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Photos K Ananthan

Intricate Shivaji M. Shet with his work

Growing up in a village in Goa, Shivaji Shet saw his mother and other women go through the daily grind without as much as a whimper. Then on, his respect for women grew, and today, they form the centre of his universe.

His exhibition of paintings and graphic prints, the fifth in the Kaleidoscope Series of Kasthuri Sreenivasan Trust, celebrates women. Be it the woman flush with love standing with her mate under a tree, an umbrella protecting them, or another waiting for her husband to arrive, Shivaji’s women go through various moods with grace.

Take his ‘womb’ series in graphic print. Shivaji looks at birth as more than just the result of a man-woman union; he says it is an act of nature, unseen, but controlled by something. What is that something? He explains that in ‘Creator’, another graphic print, where he portrays divine force working on a potter’s wheel, shaping a human being.

Graphic prints seem to be Shivaji’s forte. Of course, he does water colours, but the artist admits he is partial to prints. “Here, you can’t see how an image is turning out. You have to visualise it. This form teaches you patience.”

His fascination for art started early, when artist-teacher Kirtikumar Prabhu walked into his Class V room.

For five years, he guided him and other students, took them to competitions and kept the artistic fire alive in them. And, it paid off. Shivaji is thrilled that his ‘guru’ is happy with his progress. He is now pursuing a doctorate in graphic print.

The artist’s pen and ink works using stippling technique leave you spellbound. That so much light and shade effect has been achieved just by placing thousands of dots next to each other is amazing.

Among the pieces that captivate is one of a train compartment, inspired by the time when Shivaji would travel from Goa to Kolkata, where he was pursuing a Masters degree in Shantiniketan. He would sit on the top berth and sketch everyone, and come back with pictures of people caught at their casual best. Other works recreate traditions, religious motifs and folk dances of his hometown.

For a while, the artist worked as an illustrator with Indus Vista Editions, which brought out books on meditation and the like. That background is reflected in his works on meditation and yin and yang.

And, since Shivaji also teaches, he is able to explain his works, the techniques used and the difference between each one.

And, it matters, for his chosen field, graphic prints, is not just about artistic creativity; science plays such a vital role in it. Once you understand the technique, you appreciate it better.

The show is on at the Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery till April 6, from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. All the works are for sale, and range in price from Rs. 800 to Rs. 15,000. For details, call 2574110.

SUBHA J RAO

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