Interview & Media Publications
1. Interview by Vaibhav Raj Shah (Art Curator)
This interview is my way of expressing gratitude to art enthusiasts who primarily speak Marathi, my native language. There’s a significant shortage of art and design-related content available in Marathi. My aim is to bridge this gap by making art more accessible to those who have inspired me and played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.
In this interview, I share my narrative, deeply influenced by the 26/11 attacks, which shaped my portrayal of resilience and trauma. My artistic journey emphasises honest expression, connecting deeply with my audience in Marathi. The COVID pandemic was a pivotal moment, allowing me to pause, reflect, and adapt, opening doors to digital skills to make art more accessible and engaging.
Vaibhav Raj Shah, an artist, curator, and arts documenter with over 20 years of experience, founded ARTHISTORY+ to address curatorial, documentation, and dissemination needs in Indian art. He has collaborated with prestigious institutions like Kochi Biennale Foundation, BMW India Art Fair, and Serendipity Arts Foundation. His recent curatorial projects include "Against Nature" and exhibitions such as "Find X," "Takshan," and "Out of Syllabus," showcasing top talent across India.
2. Featured Articles in National Newspapers by The Times Group
In 2024, I had the honour of being featured in two prestigious publications: Pune Mirror and Pune Times, both supplements of The Times of India. With a daily readership exceeding 275,000, these articles have brought significant attention to my artistic journey and contributions to contemporary art in India.
The articles, "Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Indian Art" by Nikhil Purohit (Pune Times Mirror, 5th July 2024) and "Shedding Light on Social Issues Through Art Forms" (Pune Times, 28th June 2024), provided insightful critiques of my work. They highlighted my unique ability to blend traditional Indian motifs with modern techniques, emphasizing my commitment to addressing social issues through art.
2. Pune Mirror by The Times Group
3. The Times of India
4. Art Critiqued in Granthveda by Rajhans Publications
As a school student, I vividly remember the day my father gifted me "एक होता कार्व्हर (A Man Called Carver)" by Veena Gavankar, published by Rajhans Prakashan. This biography of George Washington Carver, an African-American scientist and agriculturist, captivated me with its gripping story of perseverance and triumph. Another cherished gift was "Agnipankh" by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, detailing his journey from a small town to becoming India's 'Bharat Ratna'. Growing up with such enriching literature shaped my outlook on life and provided endless inspiration. These books played a crucial role in my journey, guiding me and providing endless inspiration.
Rajhans Publication House, established in 1952 by Babasaheb Purandare, has been a beacon of Marathi literature for decades. Their commitment to publishing high-quality and culturally significant works has made them a cornerstone of Marathi literary culture.
Recently, I experienced a full-circle moment when a senior art critic, art historian, conservator, curator, and educator, Dr. Nitin Hadap, wrote a detailed article about my work in their July 2024 edition. An article written by such a scholar is an honour. Thank you, Nitin Sir, for sharing your thoughts on my work in such a reputed publication. Titled “The Paintings That Depict Grotesque Themes and Anatomical Details,” the article explores the emotional depth and intense imagery in my paintings, comparing them to works of artists like Bosch and Goya. It delves into how my art comments on political developments, social injustices, and power dynamics, using grotesque and anatomical elements to create a visceral impact. Seeing my work published by the same esteemed publisher is a gratifying experience.
Link to an article: https://www.rajhansprakashan.com/granth-vedh
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Edition : July 2024
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Page numbers: 27 to 30
Note: I have also shared the English translation of this article.
English Translation of the above article:
5. Recognised by Roopa-Bheda - My Journey in Indian Art
In March 2023, I was honoured to be featured in a comprehensive article in Roopa-Bheda Art Magazine, an esteemed publication established in 1956 by Kaladeep of Sir J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai. Authored by the renowned art historian and curator Mrs. Snehal Tabulwadikar, the article provides a detailed review and critical evaluation of my artistic journey and achievements. Roopa-Bheda Art Magazine is highly regarded in the Indian art community for its scholarly research and cultural contributions, enjoying a national reputation with an estimated readership of 5,000. The feature highlights my educational background, significant projects, and innovative practices, underscoring my commitment to cultural preservation, community engagement, and blending traditional and contemporary art forms.
