Nature of Nostalgic Delights

Dhapa’s work reflects the socio-political landscape of his hometown, shaped by his upbringing in a multi-religious community where harmony and interdependence thrived. His paintings are a pursuit of truth, using miniaturist imagery to amplify childhood memories and weave together space, time, and events. The floral carpet design in his art symbolises both the land and beautiful relationships, while scenes from Mughal and Pahadi miniatures populate his canvases, depicting acts of affection, dependency, and societal relevance. Dhapa encourages viewers to uncover the “treasures of thought” within his work, inviting them to experience the harmony of his formative years in Navivasi. Blending tradition with surrealism, Dhapa creates a world where reality is fluid.

Bhishnurkar’s work captures a moment of playful defiance, offering a glimpse into unspoken desires that transcend age and background. Set against a traditional regional backdrop, it becomes an exploration of self-expression and personal freedom, while celebrating the vibrant culture from which it draws inspiration. The figure, adorned in cultural attire, gently challenges societal norms with humour and quiet confidence. Subtle details—from softened wrinkles to carefully chosen accessories—enrich the narrative, weaving together a story that embodies a universal yearning for joy and fulfilment. A symbolic object, serving as a vessel of personal choice, introduces a note of whimsy and invites viewers to reconsider their own perceptions, embracing the multifaceted nature of human experience. The work builds a bridge between past and present: balancing cherished memories with imagined possibilities, and creating harmony between tradition and modernity. At its core, it is a celebration of the individual’s right to shape their own narrative—with a gentle nudge and a smile. The process begins with attentive observation, identifying gestures and objects that connect history with contemporary life. From these observations, the story takes shape. The form is first modelled in clay, then translated into wax, and ultimately cast in brass or bronze—transforming an initial vision into a permanent work of art.

Kapadiya’s watercolours elevate the ordinary to the divine. With brushstrokes on rice paper, he transforms everyday figures like vegetable sellers and labourers into icons. His painting of a man in a banana plantation celebrates the deep connection between humanity and the earth. Kapadiya’s work reflects on rural life, infusing objects such as baskets and lotus buds with meaning. The repetition of simple forms, such as jute bags and bamboo baskets, creates a meditative atmosphere. Through soft watercolours and vintage layers, he honours the beauty of everyday life. His subjects—small business owners and labourers—are portrayed in intimate connection with their wares, where the objects themselves are as significant as the people. Kapadiya’s work subtly conveys the traces of presence left in absence, capturing both the human form and the objects that define their lives.

Luminous wing: In this painting, I have shown that an angel has come to this world with a bright wing with which she wants to show new hope and the right path to people with positivity.
Little bird: A poetic meeting between a bird and a girl is often depicted as a bridge between two worlds: the grounded human experience and the boundless freedom of the sky. This encounter is rarely just physical; it is a shared moment of recognition where speech is replaced by song, and curiosity becomes a shared language.