only a few artists in the past who held such belief. Wasily Kandisky, Brancusi, Piet Mandrion and Mark Rothako. Their creations reflected impressions of philosophy, nature. These facets could be found in the transformation, migrations of these four artists. I know, there could be many more who have spent their lives exploring the world with their tools of art. One can trace their journey through their creations. They also throw some light on the development of human civilization, its urbanization. In India the process of urbanization started with the turn of the 21st century this change is reflected in the works of contemporary artists. Transformations and migrations make an important impact on the creation of any artist. The period between 13th Century and 19th century stands testimony to this. We can trace the impact of change from South India to Central Asia through various movements like Sufism, Varkari as also from the work of saints, artists of this period. We can see Asian artists being clubbed and categorized on the basis of Western yardsticks. However the effort to study Asian art on the basis of development in this region is still lacking. Much needs to be done on this front and I wish Asian universities and critiques initiate this process sooner the better.History has seen many transformations resulting out of political developments. In the event of an attack on any civilization, poets. Writers, saints and artists are the keepers of much needed equilibrium. This is evident in the contemporary history of Indian. It can also be seen through the two wars that modern world has gone through. Change brought about by these developments is thrust upon the communities involved in this process. The impact of it shatters all hitherto held beliefs and values. During this process an artists guides the society with his art which tries to hold a delicate balance between the old and the new. Let us now see what does we achieve through exhibitions. How they are used to propagate concepts like culture and religion, to create awareness in society. The place is Rotterdam, which is a historical city.
In 2001 this town was home to Boymans Van Beuningen museum. The exhibition included works of great German artist Hironimus Bosch (1450-1561). I was accompanying Noted dramatist and JawaharLal Nehru Universities China expert G. P. Deshpande and noted Hindi poet Vishnu Khare to Rotardam to visit this exhibition.It was the last day of the exhibition and it was on for more than three months. We had not secured our entry passes in advance. People from all over Europe were thronging the exhibition and though we were in the queue since 9.00 AM we could actually enter the exhibition at around 12, such was the rush. The exhibition was unique in the sense that the works were not exhibited in the set pattern of exhibition. They were placed depending upon their value and security concerns. The lighting was medieval. Me and Deshpande were discussing the works and the artists while studying the paintings. I want to discuss a point which formed part of the then discussion I had with Deshpande. Vishnu Khare was already through once and was now making another round of the exhibition. However, because he was now moving to the opposite direction he could not see the paintings with a leisure. This goes to show how the art of paintings is still popular in Europe. This exhibition had toured US and all major cities in Europe. As per the custom in Holland it should have been held in the Royal Museum at Amsterdam. However, it was held at the modern Rotardam and there was reason to it. Hironimus tried to depict the hypocrisy of medieval Christianity through his works. Then the society was heavily influenced by the concepts of Heaven and Hell, sin and . Hironimus tried to create awareness if the society about fallacy of these lofty ideas. This towering work of Hironimus could be compared to the work of Sufis and saints of medieval India. The same messages could be traced in the poems and works of medieval Indian saints. There is one very important painting at Ajantha. A monkey is riding on the back of an buffalo and has kept his hands on the eyes of the buffalo. This buffalo is rushing through the crowded streets of the town. The metaphor is very important. This picture can still be seen at Ajantha.These paintings served as means to create awareness against the clutches of Brahmanism. However very few of such masterpieces from The Buddhist era could be seen today. Works of an artist should reflect the changes and beliefs of his times.His works should become the vehicle for social development and this is needed in every generation. The modern world has shaded burden of religion in its day to day life. However, the clutches of religion are still intact on political systems all over the developed West and also in the US. Amsterdam is the capital of Holland's royalty which is heavily influenced by Protestant beliefs. While Rotardam is predominantly Catholic. Local governments try to propagate the ideas of their respective religion through various programs and events. Catholics are in majority in Southern Holland. which is one of the 12 provinces of Holland. Out of these 12 provinces four are in south and all are predominantly Catholic.This statistics is the reason behind choosing venue for the exhibition. Boymans Van Beuningen was the only progressive front in Holland. IT flourished during the 20eth century.Roterdam has always been the venue to showcase changes and new streams in arts in the US. Rotardam is a port city. Dutch migration to the US was through this city. This city was once taken over by the Nazis and was devastated in the second world war. Now the city is been redeveloped and renovated. It now boasts to be the most modern city of Netherlands. However, at the turn of 20th century the museum was in very bad shape. There was no quality exhibition to its credit. Contemporary institutions were taking cognizance of new developments in arts. Abstract art was gaining ground. Boymans van Beuningen was arrived. New mediums have necessitated discussion on abstract art a new, we can keep that for a while. However I want to draw attention to the sale of realistic Russian paintings, Computer graphics, internet, Euro, changes in Northern European art etc. The exhibition of Hironimus's works has greatly benefited the museum. It has also helped the local politics to keep the religious and cultural impact and thus to enhance their vote bank. When we see the reasons and aims of these exhibitions some friends wonder at my own exhibitions in these cities. Is this success real or its only a mirage
In 1979 I had exhibited my non-curricular works at Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Arts.It as visited by students and faculty of the printing technology. applied arts, architecture. branches of the J. J. School of Arts. In1988, when I finished my education abroad I had exhibited my works at the Bajaj Art Gallery. Then I was just initiated in profession. In 1990 my graphic prints and serigraphy (Silk screen prints) were exhibited at Artist Center. In 1995 Nehru Center housed my series of paintings inspired by Abhang from the Tukaramachi Gatha . After 1995 I was busy setting up a permanent exhibition at Pune and was also busy in exhibitions in Europe. Paintings and sculpture need a good exhibition. I consider it very important. That is the reason I don't wait for somebody else to organize exhibition of my works. I consider Exhibition as a part and parcel of arts. Well, am I also becoming reactive in this process?
