Mangal Prabhat Lodha inauguratnature artes Artist Kiran Kumbhar’s show Perception of Nature

Nature is not merely a muse for artist Kiran Kumbhar… it is a presence that has shaped his artistic evolution and personal growth. From the lush landscapes of the Sahyadri Hills, where he spent his childhood, to the vast artistic terrains he now explores, nature has been both his guide and his canvas. Kiran Kumbhar’s latest exhibition, Perception of Nature, is currently on view at the prestigious Hirji Jehangir Art Gallery until 9th March 2025. The show was inaugurated by Mangal Prabhat Lodha – Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in the presence of esteemed guests including art collector Ajaykaant Ruia, gallerist Sunil Chauhan, Vinayak Sankpal, and artists Dilip Mali and Sharvari Mali, among others.

Kumbhar’s current exhibition showcases over 45 oil and acrylic abstract paintings, created over the past two to three years – each piece a visual symphony of his lived experience.

Having transitioned from realism to abstraction, Kumbhar’s journey has been one of introspection and transformation. “It was a natural progression from realistic to abstract,” the artist informs. The Covid lockdown years served as a turning point – immersed in the hills and plateaus of his native Undale village in Maharashtra hinterlands, he observed the intricate textures of leaves, the ephemeral glow of changing seasons, the rhythmic patterns of waterfalls, and the silent strength of rocks and trees. These encounters with the raw, untamed beauty of nature form the foundation of his current body of work. The blend of colour, texture, and form captures the spirit of nature instead of depicting it literally, creating an immersive experience for the viewers.

Kumbhar’s artistic influences stem also from his explorations of Hampi, Badami, Khajuraho, Bhimbetka, and Dajipur Sanctuary, among others. He sees art as an extension of his own consciousness – an ongoing dialogue with nature that transcends time and structure.

Just as nature grows and evolves freely, without a charted-out path, so does Kumbhar’s art – emerging organically, guided by instinct rather than a fixed plan. He embraces the spontaneity of creation, allowing each brushstroke to unfold naturally, much like the rhythms of the world around him. “Creating an artwork with a preconceived intention creates limitations and instability.” he points out. “An artist must be as innocent as a child while the art takes form. The process must be one of surrender, where nature leads, and the artist follows.”

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Nature, in its ever-changing rhythms, has not only been Kumbhar’s muse but also a profound teacher, shaping his artistic sensibilities and personal philosophy. Immersing himself in its cycles of renewal and decay, he has found both inspiration and introspection. He shares, “I gained peace. Nature’s greatness left me in awe. And seeing human interference in nature’s flow, I gained an epiphany of its degradation.” Through his exhibition Perception of Nature, he invites us to pause, reflect, and rekindle our bond with the very world that sustains us.

Born and raised in Undale village near Karad in Satara district, Kumbhar spent his childhood immersed in nature before moving to Dehugaon in Pune for further education. After completing his primary schooling in Undale, he pursued his G.D. Art diploma in Pune, refining his artistic skills. Kumbhar has been a prominent presence in the Indian art scene, actively exhibiting his work across the country since 2010. Adding to his accolades, he was recently selected to create a live painting at the prestigious inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.