65th Lalit Kala Akademi Award presented in New Delhi to Mr. Ramesh Vitthal Thorat from Pune
At the 65th National Exhibition of Art held at the Ministry of Culture in New Delhi, the Lalit Kala Akademi Award was presented to Mr. Ramesh Vitthal Thorat from Pune. This award is considered one of the most prestigious honors in Indian contemporary visual arts. For the 65th National Exhibition of Art, 6,175 artworks were received from 2,495 artists across the country, out of which 270 artworks were selected for the exhibition. From these, 20 artworks were chosen for awards. The prize consists of ₹200,000 in cash, a memento, a certificate, and a shawl (angavastra). The Honorable Minister of Culture, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, was present as the chief guest for the ceremony. Ramesh Thorat has previously received numerous awards; his art exhibitions have been hosted both in India and abroad, and his paintings are part of various private and institutional collections.
Speaking of his paintings, his art creation is a process of years of intense discipline and dedication. What strongly stands out in his work is the texture of soil and sunlight, symbols of devotion, profound thought, and spiritual repetition. In this process, a spiritual effect is achieved through the patient layering of thoughts and colors. An outstanding painting naturally evolves into completion following traditional principles, inviting the viewer into a picturesque, mystical world. This journey offers immense satisfaction, soothing both the eyes and the mind. The artist grants every art enthusiast the freedom to uncover a unique conceptual perspective from the artwork; hence, his paintings are untitled.
The compositions reveal a central focal point, sprouts/germination, inner energy, and vibrant vibrations within the medium and texture. Rather than featuring a narrative or realistic subject matter, the paintings reflect emotional and spiritual transformations of the inner mind. It is from this spiritual seed that the wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha) of creative thought grows.
The sincere and traditional dedication embedded in this artistic creation bestows an experience of supreme bliss upon both the artist and the viewer.
— Nuril Bhosale
