A vibrant, creative & emotional journey, Meraki, through world of abstract art

Time of India

26-05-2025

Pune: In a city softened by monsoon mist, an abstract art exhibition, titled Meraki, makes a perfectly timed entrance.
The group exhibition, which opened at Vesavar Art Gallery in Camp, offers visitors a vibrant and emotional journey through the world of abstract art.
Featuring the works of six contemporary artists — Yash Chawardol, Vikram Kulkarni, Shrikant Kadam, Santosh Shirsat, Rupesh Pawar, and Deepak Sonar —the show runs till July 6.
The word Meraki is a Greek word that describes doing something with love, soul, and creativity. That sentiment flows through each artwork on display, which rely more on feelings and emotions than defined forms and recognisable images. The show celebrates colour, movement, and mood.
Vikram Kulkarni, whose paintings explore subtle contrasts, said, "Through my abstract works, I have tried to offer a sensory experience inviting viewers to simply enjoy the colours and forms. Over time, I've become more attuned to painting delicate abstract compositions, where thin lines interact with thick ones or blend into subtle colour patches."
Shrikant Kadam's work, though non-representational, draws from the natural world.
"My work is not about replicating nature, but reflecting its essence through imagination," he said. "I strive to bring joy, divinity, and clarity into my canvases. Each painting is a journey of self-realisation and emotional connection, a silent dialogue between me and the viewer."
While many of the works are abstract in form, Santosh Shirsat brings in one familiar element, the human face. But even here, identity is blurred.
"The faces I depict are not my own nor that of a particular person or society. It is simply a human face that represents humanity, trying to express various emotions such as sadness, compassion, fear, anxiety, anger, and lust through its depiction," said Shirsat.
For Rupesh Pawar, abstraction provides the freedom to explore deep emotional themes. "For me, art is a form of emotional expression. While realistic art can sometimes limit connection, abstraction offers the freedom to fully express what's inside," he said.
Deepak Sonar's works blend memory and imagination. He describes his process as a personal offering. "My art is an offering to that in-between space, where memory meets landscape, and silence speaks," said Sonar.
Yash Chawardol's large, colourful canvases hold their own within the group, contributing to the overall energy and richness of the show.
At a time when much of the world is looking for clarity and meaning, Meraki reminds audiences that art doesn't always need to be understood; it simply needs to be felt. The show offers a space where viewers can slow down, look closely, and connect with their own inner responses.