NAZM

The life trajectory of every artist is unique, their art evolves in a very distinct metaphysical realm. History has attempted to reflect on their art, giving various art ‘isms’, patterns to understand the evolution of art, which helps one understand bits and pieces of art practice but it is limited to the zeitgeist of time and space. A long association with art reveals that a bit can be understood, a lot more can be experienced, through aesthetical engagement. Art creation of an artist is the free expression of mind, a poem, a nazm; it has a form, and is yet as free spirited, romantic as the artist. This exhibition ‘nazm’ puts together the spirited romance of artist Nilesh Duberkar, bringing together the pearls of his creations in various mediums, photographs, drawings, paintings, prints and videos which weave together a beautiful jewel of his experiences. 

The artworks presented here are very personal, intimate. Being an extremely sensitive soul, Nilesh’s world view is highly empathetic. Nilesh’s work engages with internalized feelings evolving from immediate sensual experiences acting as metaphors. Nature inspires him, and is the core of his creations. Often it feels like he is engaging with nature to bring out the subtle delicacy of organic forms, coaxing us to observe its beauty intimately. It can be seen in the delicate rendering of the trees, or the subtle movements of hands in his videos. His works initiate us to see beyond the obvious, engage in the inherent, nascent beauty in nature; and then let nature have its course, experience natural beauty rather than altering it to fit into our structures. This probably comes from his own struggle into understanding his core nature, accepting it and trying to be conversant with his identity in the spectrum. 

His works often express what he does not vocalize, yet his works are not grief stricken, they are poetic; compositions that have rhythm, are ballads of words unsaid. His struggle with identity and gender, both within and outside, have resonance in the beautiful works presented in this exhibition, his poems…his nazm…..his unpronounced conversations. 

Nilesh completed his MVA in Graphics from Karnataka ChitraKala Parishat (CKP), Bangalore after his BVA from Bharti Vidyapeeth Pune and Diploma in painting from Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Nashik. His career took a turn when he engaged in graphic design as mainstream commercial engagement, while maintaining his art practice to his very personal expression. He currently works as a part of WONDOODY+ Infosys team. Along with managing the project portfolio and team, which in addition provides him a stage to mentor & navigate the next generation of designers to upskill themselves while working on the opportunities.