Somnath Bothe - Holy Banaras 2 - 24 x 24 inches (unframed size)
Charcoal & Acrylic on canvas
Inclusive of shipment in roll form.
Holy Banaras, is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India & one of the world's oldest living cities, is rightly called the religious capital of India. It rests on the left bank of the holy river Ganga (Ganges) and is one of the seven sacred spots for Hindus. Every devout Hindu hopes to visit the city at least once in a lifetime, take a holy dip at the Ghats of the Ganga (the famous steps leading down to the water), walk the pious Panchakosi road that bounds the city, and, if God wills, die here in old age.
Style : His journey in art field began with landscapes and portraits. He started thinking about sensitivity and intent of the paintings as his entire childhood was spending in village, a very close relationship with the village.
“A deep rooted respect for ‘nature’ and ‘humility’ is the inspiration for my paintings”, says Somnath. Then education and living in city life created new sensitivities and understandings… the blend of these different environments and cultures indirectly flowed in his painting… His paintings are colorful, vibrant, nostalgic at times, and sheer conversational pieces. Subdued and quiet by nature paintings is his language.
Somnath has his own way of showing his creations. His color schemes are modern and flashy but this is intentional, to remind us of the importance of historical places. The fusion of rainy season and historical places in cities and villages constitute the subjects of his paintings. Now painting is not just a technique, it has become a medium of expression for him.
About the Artist and his work :
Born : Maharashtra in 1982.
Education :
2006-07 : Diploma in Art Education, Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune
2002-06 : Diploma in Painting (First Class) Merit of Mumbai Board (Eighth in order), Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune
1999-2000 : Art Teacher Diploma, Paithan, Dist. Aurangabad
Solo Exhibitions :
2012 : Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai & Indian Art Collectors, “Featured Artist” Online show, Chandigarh
2011 : Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
2009 : Pradarshak Art Gallery, Mumbai
2007 : Arthut Art Gallery, Pune & Rudraksha Art Gallery, Pune
Group Exhibitions :
2013 : “Prayas”, State Art Gallery, Hyderabad & Ocher Art Gallery, Chandigarh
2012 : Artzest Art Gallery presents “Vision” group show, Dubai & Cancer Patients Aid Association, Charity Show, Mumbai
2011 : “India Art Summit 2011”, New Delhi
2009, 10, 11 : Cymroza Art Gallery (Cancer Patients Aid Association, Charity Show), Mumbai
2010 : “Fusion Art” Balgandharva Art Gallery, Rotary Club Midtown Sponsored, Pune
2006, 07, 10 : Balgandharva Art Gallery, Pune
2005, 06, 07 : “Chatak”, Monsoon Show, Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai.
Awards & Honours :
2006, 08 : V. V. Oak, Lokmanya Tilak Exhibition, Pune
2006 : 1st Prize, Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune
2005 : Gold Medal, Royal Academy, National Level, Gulbarga, Karnataka
2003 : Gold Medal, National College Student “Varnika Manav Sanket”, Ujjain
2003 : Silver Medal, National College Student “Kalawart Nyas”, Ujjain.