" Molinari ", writes a critic, " formed himself in the school life and in the artistic atmosphere of his native Italy. Naples, Rome and Florence were parts of his first itinerary."

The twinship of travelling and working continues to find favour with Molinari who is showing his works in Bombay. Fired by a native sense of adventure, this painter brought eleven works at his own initiative. Untutored by formal training, or private tuitions, Molinari points out he is God's disciple. His inspiration comes directly from within.

Even at twenty, hen he drew from his immediate environment, or chose to portray people he knew including himself - a surprising level of competence resulted Domenico His mystery of lines, his specially developed sense of lighting gave Molinari's canvas a tremendous fullness of appeal.

The painter's subjects are however not immense - if one is looking for originality. It is his concept which emerges as novel. The manner in which Molinari applies his colours, his brush or vaporizer - lends each work its visual charge.

Revealing the source of light - placing his subjects into the full glare of the light's beam is the pictorial highpoint in Molinari's works. This he does, specially in the figuratives. A ballet duet, the dancers taut figures at a particularly dramatic moment, or in a fresco-like composition of figures not fully defined, the play of light and colours bring movement into his compositions.

The most eloquent of his works is a study of sail boats - impressionistic in style - in which Molinari has not applied his light scheme. One must mention too the artist's sensitive work of " Christ's Crucifixion ". A few other works, shown in his booklet, but not presented at the show, appear to throw light on Molinari's dexterity with his medium which deserves special mention.

It has been called " Sculpturalism " by some. A medium Molinari invented with his characteristic spirit f innovation. He prepares a pulp that forms the basic mould for his figures. When finished and hardened, these subjects, whatever they be, are attached to the canvas - it is thus a combination of sculpturing and painting which prompted the term " sculpturalism " to define this Italian painter's œuvre.

Many of his local contemporaries try to imitate Molinari's innovative medium - and there lies the difference. It is not only his novel technique, that brings attention to Molinari's works, or lends them a special quality - however decorative - it is the artist's sincere hand, his temperament which add life.

By Rinkie Bhattacharya