Vesavar Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with ‘Meraki’ — A Soulful Showcase of Art & Heritage
Pune, 30 May 2025: Meraki, an evocative art exhibition curated by Vesavar Art Gallery, showcases creativity, heritage, and emotional resonance. The exhibition features six exceptional artists — Yash Chawardol, Vikram Kulkarni, Shrikant Kadam, Santosh Shirsat, Rupesh Pawar, and Deepak Sonar — whose distinct voices converge in a shared devotion to soul-driven artistry. Together, their works embody the essence of Meraki, a word meaning to create with love, soul, and creativity.
Each participating artist illuminated their creative process. Yash Chawardol describes his artworks as “abstract journeys – built through emotion, exploration, and layers of colour and form,” explaining that he believes “painting exists in a space beyond language” and his “work asks you not to explain, but to feel.” He notes, “There is no fixed start or end – just the natural unfolding of thoughts and emotions on canvas.”
Vikram Kulkarni elaborated on his approach, stating, “Through my abstract works, I try to offer a sensory experience inviting viewers to simply enjoy the colours and forms. Over time, I’ve become more attuned to painting delicate abstract compositions, where thin lines interact with thick ones or blend into subtle colour patches.”
Shrikant Kadam shared his philosophy, asserting, “My work is not about replicating nature, but reflecting its essence through imagination. I strive to bring joy, divinity, and clarity into my canvases. Each painting is a journey of self-realization and emotional connection, a silent dialogue between me and the viewer.”
Santosh Shirsat spoke to the universal nature of his subject matter, remarking that the faces he depicts are not his own “nor that of a particular person or society – it is simply a human face. This face represents humanity, trying to express various emotions such as sadness, compassion, fear, anxiety, anger, and lust through its depiction.”
Rupesh Pawar emphasized the emotional core of his art, stating, “For me, art is a form of emotional expression. While realistic art can sometimes limit connection, abstraction offers me the freedom to fully express what’s inside.”
Finally, Deepak Sonar encapsulated the essence of his work by saying, “My art is an offering to that in-between space, where memory meets landscape, and silence speaks.” Adding to the evening’s significance was the presence of Nainesh Dahiwadkar, owner of Nanasaheb Wittul Shamsett Jewellers — a revered Pune-based brand with a legacy dating back to 1865. Representing the sixth generation of the family business, Mr. Dahiwadkar’s attendance underscored the event’s celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the seamless blend of tradition with contemporary artistry.
On completing this milestone, Kavita Bhandari, Founder at Vesavar said, “This celebration reflects not only the artistic passion we’ve nurtured over these years but also the incredible journey of growth and community-building. We are honored to showcase such heartfelt creativity that resonates deeply with Pune’s vibrant art scene.”
The gallery Co-founder, Pranali Harpude added, “This milestone reaffirms our commitment to creating a space where artists can express their soul and heritage freely. Partnering with these talented artists has brought new energy and perspective to Vesavar. We’re excited to continue this journey of fostering meaningful art experiences for our community.”
About Vesavar Art Gallery
Located in Pune Camp within a heritage building from 1926, Vesavar Art Gallery merges heritage aesthetics with contemporary art. Founded by Kavita Bhandari and Pranali Harpude, it serves as a vibrant platform for emerging and established artists, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage through diverse artistic expression.
