President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Award by Lalit Kala Akademi to Maharashtra-based painter Nilesh Ravindra Vede for his work “I, Me and Myself” at the 64th National Exhibition of Art held in New Delhi.
The ceremony, organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was attended by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with senior officials including Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Additional Secretary; and Dr. Nandalal Thakur, Vice Chairperson of Lalit Kala Akademi.
Vede’s painting was selected from 5,922 artworks submitted from across India. His work is characterized by a synthesis of philosophy, symbolism, and metaphor, exploring human emotions through figurative and surrealist imagery.
Accepting the honor, Vede stated: “I feel that this award has been given not to a single painting of mine, but to my entire artistic journey. I dedicate this honour to every individual who, knowingly or unknowingly, has trusted my art and supported me throughout my artistic journey.”
He added that he views the recognition as inspiration to continue his artistic practice and contribute to Indian art and culture.
A Mumbai-based visual artist, Vede has previously received scholarships from the Ministry of Culture and a state-level award from the Prafulla Dahanukar Foundation. He has held eight solo exhibitions and participated in over 30 group shows, including at Mumbai’s Jehangir Art Gallery. His work has been exhibited internationally and featured in art camps across India and abroad.
Vede’s paintings are part of notable collections in India and internationally, including those of institutions such as the World Trade Center Pune, Dabur Limited, and Faber-Castell, as well as private collectors. His works have also appeared in recent auctions by AstaGuru Auction House, Mumbai.
The artist’s practice centers on exploring human emotions through layered compositions that often incorporate text, drawing from philosophy, poetry, and personal experience. His work aims to create contemplative spaces that invite viewers to reflect on inner truths and the complexities of existence.
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