Umakant Kanade

The mesmerizing works of artist Umakant Kanade lead the viewer on to a journey in what appears to be a parallel universe. The beauty of this universe is its apparent lack of vibrant colours. However, on taking a closer look, one is able to find a singular sharp depiction in a shot of colour in this monochromatic world of Umakant Kanade.

The visual language that the artist uses draws within itself discrete narratives of Nature. The quiet unspoken conversations between stones, ones that endure the rampage of the seasons and the violence of mankind, these seemingly passive objects, speak volumes to the artist. The listener is keen and the stones and boulders would narrate their memories and experiences of their lives openly, if only one would listen.

Then there are the seemingly twittering chirping conversations of birds and mother and child, hinted at in the vocabulary of nature's very own mother tongue.

The monochromatic suddenly enlivens up and the trees swoon in sing song. One could also glean the environmental issues which alienate and isolate these feathered friends from their natural habitat into remote concrete enclosures, depriving them of their own living. Nests and birds hint at this aspect in Umakant's works. The numerous connotations of the elements of nature that Umakant employs as metaphors, sets the interpretative versatility of the works.

Talking about his work, Umakant says, 'I have tried to explain my approach to life through these drawings. When I look at pebbles and boulders, I think of tolerance, patience strength to weather all storms. I think even the most rustic of boulders depict sensitivity and are important part of life. Likewise, my series on birds, nests, indicate varied perceptions from motherly love to the struggle of birds to survive in today's concrete world.'

The ability of converting a colourful image into a monochrome image, with distinct tonal values, is what Umakant Kanade excels at. This ability has seen the artist work as calligrapher on numerous occasions with renowned publishers, creating works in ink.

When one observes the nuances and intricate drawings and illustrative quality of Umakant's work, you get enchanted and walk into this timeless era of beauty and grace.