आकाश निळे तो हरी
अन एक चांदणी राधा
बावरी … युगानुयुगांची … मनबाधा
Hari (God Krishna) is like an endless,
Vast BLUE sky
Radha is twinkling
Star embedded in the sky
With a heart full of love
Waiting eternally for Hari
Translation of Marathi Poem of P. S. Rege
Years ago, while reading a Marathi poem by P. S. Rege, I would imagine a canvas immersed in varying shades of blue. The poem stayed with me for decades, and when I eventually began working in blue, it resurfaced in my thoughts with renewed clarity.
Painting begins where words fall silent. In this series, the idea of “less is more” guides the process. Using only blue and its many tonal variations, textures, dots, and strokes evolve into a quiet, expressive language of their own.
As I paint, unexpected forms begin to emerge—like images rising from a meditative state. Each canvas becomes a space of stillness, a dialogue between the inner self and the painted surface. These works are rooted in an inward journey: they are both a confession and a gentle withdrawal from the noise of everyday life into silence. Every piece carries the imprint of an emotion remembered.
The interplay of different blues does not create tension; instead, it evokes a sense of calm. Through this restrained palette, the strength of minimalism reveals itself. Though monochromatic, the works convey peace and coolness, while at the same time expressing a quiet depth of feeling.
Nitin Dadrawala
April 26