Rob Gonsalves: His World of Magic Realism

So interesting to find an artist who combined Dali, Magritte and a bit of Escher into his own unique style. Rob Gonsalves, (1959-2017) did it and his works are immediately identifiable.

 

Some refer to his works as "surreal," but he felt they were more about "magic realism." The definition of the latter being "creating a realistic view of the world while adding magic elements." (It's often used in literature by writers such as Toni Morrison and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.)

 

 

 

 

In any case, Gonsalves came to art as a child preferring to draw and paint over any other activity. He especially enjoyed drawing fantastical architecture. This interest would lead to a degree in architecture and work as not only an architect, but also as a trompe l'oeil muralist including stage scenes.

 In 1990, after the enthusiastic reception of his paintings at the Toronto Outdoor Art Festival, he decided to making painting his full-time occupation. It was a good choice as Gonsalves had successful shows throughout the United States and was represented by several galleries.

 His fame continue to grow and led to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, publishing his first book, "Imagine the Night." It was so successful that the publisher would publish his second book, "Imagine a Day." These were followed by, "Imagine a Place" and "Imagine a World."

 

 

In a life that seemed magically full of every success an artist could want, Gonsalves lived with a

 darkness that was unimaginable and perhaps, painful. He chose to leave 167 paintings and the books for all of us to enjoy the magic, but for him, he couldn't withstand the grasp of something overpowering.

Parth Kothekar: Papercutter of Unlimited Subjects

Born and raised in Gujarat, India, Parth Kothekar found his talent for sketching did not suit the teachings in art school where 3-D was stressed, while his interest was in 2-D art.With time and experimentation, his sketches led to papercutting.

 

 

 

Using only a surgical knife and a single sheet of paper, he found his medium by 2010. Three years later, he would have his first exhibition of 100 pieces! What an impressive amount of production in only 3 years. 

It was at his exhibition at Kanoria Centre for Arts in Ahmedabad that would provide the recognition he needed to encourage his efforts as an artist and to consider when he was doing as more than a hobby.

 

Kothekar's first attempts at the business of art did bring up some of the pitfalls leading to financial troubles. However, his determination to continue his passion for papercut, meant he worked to make even finer and more intricate works.This dedication to do more and better led to his success.

He also found challenges in working in different sizes. His papercuts range from so small that they fit in a hand to very large. It's not only his size variations, but also his subjects. 

 

 

Kothekar finds challenges in the intricacies of an Escher, East Indian motifs, 3-d works, portraits and, yes, even Harry Potter. (In writing this blog, it was difficult among so many choices to highlight examples of the broad scope of his works.) You can also view his processes in a few videos.

 

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