‘Rangh Gandh’ offers art lovers a diverse yet harmonious body of work that not only commemorates a master artist but also reflects the vitality and continuity of Goa’s art scene today
Naguesh Rao Sardessai
At Bambolkar’s Art Gallery, Ponda, the exhibition ‘Rangh Gandh’ unfolds as a thoughtful confluence of artistic voices shaped during a three-day art camp organised by the Dinanath Dalal Art Education Centre in association with the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Goa. Conceived as a humble tribute to the legendary Goan artist and internationally acclaimed painter Padmabhushan Laxman Pai on his birth centenary year, the exhibition resonates with the essence of Pai.
The show brings together works by prominent Goan artists including Nirupa Naik, Anant (Kalanand) Bambolkar, Sagar Naik Mule, Snavisha Naik, Uttara Angle, Amrutha Shenoy, Premanand Chari, Naguesh Rao Sardessai, and Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar. What distinguishes Rangh Gandh is its collective spirit—each work retaining individual identity while contributing to a shared homage to Goa’s rich artistic legacy.
Premanand’s paintings are lyrical and intuitive, marked by spontaneity that seems to tap the subconscious. Beneath this apparent ease lies a strong structural framework and profound engagement with human emotions and social undercurrents. His works invite quiet contemplation rather than immediate interpretation.
Veteran artist Nirupa continues to demonstrate why her presence commands respect. Her paintings evolve patiently, layer by layer, through sinewy lines and controlled pigment. Deeply spiritual and modest in persona, her canvases mirror her lived experiences, rendered in soothing hues that elevate the viewing experience to a meditative plane.
Uttara’s seascapes explore the vastness and rhythm of water bodies, with intermittent landmasses anchoring the viewer to reality. Her confident use of palette knife alongside brushwork captures the stillness and unpredictability of the sea, while her restrained yet engaging colour palette sustains visual interest.
The abstract explorations of rural landscapes by Shridhar and Naguesh deserve close attention, offering layered interpretations of familiar terrains. Anant’s patterned compositions, created through rollers and brushes, display a refined sense of colour values and surface rhythm.
Young artists Amrutha and Snavisha show considerable promise. Amrutha’s realistic landscapes, inspired by the lush environs of Ponda Taluka, reveal a maturity beyond her years. In contrast, Snavisha’s spontaneous approach and playful experimentation evoke curiosity and suggest an evolving artistic voice.
Sagar, a noted Kaavi artist recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, presents a work that delves into the artistic and cultural uniqueness of Goan iconography. His contribution stands out for its rootedness and contemporary relevance.
(The show is on display at Bambolkar’s Art Gallery, Ponda, till January 25)
