Naresh Bhoye, Contemporary Warli Artist, in a candid conversation with Aradhana Thakur, Independent Researcher and Writer.

“I am constantly learning from my fellow artists. Whenever I travel to participate in handicraft exhibitions, I learn from other folk and tribal arts and try to incorporate some elements in my painting.” – Naresh Bhoye

Born in Talasari, Palghar district, Maharashtra, Naresh Bhoye is an emerging Indian Contemporary Warli artist. Inspired by the art and vision of Jivya Soma Mashe, a master craftsman of this art genre, Naresh has been practising his craft for over 20 years. He has participated in workshops organised by Lalit Kala Akademi, Goa and in an artist residency organised by the Indian Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore. He has exhibited in various exhibitions organised by the Craft Council in Chennai & Hyderabad. Naresh was also a part of the exhibition titled ‘New Developments in Warli Art’ (2015), curated by Jothi Xavier in Baroda. Naresh enrolled on a Bachelor of Fine Arts Programme at J.J. School of Art in 1995. Unfortunately, he could not complete the programme for some reason, but his time at J.J. School of Art helped him understand art’s intricacies and hone his skills. 

Nature has been a significant source of inspiration for Naresh since he started his art practice. Naresh has blended the characteristic elements of Warli art with aspects of modernity to create a niche for himself in the world of Warli art. A few years into the course, Naresh soon realised he would have to do something different to reach a wider audience. This realisation led to a change in the yellow of the background. Dark solid colours now made way for pastels and white. Naresh also started to focus primarily on flora and fauna as the subject matter of his artworks. Tall trees and soaring birds form an integral part of Naresh’s work. Naresh considers the birds sacred and believes birds tend to fly above areas where a higher power resides. In the near future, Naresh aims to introduce new motifs within the Warli tradition, which can enhance his artworks. Recently, Naresh experimented with wood as a surface for his artworks. And while he was happy with his results, the cost and weight of the painting made it difficult for him to take his works to exhibitions.

Naresh doesn’t follow a rigid research process to prepare the subject of his artworks. His approach is straightforward and spontaneous, and he likes to pick up the brush as soon as he has thought of something.

 In dealing with tribal art, historical practices have mostly relegated Warli art to a craft,   thereby not recognising the development and innovation of various artists in the region.   Naresh hopes that Warli art and its artists will be recognised and acknowledged globally.   He firmly believes that by bringing the new developments in Warli art to the forefront,   there will be a conscious attempt to show Warli art and its artists in a new light.