Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | November 2023 |

CONVERSATIONS
Subodh
Kerkar
FROM DOCTOR TO CONCEPTUAL ARTIST, ADVO-
CATING FOR CONTEMPORARY ART IN INDIA
Subodh Kerkar, a 64-year-old artist, began his journey from a medical
career running a hospital in Goa 35 years ago. He transitioned
to art, evolving from someone with skills into a conceptual artist who
uses history as a cornerstone of his work. His activism, which started
as a student, continues to influence his beliefs, and he advocates
for contemporary art in India. Kerkar is the founder of one of the
largest private contemporary art spaces in the country, a sustainable
venture welcoming hundreds of visitors daily. His dream now
includes setting up an Indian Ocean museum, celebrating the rich
history and connections that span this vital trade route.
Can you recall a specific project from your career as an artist
that stands out as a turning point? A project that brought you
a great sense of accomplishment and perhaps altered your perspective
on your work in a significant way?
Throughout your artistic journey, have you discovered a particular
medium that continually captivates your interest, compelling
you to revisit and explore it time and again?
In the beginning, I primarily worked with watercolors and acrylics,
but over time, I’ve found that every material can be my medium. I
started using recycled materials, like old diaries, when I observed
people littering plastic bottles. I felt compelled to convey a message
against littering, so water bottles became an unexpected medium
for my art. I’ve experimented with various materials - tires, scrap,
you name it. Sometimes the medium guides the theme, and other
times, the theme directs me to the medium. It’s a two-way street.
Throughout my artistic journey, I’ve come to realize the profound
impact of combining art with activism and storytelling. One project
that stands out as pivotal in my career is the creation of a history
museum unlike any other. In traditional history museums, you encounter
relics, texts, and costumes from the past. However, my museum
is unique in that it exclusively features contemporary works
of art, each meticulously selected to narrate historical stories. This
approach has become a major focus in my work, and I aim to continue
developing similar museums. In the future, I envision projects
like a beer museum and a children’s museum, with a grand dream of
establishing an Indian Ocean Museum, highlighting the rich history
and culture of the Indian Ocean region.
54 November 2023 www.magzoid.com