Bhaskar Hande20060201
Begin of 21st century
I have been painting and sculpting for last 25 years.This search and exploration of art has taken me to places and thus I was exposed to many unique experiences and events.When I look back at this journey of 25 years my mind is filled with a mosaic of emotions. I have 51 exclusive and 90 group exhibitions to my credit. Every one of them was an unique experience. Each exhibition showcased unique paintings, sculptures. This memories make me nostalgic and that becomes the source of new ideas, new paintings, new sculptures. There are always new exhibitions, new paintings. I keep thinking of those which were chosen by connoisseurs. What do I achieve from this? Mind keeps prodding, what were the thoughts and feelings that I put on the canvas in colors? What prompted the lines on a paper? what were the ideas that came to life and crystallized into a sculpture? what were the enchanting melodies that lifted my spirits? which words guided me to this journey of color and images? I was attracted towards the simple yet profound philosophy of Tukaram. Exploration of his poems and that of Dnyandev reflects in my creations. Indian culture made its impact on my art through the age-old creations like Ajantha and Ellora, Khajuraho. This understanding of art was then groomed and enriched by the experiences I gathered in the modern cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Amsterdam, Paris, London etc.
Human civilization has developed itself through the process of understanding various manifestations of the basic elements. This process has given birth to all inventions and developments. I could see many stages of this journey. From the water-starved hamlets to most modern cities, I have seen and sensed them all. Arid villages are lured by a mirage and affluent urbanites also chase a self created mirage, mirage of greed. A thin chord relates these dreams. From villages to metropolises, from shanties to palaces I have roamed through them all. Were the seeds of creation sowed from these journeys? color was the medium of expressing these experiences. But, have I captured the ideas or I have mastered only the medium? Every creation aspires to crystallize one ray of glorious thought. In this process the self turns transparentand stares in my face. I keep trying to create something immortal. That process shakes all the poise, pretensions . What remains is the urge for creation. This urge can only be compared to the tireless efforts of Bhagirath to bring the Ganga on earth. I place myself as one of followers of this Bhagirath.emotion and creation- the unending process continues and I become a mere spectator.A painting does not tell you the inspiration of the artist. A critic, armed with a well oiled thought process can understand these inspiration and tries to explain and evaluate it. However when the artist explains the process of his creation, the art finds its meaning. I know that not many artist subscribe to this theory. I can name only a few artists in the past who held such belief. Wasily Kandisky, Brancusi, Piet Mandrion and Mark Rothako. Their creations reflected impressions of philosophy, nature. These facets could be found in the transformation, migrations of these four artists. I know, there could be many more who have spent their lives exploring the world with their tools of art. One can trace their journey through their creations. They also throw some light on the development of human civilization, its urbanization. In India the process of urbanization started with the turn of the 21st century this change is reflected in the works of contemporary artists. Transformations and migrations make an important impact on the creation of any artist. The period between 13th Century and 19th century stands testimony to this. We can trace the impact of change from South India to Central Asia through various movements like Sufism, Varkari as also from the work of saints, artists of this period. We can see Asian artists being clubbed and categorized on the basis of Western yardsticks. However the effort to study Asian art on the basis of development in this region is still lacking. Much needs to be done on this front and I wish Asian universities and critiques initiate this process sooner the better.History has seen many transformations resulting out of political developments. In the event of an attack on any civilization, poets. Writers, saints and artists are the keepers of much needed equilibrium. This is evident in the contemporary history of Indian. It can also be seen through the two wars that modern world has gone through. Change brought about by these developments is thrust upon the communities involved in this process. The impact of it shatters all hitherto held beliefs and values. During this process an artists guides the society with his art which tries to hold a delicate balance between the old and the new. Let us now see what does we achieve through exhibitions. How they are used to propagate concepts like culture and religion, to create awareness in society. The place is Rotterdam, which is a historical city.
