To Russia With Art
Paintings by Manohar Desai, one of the sixty-eight calligraphy artists from twenty-six countries who had already contributed to the museum’s exposition, have found a new home at the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy, Moscow, Russia.
A resident of Model Colony and professor at Symbyosis Art College, Desai was the only Indian who participated in the International Exhibition of Calligraphy in Moscow held on December 9-15, 2008. His work was highly appreciated by the local audience.
Ten of his paintings were chosen for permanent display in the museum. Besides, three of his articles on calligraphy were also included in the museum documents.
Desai graduated from the Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya University, majoring in Commercial Art, devoting his time to honing his skills in calligraphy. He also completed his professional diploma in Line Art and Colour Study.
Manohar Desai mesmerized the Moscow audience with his calligraphy demonstrations.
Desai carved his own niche in the world of art in his unique style of composition by rendering calligraphy on canvas. Two of his exhibitions were held at Jehangir Art Gallery in 2000 and 2004.
In her email to the Pune Mirror Yelena Isayeva, coordinator of the International Exhibition of Calligraphy, wrote, “Desai is a representative of the country, which has ancient and prominent calligraphy schools and traditions. The works he presented at the exhibition demonstrate different styles and artistic manners and all of them are colourful and original. He is also a good teacher and actor. During the exhibition, we conducted improvised master-classes and presentations. Desai spoke common language and was very popular with professional calligraphers as well as with schoolchildren and people who saw calligraphic works for the first time in their lives. We are proud to have his works at the museum.”
Desai told the Pune Mirror that the International Exhibition of Calligraphy was timed to coincide with the opening of the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow.
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting and Desai’s works and performance at the Moscow International Exhibition of Calligraphy were most impressive and memorable. “The exhibition, which had representation from over 26 countries was inaugurated with my demonstration,” said the artist, whose skill and dexterity of brush-strokes on canvas amazed the local audience.
He said that, requests from countless art lovers following the live telecast of the inauguration programme on Russia’s top TV channels resulted in three more of his live demonstrations.
He added that his paintings depicting the famous rendering of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s shloka ‘Pasaydan’, and Sant Ramdass are among those kept at the museum.
Source: Pune Mirror newspaper