Viraj Naik

Although already proficient and established as a printmaker, Vasant Viraj Naik displays a natural flare for watercolours as well as acrylics. His works involve enchanting figures, which reflect his fascination with Greek mythology, and at the same time possess a distinct Goan feel – an influence of his strong roots.

Naik was born in Goa in 1975. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in painting from the Goa College of Art in 1998, and later, his Master’s degree from the University of Hyderabad in 2000. He has held several solo shows, the most recent ones being, hosted at Travancore Palace by Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi, in 2007; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2007; Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 2006; and Museum Gallery, Mumbai, in 2004. Some of the artist’s group shows include ‘The Scared’, presented by Galleria at Museum Gallery, Mumbai, in 2008; ‘Meandering Membranes’, presented by Empire Art and the Shrine Gallery, New Delhi, at The Taj Bengal, Kolkata, in 2007; ‘Reading Paint’, Gallery Soul Flower, Bangkok, in 2007; and ‘Inaugural Show’, at the Guild Gallery, New York, in 2006.

In 2001, Naik received the Young Artists Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, and, in 2005, won the Silver Medal at the Anvantika Awards, New Delhi.

Vasant Viraj Naik lives and works in Goa.

(Profile by Saffronart)