Rajasthani artist, Gopal Swami Khetanchi, graduated with a Bachelor in Arts (Drawing and Painting) from Rajasthan University and has been working as a freelance artist for over the past 20 years. In this exhibition, ‘A tribute to the Masters’, Khetanchi paints and transforms figures from famous old European masters, into an Indian persona, changing various elements of the original paintings into an Indian social-cultural context. These are recreations of sorts, keeping in view the original works, yet charting his own course while painting with the aim of giving these old masters a new feel, and a new intent.

About Gopal Khetanchi

Gopal Swami Khetanchi, born on 2nd February 1958 hails from Rajasthan’s Sardarshaher, a remote town surrounded by sand dunes which carry nature’s special colors, tone and texture. His father, a teacher, was the first artistic influence in his life. A graduate in drawing and painting from Rajasthan University, Khetanchi had his brush with commercial art, ranging from being assistant art director for films like Muquadar ka Sikandar and Abdullah to doing commissioned pieces for RIMARI (Ritu Nanda’s company). He has been as a freelance artist since last 20 years. He was able to establish himself as a full time artist only recently, holding his first solo exhibition five years ago.

Khetanchi already has an established hand in very different style of paintings. His work has been through many phases and styles that include realistic, surrealistic and abstract art. Rural Rajasthani life has been the main influence on his works. He has painted village girls, men and women attired in rural costume and colours, in their habitats or workplaces, showcasing an indigenous knowledge about the art of painting and drawing, as well.

He has also learnt to draw and paint with modern techniques, norms and practices. He has a rare talent of absorbing and practicing the things in his own way, with whatever he has learnt naturally or with some effort, and thus expresses himself with certain confidence and involvement. His acumen, sense of realizing visual reality, in its physical dimensions, contours, his love for life and arts, and his innovative ways have helped him producing works to enchant the viewer.

His paintings with their gracious presence, and mesmerizing colours, and the colour-light in various shades or tones, are good enough to make one aware that one is in front of works, which are not only capable of drawing our attention but are also a veritable feast for the eyes.

His works have been processed through human sensibility the way he saw his own role as an artist. It has been a long and eventful journey of discovery and stylistic flitting, almost like a butterfly. His conviction to use his freedom on canvas separates him from many of his contemporaries.

Exhibition Schedule

21 - 25 October 2008, 11am - 7pm
M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
4A Castletown Road
London W14 9HE
Tel: 020 7381 3086
www.bhavan.net

26 October - 1 November 2008, 11am - 7pm
La Galleria Pall Mall
30 Royal Opera Arcade
London SW1Y 4UY
Tel: 020 7930 8069

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