Empowering Indian Artists:The Vision of Shree Chandulal Nanavati Women’s Institute and Girls High School Trust

In a world where opportunities often seem out of reach for many, the Shree Chandulal Nanavati Women’s Institute and Girls High School Trust stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. For years, the Trust has been dedicated to providing quality education to deserving girls, transcending barriers of socio-economic status and community. Now, taking another bold step forward, the Trust is embarking on an art movement aimed at empowering artists across India, starting with a groundbreaking exhibition at the prestigious Jahangir Art Gallery. 

The priority of the Trust is women’s education and empowerment. The Trust gives aid to the needy student without  considering religion, caste or creed, and has already made a significant impact, with over 2300 girl collegians and over 900 school-going girls, with those needy benefiting from scholarships that have opened doors to a brighter future. However, the vision extends beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the transformative power of art, the Trust aims to create opportunities for aspiring artists to showcase their talent, amplify their voices, and carve out a space for themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Indian artistry.

The Trust’s upcoming exhibition at the Jahangir Art Gallery by artists Kaanchan Mahante, Gautam Patole, Kailas Kale, Deepali Sarde, sculptors Ratan Krishna Saha and Jaysing Damodare

 represents a pivotal moment in this journey. It will not only be a showcase of artistic prowess but also a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the spirit of empowerment. By providing a platform for emerging artists to exhibit their work in a renowned venue, the trust seeks to break down barriers and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.

Says Shachiin Nanavati, Trustee, Shree Chandulal Nanavati Women’s Institute and Girls  High School Trust, “This movement is not just about showcasing art; it’s about catalyzing change and making a tangible difference in the lives of artists across India. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, the Trust aims to equip artists with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in a competitive industry.”

At its core, this movement embodies the values of equality, opportunity, and empowerment that lie at the heart of the Trust’s mission. By empowering artists from diverse backgrounds and communities, the Trust hopes to catalyze a ripple effect that will resonate far beyond the confines of the art world, inspiring individuals to pursue their passions, challenge conventions, and create a more inclusive society.

As we look towards the future, the Shree Chandulal Nanavati Women’s Institute and Girls High School Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and empowering individuals to realize their full potential. Through initiatives like the art movement, it continues to be a driving force for positive change, shaping a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.

The artists:

Kaanchan Mahante: Kaanchan Mahante, a first-generation self-taught artist, has carved a distinct niche in the art world over the past 19 years. With nearly 60 exhibitions under her belt, her journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. Specializing in NIB Painting, Kanchan’s artistry shines through her unique interpretation of Buddha’s essence, utilizing acrylic colors on canvas, a departure from the conventional methods employed by her peers.

In her quest for innovation, Kanchan has recently unveiled a new painting style, captivating audiences with her portrayal of the multifaceted journey of womanhood. Through her art, she intricately weaves narratives of devotion, sacrifice, love, and empowerment, culminating in a profound exploration of the female experience. Her latest masterpiece, featuring the transformative journey of a woman alongside a male counterpart, embodies the essence of femininity and the profound impact of partnership. With a steadfast commitment to sharing her distinctive expertise, Kanchan endeavors to bring the beauty of NIB Painting to a wider audience, inviting viewers to not only admire but also deeply appreciate her artistry.

Gautam Patole: Gautam Patole, hailed as the “Master of Mediums” and India’s foremost charcoal artist, embodies a multifaceted artistic journey. Beginning his career as a photo-journalist for prominent magazines in India and abroad, Patole’s creative spirit ventured beyond the lens into the realm of painting. Exploring diverse mediums including oil on canvas, acrylics, and ceramics, his artistic evolution showcased a relentless pursuit of innovation and expression.

Based in Mumbai, India, Patole’s artistic endeavors transcend conventional boundaries, as evidenced by his establishment of a gallery dedicated to nurturing emerging talents across India. Through his platform, www.artdesh.com, he fosters a vibrant community of artists while championing artistic diversity and experimentation. Currently, Patole channels his artistic prowess into charcoal, a medium that captivates with its depth and evocative power, both on paper and canvas. His mastery of charcoal unveils a rich tapestry of emotions, inviting viewers into a world where each stroke narrates a profound story of human experience and introspection.

Kailash Uttam.Kale:

Kailash Uttam Kale, a versatile artist hailing from Maharashtra, embodies a profound dedication to his craft. His artistic journey begins with an academic pursuit, delving into the depths of subjects through extensive reading before translating his insights onto canvas with a brush. Focused on themes such as Shiva, Shivattva, and Rudraksha, Kale’s abstract renditions infuse traditional elements with a unique contemporary twist. Standing before his creations, one experiences a tranquil, meditative essence radiating from the depths of his compositions, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the emotional tapestry woven within his abstract works. Through his art, Kailash Uttam Kale offers a glimpse into the rich reservoir of feelings and emotions that flow within the realm of abstraction.

Deepali Sarde: Deepali Sarde, a prolific artist born in 1990, has established herself as a prominent figure in the art world through her evocative portrayals of female life. With a rich artistic journey that began in her childhood and formal training from Sunita Chitrakla Mahavidyalaya Shrirampur, Deepali has honed her skills over nine years of professional painting. Her oeuvre is a testament to her commitment to capturing the diverse experiences of women, from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood.

Throughout her career, Deepali has showcased her work in five solo exhibitions and participated in 18 group exhibitions, showcasing her talent to a wide audience. Her contributions extend beyond the canvas, as she actively engages in charity shows, using her art as a means to uplift and inspire. Deepali’s dedication has earned her recognition in the form of awards and accolades, while her art continues to resonate with collectors both nationally and internationally. With each stroke of her brush, Deepali invites viewers to contemplate the essence of femininity and the myriad emotions that define the female experience, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.

Ratan Krishna Saha: Born in 1964, Midnapore (West Bengal), Ratan Saha received his Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from the Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata in 1985 and his Masters in Creative sculpture, from the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S.U., Baroda in 1993. Saha has received the West Bengal State Award in 1985, the National Scholarship Human Resource Development, New Delhi, for the years 1990-1992 and the Lalit Kala Akademi Research Scholar Regional Centre, Chennai for the year 1993-94. He has had solo exhibitions of his works at the Jehangir Art Gallery 1996, Taj Art Gallery, 1998. He has also participated in several group shows. He has also received National Award from President on 4th March 2020.

Jaysing Damodare: 

Jaysing Damodare is an enigmatic artist whose work transcends the boundaries of conventional artistry. With a deep reverence for the unseen forces that shape our world, Jaysing delves into the essence of energy and form, exploring the interplay between symmetry and reactive forces. Over the course of 12 years, his artistic evolution has been a captivating journey, oscillating between the realms of abstraction and figuration with a fluidity that reflects the dynamic nature of existence. In Jaysing’s art, the formless finds expression through meticulous symmetry, offering glimpses into the intricate balance of active and inert poles that govern the universe. Each stroke of his brush or line drawn is a testament to the inherent presence of form within the formless, a paradoxical dance between presence and absence that mesmerizes viewers. Through his immersive creations, Jaysing invites audiences to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the profound interconnectedness of all things, leaving an indelible impression on those who encounter his transcendent vision.