‘Intersections and Interventions’: Exploring the Artistic Dialogue of Prabhakar Barwe and Paul Klee

February 13, 2024

The soft launch of ‘Intersections & Interventions | Prabhakar Barwe & Paul Klee’ at Zapurza Museum, Pune, on 14^th February, 2024, initiates a two-year exploratory project on the artistic legacies of Barwe and Klee. Curated by Raju Sutar and Mira Hirtz, the project aims to foster a dynamic dialogue and inspire creativity.

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Art is a conversation across time and space, a language that transcends boundaries and speaks to the depths of the human experience. On 14^th of February 2024, the Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture, Pune is hosting the soft launch of an ambitious project titled ‘Intersections & Interventions | Prabhakar Barwe & Paul Klee’. The project is jointly curated by Raju Sutar (Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture) and Mira Hirtz (Independent German Curator). This event marks the beginning of a two-year journey delving into the artistic legacies of two globally renowned artists, Prabhakar Barwe and Paul Klee.

The soft launch event, scheduled for 11:30 am on 14^th February at the Zapurza Museum, will serve as a preview for the upcoming extensive action agenda of research, public events, publications, and a grand exhibition that will unfold over the next two years. This collaborative endeavor brings together three institutions viz. Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture, the Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan Pune, and the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern, Switzerland towards creating a shared vision. Through this partnership, the project aims to foster a dynamic dialogue between two distinct yet interconnected artistic practices. During the event, the organizers will be sharing the idea of this aspirational project which will unfold in an extensive program of research, guided tours, workshops, public events, publications and an exhibition in the coming two years. One of the highlights of the soft launch event is the presence of Marianne Keller Tschirren, the Head of the Archive, Library, and Research Department at the Zentrum Paul Klee. Her expertise and insights will provide invaluable context for understanding Klee’s oeuvre and his enduring influence on modern art.

In an exclusive interaction with Chinha Art News, Artist and Curator Raju Sutar threw light on the origin of the core concept of this project. As early as 1991 he realized the close connection between the works and philosophies of Prabhakar Barwe and Paul Klee even though the two artists never met each other. Sutar found himself wondering what if Barwe and Klee had met each other. He developed this germ of thought into the concept of this project which creates several opportunities to bring together the key pedagogical ideas, philosophies, and practices of both the artists. Speaking about the project, Sutar mentioned that the idea is to create a confluence of opportunities for every stakeholder – artists, art students, researchers, and art enthusiasts – to explore, to research, get inspired and learn from and about Barwe and Klee in a comprehensive way. This one-of-a-kind collaborative two-year project is thus poised to create a wave of excitement amongst young artists and the art community at large.

At the heart of ‘Intersections & Interventions’ lies the exploration of the artistic and pedagogical ideas of Prabhakar Barwe and Paul Klee. Both artists have left an indelible mark on the world of art, each contributing a unique perspective shaped by their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and philosophical outlooks. By bringing their works into conversation, the project seeks to uncover the resonances, parallels, and divergences that emerge between these two creative minds.

Prabhakar Barwe, known for his introspective explorations of the self and the cosmos, imbued his paintings with a sense of mysticism and symbolism. His intricate compositions invite viewers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. In contrast, Paul Klee approached art as a form of visual poetry, blending abstraction with elements of surrealism and expressionism. His playful use of color and form reflects a deep engagement with the subconscious and the imaginative realms of the mind.

This soft launch heralds the beginning of an enriching journey into the heart of artistic expression. The organizers invite art community to join, as they embark on this exhilarating exploration of creativity and connection.