Art is a medium to look within not just earn money, says noted artist Prabhakar Kolte

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Noted abstract artist Prabhakar Kolte who has been creating masterpieces on paper and canvas in acrylics and oils for over five decades now is now holding a solo exhibition of his works in Delhi. The show titled The Mind’s Eye: a seminal exhibition of Prabhakar Kolte, is being held at Treasure Art Gallery in Defence Colony as their launch show. On view are the artist’s 70 stellar works of the past 10 years; many of these are from the last year.
Curated by Uma Nair, the exhibition has his works on canvas and paper besides three intriguing installations that amply show his creativity. The two-month-long show will give ample art lovers and students of art have ample opportunity to discover this great master from Mumbai. Here the artist tells us more about his muse:

Tell us a little more about The Mind’s Eye?
The show unveils my journey of abstraction after 15 years in the Capital. The seminal exhibition includes the portraits and still life works made during the early stages of my career, the paintings made during the formative years and as well as my most recent works created during the last 10 years. The works are in diverse mediums, including mixed media on paper and canvas, acrylics on paper and canvas and oils on board along with three installations.

Showcasing in Delhi after 15 years, how do you feel?
Very happy. In Mumbai, I have showcased with many galleries during these years. Delhi is the Capital of our nation and a cultural hub, and it’s good to have a show here.
When Paresh Makwana from Treasure Art gallery came to me saying that they want to start a new gallery displaying my works in Delhi, I didn’t agree initially. I inquired with Tina Chandorji and Paresh Makwana, the directors of the Gallery, about their interests and vision for the new venture.
I also came here to see the space and I realised that they are really serious about this project. I find their idea of putting a screen outside the gallery quite innovative and interesting. Also, this is happening for the first time in our country. Thus, I agreed to be a part of their project.

Do you think it is a good idea to start physical shows considering the pandemic?
We are all in the new normal today having faced a lot during this time. But I do believe that art and culture has always found way of raising spirits and becoming a backbone of society through difficult times. Besides that, all the staff and employees have been taking necessary measures. The decision to open the show was a well thought out process by the organisers, seeing that situation is in control and many galleries are coming up with new events and openings.

Did you hold any online show last year or this? How has been your experience?
No, I have not held any online show. I utilised the time of the lockdown in creating and contemplating.

An advice you would like to give to upcoming artists.
I have been involved in teaching for more than 25 years. I realised that most of the students today are very eager to get fame, money and establishment rather than getting involved with their work. My master taught me that we need to find and look within us which is not happening today. Art is not just for earning money, it is also a medium to look within yourself to discover the true love, honesty and joy.
My suggestion to the youngsters is to discover the true joy and love by involving with their practice and not just in selling. It purifies your thoughts and soul; it gives you something which is not outside, it is within. You have to discover that true love, honesty and joy which is within you only. If they understand this then their entire art flagon will come into real focus. That is not what is happening nowadays. People are busy painting and trying to sell them. I think they should concentrate on their aspirations and motivations by involving with the medium, material and the process.

The show is on view till December 10