“Dignity of Love” An Exhibition of Paintings will be displayed by Well-known artist Shirish Mitbawkar at Jehangir, in Mumbai

Mumbai, 13th May 2023 (GNI): “Dignity of Love” An Exhibition of  Paintings will be displayed by Well-known artist Shirish Mitbawkar at Jehangir Art Gallery, 161-B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001, on 16^th  to 22^nd May 2023, from 11am to 7pm, Contact: +91 98201 13616

                                                                                        Artist Shirish Mitbawkar is best known for his printmaking process. However, his present exhibition brings his artistic skills in painting to the fore. Using colour and canvas, the artist works on the universal emotion of Love. Images of Radha and Krishna are used as symbols of Soul and Divine Power. This is the central theme of the exhibition.

 During the 15th and 16th centuries, topics like love have been handled in the Indian miniature painting style, representing the scenario of the times. Over the years, we see that although there is no change in the theme, the imagery changes, keeping up with contemporary thought. Mitbawkar too allows himself to experiment with this subject.     The name Radha is always accompanied by that of Krishna. Their togetherness gives inspiration to the world. The peacock feather is another meaningful symbol seen prancing proudly on Krishna’s headgear. It indicates royalty with beauty. It is very delicate, and graceful. The artist uses this element to indicate the majesty of divine love. In the present-day context of strife, struggle and unrest, the artist contemporises this symbol to indicate the existence of Krishna.

Similarly, he contextualises other symbols: the Horse indicates dignity and energy. The Bull indicates power and fertility. The Conch creates awareness. The weapons Chakra and Gada, and Padma – the lotus, are signs of Divine Power. One of the canvases depicts the view of the banks of River Yamuna – reminiscent of the Benaras ghats. Another painting titled Dwarkadhish shows reverence for Dwarka – the City of Lord Krishna. In another work of art, he presents mother Yashoda of today`s world with her Krishna in contemporary costumes. Some of his canvases depict the indirect existence of Krishna along with images of cows and calves. The body of work shows a marked interplay of light and shadow – the chiaroscuro of his feelings – on canvas. Artistic principles merge with skill. In some, he plays with the pointillism kind of technique along with prominent dark lines that make the painting appear like a puzzle. Geometric forms interact and flirt with hues, and a narrative is born.

The artist’s work experience in the fields of advertising, films, and printmaking influence his painting style. This is perhaps a prime reason that he escapes the copying syndrome and forges his own path in a different manner. A slightly probing gaze reveals that all these works relate to the inner and outer worlds. His thoughts and feelings emerge as a rainbow – a dialogue – between the human soul and divine power – underlining the DIGNITY Of LOVE.ends GNI SG