Advait Kolarkar’s first solo exhibition in London following the artist's previous successes including the New York ArtExpo, London Art Biennale 2021 and shows around the world. Advait is one of the youngest and most promising artists worldwide featured on the BBC and various other global news stations as a remarkable and wonderful young talent from India. Advait has also received the prestigious Global Child Prodigy Award.
Advait has a fascinating story that started at 8 months old when he was given food colourings to play with by his mother. The depth of his imagination, manifested on the kitchen floor, externalised naturally into eloquent compositions. When Kolarkar learnt to speak, colours dominated his vocabulary and at the age of 2 years old, he could differentiate Naples Yellow from Cadmium Yellow and Burnt Sienna from Raw Sienna. Today, his work will be the focus of a solo exhibition of over 25 original artworks in the heart of Chelsea.
Asian Voice spoke to his mother Shruti about his gift.
As a mother, what did it take for you to nurture your child's talent at an age as early as 8 months till now, and believe in his vision?
It was one of those afternoons about six years ago — there was nothing special about it until I made a discovery about my son who was not even a year old then. I was in the kitchen, and Advait was playing around when I saw that he had taken over food colours from the inventory and painted them on the floor. I could have dismissed his creation as a fluke but it had an unmistakable blending of colours.
Colours were his thing. He scribbled on the walls of our house with paints and brushes. I never felt the urge to stop him for his imagination was taking shape. I realized that art was a need for him. So, we slipped him canvases and colours.
Advait found his calling because he developed a unique technique for art. He was cognitively growing with it. He made associations with newly learned vocabulary. For instance, after carefully looking at a painting in the room, he said, “Mom, I see a galaxy.” Since then, from the sun, dinosaurs, and oceans to space, he puts a narrative to his work. It stems also from his love for reading — he absorbs what he reads and spills his idea on the canvas.
Is Advait aware of his exemplary gift as a child?
Painting is quite natural to Advait. While growing up, he realized that he is very passionate about painting, and it makes him happy. He also understands that painting sets him apart from others and it is wonderful to be known around the world because of his beautiful art.
How cooperative is his school with him pursuing art while studying?
Advait’s school staff and teachers are aware of his talent, and they encourage him and portray his example in front of other children. Advait loves reading and learning about new things. School is fun for him. Painting and learning new things are two of his favourite things. He goes quite easy on studies and does his schoolwork quickly, so he has more time to play. He has been managing quite well and coming up with flying colours.
What does a day in the life of Advait look like when he's creating art?
Advait attends the school in the morning. He is ready to paint after he has his lunch break. Painting is a relaxing and happy experience for him. He plays with his friends in the evening and does his essential things before going to bed. He is able to paint longer on the weekends and has more time in his studio to experiment and enjoy painting.
If you could get Advait to give one piece of advice to our readers about pursuing art, what would that be?
Advait would love to tell the readers that, if you love creating art, it is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you. Be free and continue creating, express your heart freely. Even if you are small, you can achieve big things, always dream big. In the beginning, it’s not important how good you are at it, what matters is how much you love doing it and eventually, you will improve.
What is your vision for his career and passion ten years down the line?
Advait would like to continue painting for his entire life. He wishes to have his art exhibited in galleries around the world. He has other interests like palaeontology and writing. We will support him in all his interests. If he would like to pursue art as a career in future that would be wonderful. Advait already has planned his 2022 exhibitions, as follows:
Upcoming Events:
Advait is chosen by Apollo as their platinum artist and his work will be seen on the American airline’s inflight entertainment and lounges very soon.
June 2022–
Advait is invited to exhibit his work in Las Vegas by Artgroupink and their other nine galleries in USA.
Advait will also be having his permanent gallery space in one of their art galleries.
July 2022 -
Advait is invited to exhibit his work alongside the original paintings by world’s finest artists Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse and Joan Miro in New York.
August 2022 -
Advait is also invited to exhibit his work in the Chianciano Biennale Italy with other well-known artists from around the world. He will be presented by Gagliardi Gallery.