In 2001 this town was home to Boymans Van Beuningen museum. The exhibition included works of great German artist Hironimus Bosch (1450-1561). I was accompanying Noted dramatist and JawaharLal Nehru Universities China expert G. P. Deshpande and noted Hindi poet Vishnu Khare to Rotardam to visit this exhibition.It was the last day of the exhibition and it was on for more than three months. We had not secured our entry passes in advance. People from all over Europe were thronging the exhibition and though we were in the queue since 9.00 AM we could actually enter the exhibition at around 12, such was the rush. The exhibition was unique in the sense that the works were not exhibited in the set pattern of exhibition. They were placed depending upon their value and security concerns. The lighting was medieval. Me and Deshpande were discussing the works and the artists while studying the paintings. I want to discuss a point which formed part of the then discussion I had with Deshpande. Vishnu Khare was already through once and was now making another round of the exhibition. However, because he was now moving to the opposite direction he could not see the paintings with a leisure. This goes to show how the art of paintings is still popular in Europe. This exhibition had toured US and all major cities in Europe. As per the custom in Holland it should have been held in the Royal Museum at Amsterdam. However, it was held at the modern Rotardam and there was reason to it. Hironimus tried to depict the hypocrisy of medieval Christianity through his works. Then the society was heavily influenced by the concepts of Heaven and Hell, sin and . Hironimus tried to create awareness if the society about fallacy of these lofty ideas. This towering work of Hironimus could be compared to the work of Sufis and saints of medieval India. The same messages could be traced in the poems and works of medieval Indian saints. There is one very important painting at Ajantha. A monkey is riding on the back of an buffalo and has kept his hands on the eyes of the buffalo. This buffalo is rushing through the crowded streets of the town. The metaphor is very important. This picture can still be seen at Ajantha.These paintings served as means to create awareness against the clutches of Brahmanism. However very few of such masterpieces from The Buddhist era could be seen today. Works of an artist should reflect the changes and beliefs of his times.His works should become the vehicle for social development and this is needed in every generation. The modern world has shaded burden of religion in its day to day life. However, the clutches of religion are still intact on political systems all over the developed West and also in the US. Amsterdam is the capital of Holland's royalty which is heavily influenced by Protestant beliefs. While Rotardam is predominantly Catholic. Local governments try to propagate the ideas of their respective religion through various programs and events. Catholics are in majority in Southern Holland. which is one of the 12 provinces of Holland. Out of these 12 provinces four are in south and all are predominantly Catholic.This statistics is the reason behind choosing venue for the exhibition. Boymans Van Beuningen was the only progressive front in Holland. IT flourished during the 20eth century.Roterdam has always been the venue to showcase changes and new streams in arts in the US. Rotardam is a port city. Dutch migration to the US was through this city. This city was once taken over by the Nazis and was devastated in the second world war. Now the city is been redeveloped and renovated. It now boasts to be the most modern city of Netherlands. However, at the turn of 20th century the museum was in very bad shape. There was no quality exhibition to its credit. Contemporary institutions were taking cognizance of new developments in arts. Abstract art was gaining ground. Boymans van Beuningen was arrived. New mediums have necessitated discussion on abstract art a new, we can keep that for a while. However I want to draw attention to the sale of realistic Russian paintings, Computer graphics, internet, Euro, changes in Northern European art etc. The exhibition of Hironimus's works has greatly benefited the museum. It has also helped the local politics to keep the religious and cultural impact and thus to enhance their vote bank. When we see the reasons and aims of these exhibitions some friends wonder at my own exhibitions in these cities. Is this success real or its only a mirage
In 1979 I had exhibited my non-curricular works at Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Arts.It as visited by students and faculty of the printing technology. applied arts, architecture. branches of the J. J. School of Arts. In1988, when I finished my education abroad I had exhibited my works at the Bajaj Art Gallery. Then I was just initiated in profession. In 1990 my graphic prints and serigraphy (Silk screen prints) were exhibited at Artist Center. In 1995 Nehru Center housed my series of paintings inspired by Abhang from the Tukaramachi Gatha . After 1995 I was busy setting up a permanent exhibition at Pune and was also busy in exhibitions in Europe. Paintings and sculpture need a good exhibition. I consider it very important. That is the reason I don't wait for somebody else to organize exhibition of my works. I consider Exhibition as a part and parcel of arts. Well, am I also becoming reactive in this process?
Bhaskar Hande
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