Visual Notings, an exhibition of sketchbooks and graphic design works of Late Prof. Anant Kulkarni
Pune, 25th February 2025: The Pune Chapter of the Association of Designers of India (ADI), is thrilled to present ‘Visual Noting’s- The Unending Creativity of Late Prof. Anant Kulkarni’, a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary artist and designer whose brilliance has remained largely unsung. This specially curated and recreated exhibition will take place on 27th February from 4 pm to 7 pm and from 28th February to 2nd March from 10 am to 7 pm, at Pune Handmade Papers, Shivajinagar, Pune. Entry to the exhibition is free and open to all.
Prof. Kirti Trivedi, the curator, and recreator of this exhibition, is a celebrated design educator and consultant who will guide us through Prof. Kulkarni’s artistic explorations, which range from intricate typography to mesmerizing parametric variations. With decades of experience as a visiting distinguished professor at IIT Indore, a mentor at the Centre for Design Studies at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Technology in Indore, and a former professor at the Industrial
Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay, Prof. Trivedi’s insights will add depth and perspective to this showcase.
Visitors will experience big posters capturing the essence of Prof. Kulkarni’s work alongside his original sketchbooks, paintings, and reconstructed product designs on calendars, diaries, flipbooks, cups, plates, and even animation clips. These works are more than just exhibits; they tell the story of a designer who saw beauty and possibility in every form.
A graduate of Sir JJ School of Applied Art, Prof. Kulkarni dedicated 32 years to teaching and shaping young minds. His ability to create multiple perspectives on a single subject made his work both philosophical and visually captivating. His signature explorations of the alphabet and innovative typography will be a highlight of the exhibition.
Prof. Kulkarni’s work is both visually striking and deeply analytical, showcasing mastery in variation, perspective, and design. He had an exceptional ability to replicate the fluidity of pen strokes in his typography. He loved experimenting with alphabets, layering forms and colors, and embedding hidden imagery were among his favorite techniques. His work is both structured and expressive, reflecting the depth and complexity of his artistic vision.
Speaking about the exhibition, Prof. Kirti Trivedi said, “It is important that we recognize the need to celebrate and document our own creative legends. This exhibition is a step toward acknowledging and preserving the incredible talent that often goes unnoticed.”
Curated and recreated by Prof. Kirti Trivedi, with materials provided by Prof. Kulkarni’s son, Sameer Kulkarni, this showcase promises to be an inspiring journey into the creative process of a true design visionary. The exhibition will not just be a visual treat, but will also offer engaging conversations, deep insights, and an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
