Beyond the Canvas

"An artist does not produce the visible, he renders things visible. He reveals what we cannot see. He opens our eyes blinded by habit. He advances into the very heart of creation. He grasps life's hidden forces and reveals them on canvas" - Govind Madhav Solegaonkar.

Beyond the Canvas is a narrative account of the life story of the master artist, Govind Solegaonkar, as seen through the eyes of his youngest granddaughter, Renuka. Govind Solegaonkar (1912-1986) was an artist who made a significant contribution to Indian art. An alumnus of the JJ School of Art and later the president of the Indian Art Society, Solegaonkar's life was the epitome of burning passion and complete dedication to art. Renuka, a doctor and an artist herself, was two years old when Govind Solegaonkar passed away. Having known her grandfather only through his paintings, Renuka wanted to understand him and his life better. Feeling stuck in her artistic journey, she was looking for answers to questions about the meaning of art, artistry and the pursuit of one's passion. What did it mean to be an artist? What does it take to follow one's heart? Through Solegaonkar's life story, his paintings and his writings, Renuka goes on an explorative journey to understand the artist behind the art.