Hafele TFOD Profile Of The Week: Artist Pravin Gangurde

Art is expression; art is a culmination of thoughts and ideas. Whatever the art-form, whether visual or performing, the artist is passionately involved with the craft and his/her creation or rendition. In the visual arts particularly, one often sees an underlying continuity of thought across all or most of his/her work. This is because the thought or the idea or the emotion that needs to be expressed is an ever-evolving one and the artist tries to capture several aspects of the idea in his creations. Therefore very often we see a ‘series’ of works from an artist that explore the same core issue. 

Pravin Gangurde, a Mumbai-based artist fits that mould perfectly. Whether experimenting with the medium, or the size of the canvas, or the subject – Pravin’s portfolio reflects a strong serialism. The multiple renderings of the Buddha also can be identified as parts of separate series – easily differentiated by colour, or format.

Tantra, Mantra and Yantra are the three spiritual concepts in Hinduism – which often manifest in artists’ works.  This being the theme of  Gangurde’s current exhibition at The Leela – sees the artist’s expressions in varying geometrical compositions in black, red and white. Tantra is an ideology that encompasses “techniques for expanding your consciousness”.  Mantra is the chants that relate to your inner rhythm, your vibrations; while Yantra is a mystical diagram, supposed to possess occult powers. Traditionally such symbols are used in Hindu mysticism to balance the mind or focus it on spiritual concepts. The mantras, Sanskrit syllables inscribed on yantras, are essentially "thought forms" representing divinities or cosmic powers, which exert their influence by means of sound-vibrations.

In these spiritual diagrams, every form has a different connotation. Colours too have their deeper psychological significance. And the syncronicity of the forms and colours creates impactful art. On deeper meditation, the artist's own thoughts and emotions reach the viewer through his art. 

While of course, a live exhibition is a matter of great pride and honour for an artist, the creation of a virtual platform allows them to have a 24/7 online display gallery! The intent of TFOD, was primarily to provide that opportunity and encourage talented people to showcase their creativity - and reach a global audience! Therefore, all artists are welcome to create their own Profiles on TFOD - The Future Of Design!

TFOD is all about the celebration of art, architecture and design; and it is heartwarming to see the abundance of talent all around! Here's wishing artist Pravin Gangurde luck and success in times ahead.