And yet Girish was not there to enjoy his success. He had passed away on September 18 -- just a week ago. The artworld in Mumbai lost one of its own -- a young, energetic and talented artist, who was ready to take on the world.

On meeting Girish, one would think him to be a musician with his lithe physique, long tresses and dark shades. Hence, it was no wonder that he had completed several important modeling assignments.

Girish Dahiwale was born in 1973 in Panvel, Maharashtra. He graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the Sir J J School of Arts, Mumbai, in 1996. Since then, he participated in several group exhibition including Varsha '96, Monsoon Show '96, Fresh works at the Birla Academy and the Next Wave Festival in Melbourne, Australia.

His works had influences ranging from AndyWarhol to rock band Pearl Jam whose lyrics often inspired his works and his life. In his recent exhibition Toxic Tales (therapy) at the Birla Academy in February of l998, Girish employed himself through anonymous graffiti, public proclamation juxtaposed with photography, performance and installation, in a style which was very individualistic.

Larger than life self-portraits in monochrome, shouted out startling messages such as `God Save the Queen' and `Yes, we'll pay our debt sometimes', conveyed the inner struggle, turmoil and frustration in a shy, soft-spoken, sensitive individual.

Girish has left us with several questions with his untimely death. The most important which addresses the pressures which we put on ourselves. Is it rational? Justified? Or, should we seek professional help? But most importantly, to be sensitive to people around us. Girish, you will always remain with us. And to end in your own words: "Sunshine behind barbed wires."

Arshiya Lokhandwala is the director ofLakeeren Art Gallery