viraj naik

Born in 1975, in Penha de franc, Goa. Viraj Naik received his B.F.A from The University of Goa in1998 & M.F.A From The University of Hyderabad in 2000.

Viraj as an Artist finds, that the World is Fascinating and there is a vast scope for an artist to explore and communicate his individual process of creation. According to him his work is an amalgamation of different elements such as the human, animal, mystic and artificial. Viraj finds Hybridisation an Interesting process, in which there is an overall transformation of existence, which involves constant rotation, self-mutation and construction that leads to the present imagination.

Viraj is inspired by the Classical period and Greek mythology to create space for images that could spring and enliven the spirit of forms visualized into pictorial religion. The artists believes in learning and endeavoring in creating lasting values by the medium of innovation and feels inspired by the “panchatantra” stories which also question the Human Psychology, apart from their recitation. Describing his work the Artist Says, “The self-transformation is in constant motion towards new visuals carved on to the pictorial space. This way of employing “pencil” as mediator to visualization and pictorial space thus begins the hybridization of all living and non-living elements in my work. The universe is filled with amazing objects and living beings that lead me to try and activate both a hallucinatory intensity and the shock of epiphanies”.

Viraj Has been a receipt of a number of scholarships and awards Such as:

The State Art Awards- 1997 & 2000,AIFACS state awards- 1997, 2000 & 2002, Merit Scholarship from The University of Hyderabad in1998, Hyderabad Art Society-Gold medal in 2000, Nokia Arts Award-Asia Pacific - 2000,

Viraj has participated in a no. of  Solo,Group  shows and camps which include:

Solo:  Lalit Kala Akademi (Gallerie Nvya), New Delhi in 2006, Museum Gallery (Pundole art gallery), Mumbai in 2004, Galeria Cidade de Goa in2003.

Group : “Strangeness” Anant art gallery & “Portugal through the eyes of goan artist” Consulado, Kolkata - 2006.   “Geral de Portugal”& “Project on theatre and visual art”-Goa, “Divine inspiration”-Mumbai in 2005  “Once upon a time” Goa, Mumbai, Baroda in2004, Lalit kala Akademi, New Delhi in 2003, Minaaz art gallery, Hyderabad in2000 Goa kala academy, Goa in1997-98.

Viraj has also lectured as a guest Faculty in Sarojini Naidu School of Fine Arts, University of Hyderabad.