A hidden genius of an artist
A cult name in the Indian art world, Prabhakar Barwe was a noteworthy painter and a prolific writer whose work was far ahead of his time. He was born in 1936 in Nagaon and graduated from Sir. JJ School of art in Bombay. Heavily inspired by the relationship between object and space, Barwe’s works were […]
A cult name in the Indian art world, Prabhakar Barwe was a noteworthy painter and a prolific writer whose work was far ahead of his time. He was born in 1936 in Nagaon and graduated from Sir. JJ School of art in Bombay. Heavily inspired by the relationship between object and space, Barwe’s works were a constant exploration of the metaphysical within the realm of the observable, surrounding world. Defying easy classification, Barwe’s works were laced with a poetic rhythm that transformed the mundane into mystical. His paintings and writings not only offered a childlike contemplation but also gave the viewer an insight into his ethereal perception and imagination.
Here are five awe-inspiring works that celebrate the legacy of this genius artist on the occasion of his 86th birthday:
1. Pleasure structure (1973)
During early 1970, Prabhakar Barwe was immersed in his quest to establish an individualistic pictorial language. Greatly influenced by Tantric art, he adopted
the elements of form, space and emptiness and incorporated them in his paintings. This painting was created during the peak of his Tantric phase and is a depiction of the esoteric flow of energy. The patterns are delineated with utmost precision and are a testament to his profound vision as an artist.
2. Inside The Green (1975)
Prabhakar Barwe’s abstract imagery was composed based on the comprehensive investigations he undertook into the quintessential realm of space, form, and
colour. Through this painting, Barwe delves deep into the various shades of the colour green, expressing his affinity for nature and showcasing that nature is the foremost proponent of ideas and artistic gestures.
3. First Cloud (1989)
Characterised by floating forms against an empty backdrop, Barwe’s works emanate a profound stillness. In this work, the subject, that being the essence of a ‘cloud’ radiates a subtle intimacy, driven by the simplicity of form. His association to the concept can be traced back to his work titled ‘Blue Cloud’- an ode to Kalidasa’s classic, Meghadata, for which he was awarded by the Lalit Kala Akademy in 1974.
4. Canvas Bag (1990)
Barwe’s preoccupation with space as an entity inspired him to embark upon a voyage in search of purity in terms of form and hues. He adopted bold and flat colours to illustrate ubiquitously levitating objects, engaging and sharing a relationship with a graceful balance between the different co-existing elements.
5. The Landscape (1992)
Delving into the memories of the past, ‘The Landscape’ invokes a contemplative silence that probes deep into the vast expanse of the inner mind. The abstract
transformation of mundane elements gives the experience of purity and spontaneity while redefining the perceived meanings of the painted objects.
A hidden gem of the Indian art scene, Prabhakar Barwe participated in numerous exhibitions during his lifetime. He passed away on December 6, 1995.
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