Fisherman and the Ocean
Performance Installations
Subodh Kerkar got connected with the lives of fishermen, since he used to practice medicine in their village. He has got an intimate knowledge of fishermen's lives. He realized that their lives are inseparable from the ocean. The ocean is not just the provider of fish; their existence is marinated in the ocean. Through his works he has tried to present this idea of inseparability of the fishermen and the sea. The works also celebrates the role the ocean plays in shaping civilizations.
Discs
These discs are created with cowrie shells, coconut shells, old wooden fishing canoes and trawlers. Some discs are created using wood from 100 years old dhows from Mandvi in Gujarat, which have sailed to African coast, Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Sculptures
Subodh Kerkar works with a varied range of media (fibreglass, wood, recycled tyres, discarded plastic water bottles, stone, metal, old wooden fishing boats, etc.)
Ceramic / Terracotta Plates
Subodh Kerkar has created a number of plates in terracotta and ceramics.
Carpet of Joy
Littering is a major problem in India. We believe that a lot of public education is needed to get rid of it. Throwing a plastic bottle, a tetra-pack or a chocolate wrapper is an act of violence against Mother Nature and against oneself. To be conscious about not littering is the primary act of citizenship and patriotism. Carpet of Joy is created with about fifty thousand plastic bottles, which were collected from the surroundings. They were painted and converted into flowers. We hope that the Carpet of Joy will inspire every visitor to keep their surroundings litter-free.
Drawings
Subodh Kerkar loves to draw. He draws on a wide range of media including paper, drift wood, capiz shells, etc. There are many drawings that are even created at 36,000 feet height during his flight travels.
Painted Photographs
This is a series of works, where Subodh creates his drawings on archival prints.
Paintings
Most of Subodh Kerkar's paintings are inspired by the fisherfolk, while he also does paintings on a varied themes, including, architecture, etc.
Reclaiming Gandhi
Reclaiming Gandhi is an attempt to communicate Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of truth, non-violence and compassion using contemporary art. Gandhi is as relevant today as he was during India’s epic struggle for freedom. His principles are eternal and need to be re-introduced to every one in order to create a more peaceful and plural world. This project attempts to engage with the Gandhian thought using various forms of artistic expressions; paintings, sculptures, installations, videos and interactive multimedia works.
Marine Icons
This collection consists of art pieces inspired by the ocean. They narrate tales of the ocean, trade and the vast history behind it.
Covid
The artist makes a statement on how the Covid pandemic altered people’s lives all over the world.
150 Natals
Indo-Portuguese houses are an important part of Goan cultural ethos. Most houses were constructed in the second half of the 19th century. Most Catholics paint the exterior of their houses annually before Christmas (Natal in Portuguese). There is a large dilapidated house, belonging to the Gomes family, which is over 150 years old. This house must have received at least 150 coats of lime. The first 30 years or so it was painted white, followed by about 40 layers of lime mixed with indigo. The following generations decided to use red oxide. For the last fifty years the house has received coats of yellow ochre. In this work, Subodh Kerkar used cut-out pieces of the wall that reveal the coloured history of the house through carvings. ‘150Natals’ is a mnemonic device, evocative of a hundred and fifty Christmas celebrations by the Gomes family.
Lamps
In this collection, the artist uses light as a medium to create art. From metal, fiberglass and other materials, these art pieces truly make a space stand out.