The late Ravindra Salve’s work is deft, joyous, and vibrant, capturing the spontaneity and energy of colors, motifs, and character silhouettes. His decorative style, bold colors, and powerfully composed figures embody a traditional Indian aesthetic presented in a contemporary way. Salve skillfully balances contrasting shades, making his paintings an instant delight.
As an artist, he is both intelligent and honest—intelligent for his adept use of color and honest in his commitment to art for art’s sake, rather than commercial gain. His art serves as a lesson on the interplay of ecstasy and technique, blending calculative formulas with aesthetic expression.
Salve has invigorated fantasy art with passion and ease, with happiness as the central theme. His works can be seen as ‘mythology-based’ or ‘invented mythology,’ introducing elements like kindness, elegance, nobility, and strength, enriching his paintings with deeper meanings.
The legendary Salve’s creativity knows no bounds, as he seamlessly integrates diverse themes and symbols into his work. This unique approach not only invites viewers into a vivid world of imagination but also encourages reflection on universal values such as justice, purity, and power. Each painting becomes a celebration of life and its myriad experiences, showcasing his ability to transcend traditional boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in Indian culture. Through his art, Salve leaves a lasting impact, inviting us to find joy and meaning in every inch of his work.
Salve’s work evokes the rasa of ananda and vatsalya, leaving a lasting impact and inviting us to find joy and happiness in life.
The saga of togetherness by the legendary Ravindra Salve remains a cherished part of his most sought-after collection. The divine love between Nayak and Nayika is celebrated as an epic relationship. Salve masterfully highlights their bond through a blend of Greek figures and Indian miniature styles, vibrant colors, and an enchanting aura, creating an intangible value that enriches Indian art and shares mythological stories with a global audience. His work resonates universally, reflecting his authenticity as an artist and his joy in painting for the happiness of viewers and collectors.
The brush strokes stand out in shades of blue, magenta, green, and orange, meticulously printed to ensure each stroke is distinct. The use of various black tones, with thick and thin outlines and dots, adds depth and detail. Efforts were made to achieve crooked lines, contributing to the overall texture.
An intriguing effect is created with embossed brush strokes and layers of gold, allowing the tactile experience to vary with light and touch. This screen print successfully captures the miniature feel, balancing colors and tones in a way that is visually soothing. The meticulous detailing makes the brushwork appear wet, with visible bubbles of water and color enhancing the embossed effect. The merging of wet brush techniques and embossing in white beautifully integrates two distinct styles into a single piece. Be it your living room or bedroom, or as a gift for your partner, this serigraph with Shrinagar rasa will definitely enhance both the space and the relationship. With 70 colors and screens used to produce 125 editions, this masterpiece has garnered multiple national and international awards.
In his work ‘Peehu’, the legendary artist Ravindra Salve drapes his figures in rich, heavy costumes, utilizing bright and gold colors that are integral to his style. Over 60 screens are employed in this work, making it a rare example of screen printing due to its various shades, layers, and thick textures. The dramatic intensity in Salve’s paintings powerfully conveys mood and sentiment, giving his figures a warm and unique aura. This mood is similarly reflected in the serigraph, enhanced by the careful selection of screens and colors.
The ideal representation of manhood is represented in a strong, muscular figure, portrayed with compelling posture and demeanor. The musical instruments depicted evoke the sounds played by the Nayak, while the animals contribute their distinct calls—showcasing Salve’s storytelling prowess through composition. Observing the brush strokes and embossed gold in the Nayak’s hair makes the viewer feel as if they are experiencing the original painting.
The excitement builds through the interplay of various musical ragas, ultimately enhancing a sense of romance. Among the many influences from his childhood, Salve found the peacock to be particularly engaging, viewing it as a beautiful creation by God. He associates the peacock with Goddess Lakshmi, who personifies kindness, luck, and benevolence. In his work, Salve visualizes peacocks soaring through his painted forms and hues, expressing the most admired virtues of an individual and portraying the peacock as a symbol of honor and harmony.
Notably, this serigraph measures 5 feet, making it one of the longest in the history of Indian screen printing. One of the highlights is the white water stroke effect in the background. Acclaimed by leading artists, this work is regarded as one of the finest serigraphs produced in recent times, celebrated for its size, layers, colors, and innovative effects.
Over 60 tones of color were used to produce 125 editions, and this work has received awards from major national and international organizations. Salve’s work evokes the rasa of shringara, creating an atmosphere of beauty, love, and longing.
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
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