The Tragic Death of Govinder Nazran 1964 - 2008
It is very sad when such a popular, well loved artist dies and especially one so young. Govinder Nazran tragically died on Tuesday 30th December 2008 after suffering a seizure on Christmas Eve.
Govinder Nazran had international success with his naïve representations of cats and dogs. In his mixed media artworks he often used dollar notes, newspaper cuttings and coins to create artworks rich with layers and texture. Although his work in style is naïve there is so much more to each painting than the usual naïve cliché of an adored pet. Many of his pieces are about the conflict between good and evil. He said "The world is a place where the innocent pay the heaviest price. It affects me deeply. It's like living in the garden of Good and Evil. I can't ignore it, so I depict it in the form of these innocent pictures. I leave it to the individual to look at my paintings and choose what they would like to see, innocence or malevolence." Govinder often gave his work amusing titles as he loved to see viewers of his work smiling at them.
After studying Graphic Design from 1980-1983 Govinder Nazran went on to study for a Higher Diploma in Graphic Design at Lincoln Art College. Govinder moved to London where he worked on illustrations for children's books, moving to Cambridge 6 months later to continue working as a freelance illustrator.
Govinder Nazran became a photographic art director, working on fashion shoots all over the world. In 1993 Govinder moved back to the North of England to work freelance on card designs for major publishing countries.
In 1999 he approached the publishers Washington Green where his work has been published ever since. Govinder’s fantastic limited edition collection of prints and sculptures can be viewed and purchased here (http://www.collectorsprints.co.uk/artist_page.php?sort=New&numRes=ALL&artist=Govinder+Nazran). In 2004 he became the “Best Selling Published Artist” in the industry’s Fine Art Trade Guild Awards. His work was highly acclaimed in Japan where he enjoyed two sell out tours.
Govinder was known as a shy man who sometimes struggled to explain his work, he once said “my true personality reveals itself through my paintings”. Govinder lived in Yorkshire with his wife Sarah and his daughter Eden.
Top 5 Picks for Govinder Artwork
1. ‘Superstar’ , Limited Edition Giclée print, released 2006. Govinder’s depiction of a lovable, eccentric looking dog caught the eye of many, with the textures in the piece giving it an extra something special.
2. ‘Le Chat Parisien, Limited Edition Giclée Canvas on board, released 2006. See here : http://www.collectorsprints.co.uk/item_closeup.php?itemid=11047 . This stunning piece incorporates sections of French newsprint and international mixed media, which gives it a distinct flavour of France – along with the distinctly French whiskers adorning the cat himself!
3. ‘King Tut’, Limited Edition sculpture, hand painted resin. Released 2007. This smooth, curved sculpture is a classic Govinder sculpture. The sleek lines and sequin adornments give it a personality all of it’s own.
4. ‘Bow Tie’, miniature Limited Edition Giclée print, released 2005. The business-like cat wearing a work tie is patterned as if dressed in a shirt and off to work. As one of Govinder’s themed pieces, this small piece would be a sweet addition to any cat-lover’s home.
5. ‘Brimstone and Treacle’, Limited Edition Silkscreen print, released 2004. See here: http://www.collectorsprints.co.uk/item_closeup.php?itemid=1255 . This is a classic Govinder depiction, featuring his box-shaped cats in sequence. As a silkscreen, the printing technique is very specialized; each individual colour and shade requires a separate screen which is applied to the print. The whole process is lengthy and requires considerable skill.
Kirsty West is the General Manager of Collectors prints.co.uk. For more information please call 0800 180 44 88 or visit www.collectorsprints.co.uk.
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