‘Beyond the Canvas’– Unveils the Artistic Odyssey of Govind Madhav Solegaonkar

‘Beyond the Canvas’ by Dr Renuka Parmar is a poignant exploration of the life of Indian Master Artist Govind Madhav Solegaonkar. Through 32 fascinating chapters, the narrative seamlessly weaves together Solegaonkar’s artistic legacy and his granddaughter’s quest for meaning in art. This biographical book, enriched by Solegaonkar’s own quotes and paintings, presents a captivating life journey of this Indian Master Artist.

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‘Beyond the Canvas – The Life of Govind Solegaonkar’ a biographical account penned by Dr Renuka Parmar, unveils the profound life story of the eminent Indian Master Artist, Govind Madhav Solegaonkar (1912 – 1986). This narrative, presented through the lens of Solegaonkar’s youngest granddaughter, Dr Renuka Parmar herself – a doctor and an artist, is a poignant exploration into the realms of art, passion, and self-discovery.

The book takes readers on an enthralling journey through 32 meticulously crafted chapters, each offering a kaleidoscopic view into different facets of Solegaonkar’s life. As the President of the Indian Art Society and an alumnus of the prestigious J J School of Art, Solegaonkar’s artistic legacy is one of immense significance in the annals of Indian Art. Dr Renuka Parmar, having known her grandfather only through his artistic creations, embarks on a quest to unravel the enigma behind the canvas.

The narrative is structured with an artful blend of chronological storytelling and thematic exploration. The chapters, each titled thoughtfully, guide the reader through various epochs of Solegaonkar’s life. From ‘The retrospective’ that serves as a captivating prologue to ‘Dada and I’, providing a glimpse into the artist’s twilight years, the chapters form a seamless tapestry of Solegaonkar’s journey, his influences, struggles, and triumphs.

Author has been successful in re-creating the real life incidents in picturesque details as the writing is based on the diaries written by Govind Solegaonkar as well as by author’s grandmother (Solegaonkar’s wife) Radharani Solegaonkar and is aptly supplemented with ample photographs and documents which help the reader to revisit the eras in the life of Govind Solegaonkar.

The author’s dedication of the book to ‘the pursuit of art’ sets the tone for the narrative, highlighting the underlying theme of Solegaonkar’s relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. This dedication becomes a compass for Dr Renuka as she seeks answers to existential questions about the nature of art, creativity, and the essence of being an artist.

The book incorporates Solegaonkar’s own words and quotes, providing readers with an intimate insight into his philosophy. A quote by Solegaonkar resonates throughout the narrative, encapsulating the essence of his artistic ethos: “An artist does not produce the visible, he renders things visible.” This profound statement becomes a guiding principle for both the artist and his granddaughter on their respective journeys.

The foreword by Prof Gauri Kshirsagar adds an extra layer of credibility to the book. As an educator and author, Kshirsagar’s insights contextualize the significance of Solegaonkar’s contribution to Indian art, framing the narrative within the broader cultural and artistic landscape.

Dr Renuka Parmar’s writing is evocative and deeply personal. Her dual identity as a medical professional and an artist lends a unique perspective to the narrative, weaving together the threads of art and science. The chapters such as those titled ‘Art and I’ and ‘Musings of a granddaughter’, offer a glimpse into Renuka’s own artistic evolution, seamlessly intertwined with her exploration of her grandfather’s legacy.

‘Beyond the Canvas’ is not merely a biography; it is an introspective journey into the soul of an artist and his family. It invites readers to contemplate the intricate interplay between life and art, providing a canvas where the past and present converge. Dr Renuka Parmar has masterfully painted a portrait of her grandfather’s life, inviting readers to traverse the labyrinth of artistic passion and discover the profound meaning that lies ‘Beyond the Canvas’.

‘Beyond the Canvas – The Life of Govind Solegaonkar’

Author: Dr Renuka Parmar

Foreword by: Prof Gauri Kshirsagar – Educator and Author

Publisher: Notionpress (www.notionpress.com)