12 August,2011 09:31 AM IST | | Sheena Thomas
For an artist, he's rather unconventional. For one, his work is usually devoid of paint and second, he doesn't turn at all philosophical when he's discussing art. Vasant Wankhede who specialises in fabric collages is for the first and last time exhibiting a watercolour series at Gallery Art & Soul. Having announced his retirement from the industry, Wankhede talks to CS about his work in his ongoing art show Divya Leela:
The fabric trick
When I entered the industry, I noticed that no one was experimenting with different types of mediums. So I decided to work with fabrics instead of paint, and got my share of flak for it too. But now, for the first time, I've used watercolour on paper. I'm not doing this to prove a point to my critics. I'm doing this because my health is deteriorating and I find that this medium doesn't require as much energy and stamina. I've realised that people have a very short memory, and those who criticised me over 40 years ago for my fabric collages aren't around anymore. But it has been interesting to see people's reaction to my ongoing series.
u00a0
Brush rush
Frankly, I have enjoyed working with paint this time. For once, I'm not trying to convey a certain message through my art. So, since I don't feel the pressure, I'm able to paint for the sheer joy of it. I must say that it's been a very therapeutic experience. And that's why this show is called Divya Leela or Divine Play. When I would sit to paint, I wouldn't have a picture in mind or even a theme. I would just let the brush do what it wanted to. I hope people will enjoy my last show.
