Sameer Bhitale
My work begins with a simple act of looking. When a view holds my attention, I try
to understand what exactly draws me to it. Earlier in my practice, I painted what I
saw as it appeared before me. Over time, this approach gradually shifted. I began
removing elements that felt unnecessary, moving away from literal representation
toward something more essential.
Today, my process involves reducing the visible world to its underlying visual
experience. I often start by drawing or painting the scene as it might be commonly
perceived. From there, I consciously strip away recognizable forms, details, and
symbols. As the representational elements dissolve, the image begins to transform
into an abstract visual, almost unintentionally.
I do not begin a painting with a predetermined outcome. There is no final image in
mind. The work evolves intuitively, guided by continuous observation and
response. I stop when the painting reaches a point where it reflects what first
attracted me to the view, not its physical appearance but its atmosphere, rhythm,
or emotional weight.
Through this process, my work exists between observation and abstraction,
inviting viewers to engage with the image before assigning meaning and to
experience the visual as a feeling rather than a depiction.
Awards:
Late Shri Palshikar Award, 2022
Late Kumari Ratan Wadake Award, 2020
Gladstone Solomon Award, 2018, 2019
Portrait Artist Group – Annual Portrait from Life Competition,
Finalist, 2022, 2024
Badlapur Art Gallery – On-the-Spot Landscape & Portrait
Competition Awards, 2022
Kala Vidya Sankul – Landscape Award, 2018
The Bhillawar Association, Mumbai – Landscape Competition
Award, 2018
Yashwant Kala Mahavidyalaya, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar –
Landscape Award, 2017
Umbra Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya – Still Life Award, 2017
Exhibitions:
Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, 2026
Kismat Art Gallery, Mumbai, Solo, 2025
Mani Bhavan, Mumbai, 2024
Bombay Art Society Annual Art Exhibition, 2018, 2020, 2023
Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai, 2022
Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai, 2019
DG Art Gallery, Mumbai, 2016
The Art Society of India Annual Art Exhibition 2024