Ram Keote passes away

Mumbai – The art world mourns the loss of Ram Keote, a critically acclaimed artist, who passed away on July 7th, 2023, due to old age. Born on September 24th, 1932, in the village of Rani Amaravati, Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, Keote leaves behind a lasting legacy in the realm of art.

Keote’s artistic journey began when he graduated with distinction in Fine Art from Sir J.J. School of Art in 1956. His talent and dedication were soon recognized as he was appointed as a Fellow for the year 1956-57. In 1959, he joined the Weavers’ Service Centre in Chennai, where he worked on various posts of responsibility for an impressive thirty-one years.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ram Keote garnered numerous accolades and held esteemed positions within the artistic community. As a testament to his unwavering dedication, he served as a Life Member of the Bombay Art Society and an ex-member of the Maharashtra State Art Council. Keote also graced the panel of examiners for Higher Art Examinations.

In recognition of his artistic prowess, Keote was awarded a prestigious United Nations Fellowship to study at the Philadelphia College of Art in the USA from 1965 to 1966. During this period, he toured the USA and several countries in Europe, immersing himself in the study of fashion trends and visiting renowned museums, galleries, and artists.

Throughout his career, Keote’s works captivated audiences both in India and around the world. His art was showcased at various galleries, leaving an everlasting impression on art enthusiasts. Notably, his painting is currently on display at the Maharaja’s Treasure Exhibition held at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Mumbai.

It is worth mentioning that Ram Keote was a colleague of the esteemed artist Prabhakar Barawe at the Weavers’ Service Centre. Keote’s profound admiration for Barwe’s creative genius led him to contribute a poignant and insightful article about the maestro in Chinha’s forthcoming book. The book, set to be published soon, aims to shed light on Barawe’s remarkable artistic journey, with Keote’s insightful perspective enriching its content.

Ram Keote’s demise is mourned by the artistic community and those who admired his immense talent. His contributions to the world of art and his commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage will forever be remembered.

Chinha Art News pays tribute to this accomplished Artist.

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