Writing about a reserved and humble individual can be a difficult task, especially when they are as modest as MR Deshmukh. “I don’t think there is anything special in what I have done; there are far greater artists than me,” he humbly states. “Besides, I feel my paintings convey whatever I want to say. Painting is a language in which form and colour speak to viewers. There is not much I can add to that.”
At 80, this artist from Kolhapur is showcasing 30 of his works in Bengaluru, almost all of which were created over the past two years. This staggering achievement is testament to his dedication, creativity, and the vibrant essence of his artistic vision.
MR Deshmukh’s solo exhibition, aptly titled Vivid Impressions, is a visual ode to memories and scenes that seem both vividly real and dreamily distant. The exhibition features landscapes and figures that capture the essence of India’s diversity. The landscapes evoke images of the country as seen from a railway carriage or quiet avenues observed by someone leisurely sitting in a café.
Moreover, the collection also includes portrayals of women in various everyday situations, including sewing, resting, carrying infants, laboring in the fields, and interacting with one another. These portrayals celebrate the quintessential Indian woman in her many forms. Particularly captivating are his canvases featuring little birds perched on or outside windowsills, evoking a sense of nostalgia and memories of a more innocent, sunlit era.
Born in Satara, Maharashtra, Deshmukh’s artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by his early experiences with the natural beauty surrounding the Krishna and Koyna rivers. “I spent my schooldays wandering between these rivers and later came to Kolhapur for my college education. Memories of the natural beauty I reveled in during those days are reflected in my work to a great extent,” he reminisces.
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Deshmukh acknowledges the significant impact the Shri Bhavani Museum in Satara had on his artistic development. Frequently visiting this institution during his youth, he was deeply impressed by its remarkable collection of works by both Indian and Western masters. Founded in 1938 by Shri Bhawanrao Pantapratinidhi, the last ruler of Aundh, the museum’s treasures were pivotal in shaping Deshmukh’s artistic language.
Deshmukh’s artistry has also been molded by numerous other influences. He refined his skills by visiting museums and galleries, reading art books, and attending art school, just as human communication is enriched through social gatherings and diverse interactions. His mentors have played a crucial role in his development, particularly Ravindra Mistry, a master painter and sculptor, who guided Deshmukh during his time at Kalaniketan Mahavidyalay in Kolhapur.
Deshmukh holds in high regard some of the most celebrated names in the art world, such as SH Raza, Baburao Sadwelkar, Alfred Sisley, Claude Monet, and Rodin, all of whom have impacted his approach to art. His recent works, executed using oils on paper and canvas, exhibit a remarkable level of detail, skill, and emotional depth.
Presented by Artenblu, Vivid Impressions will be on display at the MKF Museum of Art in Bengaluru until June 29, 2024. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for art lovers to immerse themselves in the vibrant yet nuanced world of MR Deshmukh’s paintings.
Deshmukh’s humility, despite his extraordinary talent and extensive body of work, is truly inspiring. His paintings, enriched by decades of experience and a deep connection to both nature and human elements, have a profound ability to communicate without the need for additional commentary. As he aptly puts it, “Painting is a language in which form and colour speak to viewers.”
Art enthusiasts in Bengaluru are in for a treat with Vivid Impressions, where every stroke of Deshmukh’s brush invites viewers to embark on a journey through vividly remembered memories and long-forgotten travels. For anyone with an appreciation for art that transcends both time and space, this exhibition is a must-visit.
