Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: An exhibition ‘Creating Hope’ promises to ignite inspiration while raising funds for empowering projects aimed at uplifting women and children, showcasing works of maestros of art Raja Ravi Varma and Vincent van Gogh.
The Rotary Club of Parvari Blaze,h Goa in collaboration with Curator of Art for All, Sanjeev Singhal is hosting an art exhibition titled, ‘Creating Hope’. With the purpose of raising funds for empowering projects aimed at uplifting women and children the exhibition will be inaugurated on May 19 at the CMM ARENA Megastore, Merces.
The Chief Guest for the inauguration will be District Governor (RID-3170) Rtn. Nasir Borsadwala alongwith president, Rtn. Hari Krishan Kaul and Secretary Rtn. Vinita Palekar. Also present will be art curator Sanjeev Singhal.
The exhibition will proudly display works by two maestros of art, the legendary Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma and the influential Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. Experience their timeless creations through exclusive art prints on canvas, meticulously produced using museum-quality printers.At the exhibition exclusive art prints on canvas will be available for sale, for which museum quality printers have been used.
Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) was a self-taught painter from the princely state of Travancore (now Thiruvananthapuram). At the age of 14, he received patronage from the Maharaja of Travancore and began his artistic education. His training included exposure to both Indian and European techniques, thanks to mentors like Rama Swami Naidu and British portraitist Theodor Jenson.
Varma’s works seamlessly blended European academic art with a distinctly Indian sensibility. His depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses resonated with people across social strata, enhancing their involvement with fine arts. His lithographs made his paintings accessible to the public, significantly expanding his influence. His religious depictions and fusion of diverse traditions continue to inspire Indian artists, leaving an indelible mark on art history.
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a prolific artist who created approximately 2,100 artworks during his lifetime. Among these, around 860 were oil paintings, most of which were produced in the last two years of his life. Van Gogh was keenly aware of modernist trends in art and began painting in 1881. His younger brother, Theo, provided both financial and emotional support throughout his artistic journey. Van Gogh’s early works primarily consisted of moody still life’s and depictions of peasant labourers
It was in Arles, southern France, that his art underwent a significant transformation. His paintings became brighter and more vibrant. In the fall of 1888, he eagerly anticipated Gauguin’s arrival in Arles, but their tumultuous friendship ended after a confrontation during which Van Gogh famously severed his left ear. Tragically, he died from self-inflicted injuries on July 27, 1890. Van Gogh’s unique style, characterised by swirling patterns and intense colors, continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
Raja Ravi Varma, known as the father of modern Indian art, and Vincent van Gogh, a pioneer of post-impressionism, both left indelible marks on the art world, each in their unique ways. Varma’s realistic portrayal of Indian subjects infused with European techniques revolutionised Indian art, bridging traditional Indian aesthetics with Western realism; on the other hand Van Gogh transformed art through his expressive use of colour and bold brushwork, capturing the essence of emotion and movement in his paintings. Both the artists challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of artistic expression, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence artists across cultures and generations.
The exhibition is the brainchild of Sanjeev Singhal, son of India’s well known realistic artist, J.P. Singhal — he spent his early days seeing and observing art. Born into a family of art, Sanjeev always connected with creativity. He ran an art gallery ‘Studio S’ in Koregaon Park, Pune, spends most of his time pursuing his passion- art.
An art curator, collector and publisher of exclusive art prints Sanjeev says, “Each has been worked on by a professional artist under my watchful eye. The idea behind this exhibition, ‘Creating Hope’ is mainly to showcase two or more maestros of their time. Besides, showing a good body of works of the two artists who have had a profound impact on the art scene during their time, and are looked up to even now, it will help the young students and patrons alike to experience fine execution of the art.”
He believes that art exhibitions are an endeavour to ignite a passion for art which lies dormant in all of us.
Mark your calendars for a week-long opportunity to immerse yourself in art and philanthropy, as the exhibition opens its doors to the public from May 20 to 26, welcoming visitors from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful endeavour, where every brushstroke contributes to creating a brighter future for women and children in need.
