Artist Somnath Bothe
Somnath Bothe born in 1982 in Paithan, District - Aurangabad, Maharashtra & working in Pune, Maharashtra as an artist of tremendous talent. He obtained Diploma in Art from Mumbai University (Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune). He has received Gold Medal, Royal Academy, National Level, Gulbarga, Karnataka; Gold Medal, National College Student “Varnika Manav Sanket”, Ujjain & Silver Medal, National College Student “Kalawart Nyas”, Ujjain also.
His journey in the art field began with landscapes and portraits. He started thinking about the sensitivity and intent of the paintings… As his entire childhood was spent in the village, a very close relationship with the village.
“A deep-rooted respect for ‘nature’ and ‘humility’ is the inspiration for my paintings”, says Somnath. Then education and living in city life created new sensitivities and understandings… the blend of these different environments and cultures indirectly flowed in his painting… His paintings are colorful, vibrant, nostalgic at times, and sheer conversational pieces. Subdued and quiet by nature paintings is his language.
Somnath has his way of showing his creations. His color schemes are modern and flashy but are intentional, reminding us of the importance of historical places. The fusion of the rainy season and historical places in cities and villages constitute the subjects of his paintings. Painting is not just a technique, and it has become a medium of expression for him.
Somnath Bothe's creations represent a beautiful blend of varied geographies and cultures. The subjects of his works are the passion for cherishing humanity, love, affection, and the fusion of village and city life, and folk human figures find a central place in most of his artworks.
Artist Somnath Bothe's Statement on the “SADHU” series :
When I was in Banaras to study Banaras ghat& history, while roaming, I went through multiple kinds of Sadhus on Banaras ghat& surroundings. The colorful attire, different lifestyle & uniqueness of each Sadhu inspired me to continue my Banaras ghat series to Banaras Sadhu paintings.
‘Sadhu’ is a Hindu ascetic who has let go of all attachments to society in pursuit of "Moksha" or total liberation from ignorance & desires. These ascetics occupy a peculiar position in Indian society.
They live a monastic life, dressing in shades of orange, red, and saffron, maintaining hair in ‘Jatas’ or dreadlocks, etc. They decorate themselves with multiple vibrant colors in their daily routine through clothes, flowers, and places & it made me attracted to starting a new subject.
Sadhus seem more exceptional to the common man due to their long meditation &sadhanas, which create ‘Aura’ around their face & one can see and feel it for a moment. Keeping in mind the Aura of Sadhus, I have started creating my textural quality in vibrant colors as a new creation.
In my earlier Banaras ghat series paintings, ghat was the heart of painting & Sadhus was diffused. Now I have started exploring Sadhus with their colorful lifestyle in abstraction forms, different textural quality, vibrant colors& foggy effects on the beard.
While deep-diving into ancient Indian culture & holy ghat study, Sadhus took me on different platforms of creation.
My art seamlessly synchronizes my thoughts, and emotions and resonates on the canvas. I rendered it in a bold & vibrant palette. This ongoing journey from Banaras ghat to Sadhu is so peaceful & divine.
Somnath's works have been exhibited in India as well as in international galleries.
