“Chitro Tamara mitro” – Frames are my Friends

Crossing a mark of more than 50 years, celebrating his golden accomplishments, divided in a series; Vrindavan Solanki today shared his life journey at Gujarat Vishvakosh Bhavan. He shared his artworks over a presentation first with the audiences describing his humble journey.

Landscapes, Houses, Black and White, Potrait, Girnar Forrest, Mumbai Iconic landmarks and Mumbai street scenes etc. were the series for display as well in an exhibition.

Remembering old days, Sri Vrindavan Solanki mentioned that one of his artwork on landscapes was exhibited in 1962 Lalit Kala, for which Sri Solanki also received an award. From there on, he commenced his journey of small golden steps.

“While studying Fine arts (painting) in Vadodara, I made a collection on ‘Landscapes’ of Vadodara, that of old houses, one of my 8X4 ft  sketch received the highest of recognition.”

The expression of Figures made with ink on paper is a black and white series which bagged in a silver medal by Bombay Art Society. Another sequence made on women received recognition by Lalit Kala Academy. The artwork awarded is of three women 4X3 ft .

“Most of my figurines show their back rather than the face, as in this aspect too I see and capture beauty. Furthermore, they depict the poise and grace present in women. The faces in my paintings don’t have a form, only outline..as I believe a human does not carry just a face; we all live in duality. Hence the face is left blank to retain innocence. Another important feature of the facial part is, it is lighted and is lighter than any other area in the canvas representing the ‘noor’ or light each of us has. In my human forms, I have made family and mother and child series.”

His nostalgia continued when he mentioned, “I had tagged my priceless creations as low as Rs.15/- in order to not sound too loud as an emerging artist. But to my surprise, the entire collection got sold before the opening at Jehangir Art gallery. Whenever I get so much love and affection for my creation, I feel humbled honored and always have tears of love & joy in my eyes.”

The base used is either paper or canvas and the artwork is made by oil paints, ink, acrylic or charcoal.

Born in Junagarh, he holds a special corner for the natural beauty of Gir forest, which too has been captured in his oil paintings. The detailing on the depth of trees have been beautifully captured in a small 4”X4” inch sketch.

The most captivating is his Bombay series, where from the sky scrapers, iconic structures like Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace etc he has transported the Tiffin or dabbawalas, both men and women in various formats. The fisherwomen, barber, hawker, and popular paan shops..

 Travelling back in time, Shri Solanki mentioned that he was invited to Jamshedpur by Tata Steel to create their 1991 calendar. He has travelled to various countries and captured images of New York, Paris, Bangalore etc on his canvas.

While on these stepping stones in his Golden journey, Vrindavan Solanki has begged in several National and International awards and recognition.

His best friends are his paintings as he is always with them, either making, talking or exhibiting the final forms. Chitro Tamara mitro... pictures are your friends, so capture the memories well!!