Art Heritage presents ‘Heartbeat of the Void’ – an exhibition of Devraj Dakoji’s lithographs, drawings and watercolours.

Continuing work on his ongoing series, ‘The Wheel of Life’, Devraj Dakoji responds to his immediate surroundings. Thematically the images explore the cycle of life that continues despite man’s destructive interaction with nature, causing life forms to adapt insuring their own survival. The works are energetic, at times chaotic, giving a sense of the upheaval that Dakoji observes in today’s world. Some recognizable form – fishes and birds on cycles – directly comments on how these life forms would have to adapt as their natural habitats are destroyed – while other bold and confident brush strokes depict landscapes in turmoil and violent transition. With an equal use of black and white and colour works, explored on a number of different papers, and with several types of inks and mediums, Dakoji’s command of printmaking, drawings and watercolours is on full display. What is most evident in this recent body of work is that Devraj is a not only master artist – he is truly a master communicator – medium, size and technique do not come in his way – he is always able to show that there exists a heartbeat of life within the desolate void that human leave behind as time marches on.

Devraj Dakoji (b. 1944, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) graduated from the College of Fine Arts and Architecture in Hyderabad in 1965. Lalit Kala Akademi (Andhra Pradesh) gave Dakoji a scholarship to attend M.S. University, Baroda where he studied printmaking. In 1975 Dakoji received the British Council scholarship  to attend the Chelsea School of Arts, London for his postgraduate studies. From 1976-77, Dakoji travelled extensively in England and Europe. In 1991 Dakoji was appointed Commissioner and jury member for the 2nd Graphic International Print Biennale, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. In 1992 he later joined the Tamarind Institute, Albuquerque New Mexico U.S.A. He has also been Chief Supervisor and Programming Officer of Garhi Studios, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. He is a Master Printer at Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop and is based in New York City, USA.

Artists

Devraj Dakoji

Medium

Lithographs, drawings and watercolours