On View at Pradarshak: Semi-abstract Figurative Paintings by Umesh Bhoi

Oil on Canvas_30" x 40"

1^st – 12^th Feb.’16:  Pradarshak presents Debut Solo Exhibition of Semi-abstract Figurative Drawings & Paintings by Umesh Bhoi

Belonging to an ethnic and tribal group from Nandurbar in Maharashtra, Umesh Bhoi’s paintings hold a mirror to the cultural divide and the hardships that are ingrained in the Adivasi lifestyle.

Oil on Canvas_18" x 18"

Intense and introverted, the debutant artist is spurred by memories from his growing years, where his father’s (his biggest inspiration) figure looms large – strong and disciplined…the epitome of a strong character and head of family. The large format of Umesh’s figures as well as the omnipresent stick is symbolic of this.

 

Ink on Paper_12" x 10"

“My canvas beckons me to douse it with colour and that’s how I begin my dialogue with it,” says Umesh, who has never planned a painting till date. He begins by coating his canvas with gesso or texture white and then starts using colours like red, yellow and blue that mix and merge to evolve into new natural tones. At times, he wipes off large portions of one or more colours and as he plays with his palette, emerges a form that his brush picks up and begins to chisel.

 

Oil on Canvas_24" x 24"

His most commonly explored subjects are from his hometown and surroundings – his father, family, villagers, friends...

The strength of Umesh’s brushwork is evident in his works and will only grow stronger as he continues to explore the dark recesses of his mind to emerge and mature into an artist, who has made peace with his background and is ready to take on the big nig world. Umesh Bhoi has taken his tentative steps in this direction with this, his debut outing.