At 84, artist Pramod Wadnerkar says painting still feels like a journey into the unknown, filling him with a strange sense of joy. Pramod, who took to art at the age of 70, is fascinated by the limitlessness of art. A writer as well, he spends his retired life writing and painting, the two strongest forces of his life.
Thirty of Pramod’s paintings will be exhibited in a solo show, In Quest of Eternal Beauty, at Gaya Gallery in Kochi this weekend.
A civil engineer, who retired from Government service in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Pramod gravitated towards abstract art, letting his creative mind guide him. With no formal training in art, Pramod created a distinct visual language with his unique use of colour and technique. He prefers acrylic and his bold use of colour exudes a sense of quiet power to the works. “Painting is for me a journey into my spiritual world,” he says.
A work by the artist | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
An accomplished writer, with over 15 books to his credit, including novels, articles, plays and poetry, Pramod’s literary oeuvre spans subjects from history to politics, spirituality and human emotions.
“I decided to pursue my interest in art and literature after retirement and I am truly delighted to see where they are taking me. They keep me busy and intellectually engaged,” says Pramod.
A work by Pramod Wadnerkar | Photo Credit: 10016
He has participated in several group and solo shows across India. Pramod’s works are known for theiruse of symbolic forms. The artist says he explores silence, spirituality, memory and human consciousness. Pramod says his latest works have been shaped by personal experiences and universal emotions.
The exhibition is organised by Gaya Gallery, Prussian Blue Art Hub. From May 15 to 17. A Meet the Artist session will be organise on May 16 at the gallery at 3pm.