Pune: Vesavar Art Gallery Hosts Inspiring Abstract Art Competition

Pune, 7th September 2024: To celebrate and encourage the spirit of art in the city, Vesavar Art Gallery organized ‘Vesavar of the Year’. A competition to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talents of both emerging and established abstract artists in the country. To announce the first season of ’Vesavar (artist) of the Year’, an event was held recently at the charming art gallery, which is housed inside a 150+ year old heritage building located in Pune Camp.

The event was inaugurated by Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. Hardikar is known for his contributions towards urban infrastructure and development. His esteemed presence at the event added significant value, underscoring the importance of art in shaping cultural and urban landscapes.

The gallery, renowned for its commitment to celebrating diverse art forms, chose abstract art as the theme for this special occasion to bring attention to a genre that is often underrepresented, yet rich with creative potential. The entries of paintings by various artists were critiqued by renowned artists Pandit Khairnar and Shrikant Kadam.

The ‘Vesavar of the Year’ title along with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh was awarded to artist Sandip More for his outstanding contribution to the field of abstract art. His work stood out for its innovative approach and emotional resonance. His artistic journey is defined by a deep sense of stability, stillness, and calmness, which are reflected in his work.

Sandip began his exploration of art through the world of theater, where the interplay of lights, dimensions, angles, and the very texture of the stage—uneven tiles and roof—captivated him. This environment sparked his curiosity and drove him to delve deeper into the world of colors and forms. He shared, “My connection with Vesavar goes back to its opening in April 2023, where I had the privilege of showcasing my work in the first exhibition. It is an honor to return to Vesavar and participate in this competition.”

The title of ‘Inspiration of Vesavar’ was awarded to artist Rahul Wagh. Inspired by Rahul’s deep artistic philosophy and the emotional richness, Pandit Khairnar personally awarded him with a cash prize of Rs 25,000.

Reflecting on his creative journey, Rahul shared, “Abstract art has always resonated with me, inspired by the simple yet profound structures of my childhood village. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in the beauty of moonlit nights, flowing rivers, and towering trees, bringing these reflections to life on canvas in just minutes. Vesavar Art Gallery is a remarkable platform, not only supporting artists like myself but also encouraging the next generation to explore their creativity.”

On the occasion, Hardikar expressed his admiration for the outstanding work and dedication shown by all participants. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of art, he shared, “Art represents a unique aspect of human identity, where we transcend reality through creativity. It is the harmonious blend of heart and mind, infused with our experiences and circumstances, that allows us to create something new. This artistic journey lives within us, and I believe that art, in all its diverse forms, is essential to our existence—it is the very reason we live while we are alive.”

Following the announcement of the winners, the gallery opened its brand new exhibition, displaying the captivating works by the 13 artists, whose works were chosen by the gallery during the competition. These artists are Abhishek Joshi, Aboli Kadam, Ganesh Shinde, Maredu Ramu, Monika Sonik, Nivas Kanhare, Sachin Tonape, Samadhan Kakad, Savani Puranik, Shubham Kesur, and Snehal Ekbote.

The evening attracted a significant number of participants, all eager to display their unique styles and creativity.

The founders at Vesavar Art Gallery, Kavita Bhandari and Pranali Harpude, expressed their gratitude and said, “Vesavar’s aim is to offer a platform for artists to connect with an appreciative audience, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for art. We feel immensely fortunate to be able to showcase talents from across the country through our first ‘Vesavar of the Year’ competition. We plan to keep making it bigger every year.”