"Wisdom Lines" series : a self-reflection

I am not in the right frame of mind to write an article on this series. There are some willing friends who would be glad to write a few words on this topic, but I prefer not to burden anyone. Machine writing 'cremates,' my natural language and dilutes my ideas, and it often uses clichéd language. The intent of this article is to cluster all works in the ongoing series into one place in order to reach potential collectors.

Wisdom Lines, as I call this series, is only a placeholder name. There are about 35 artworks presently. For each drawing, it did not take me more than 2 minutes to complete. I strongly believe that the purity of thought in the mind sparks inspiration in us and leaves us immediately; hence, the more time an artist takes to create art, the less pure and inferior it becomes. This is my personal observation.

My previous exposure to classical Indian sculptures, generic art forms like kalamkari and Tanjore school of paintings,miniatures from the Northern region, and a lot of kitsch that I have seen must have influenced my style or the selection of subjects in creating this original art series.

They are intended to be minimalist drawings. I have eschewed colour, form, shading, modeling, etc. As usual, I have distanced myself from realism, nor have I shown allegiance to decorative elements.

The art of Marc Chagall and Manjit Bawa may likely peek into your brain while you look at this insignificant body of work.

This series is the result of a profound inner urge to create radically original work. This artist knows that there is no pre-existing demand for such pieces. He also knows that the prices for original art pieces are abysmally low. The strategy is not to sell cheaply because I am considered less skillful, nor is it an attempt to implore customers. The real reason is that I want first-time art buyers to acquire my art. Think of me as a subsidized shop that the government provides rations to for the impoverished.

All artworks are miniatures, mostly A5 size, except for a few that are A4. Each artwork is available for sale for 1,500 INR.  You may share this article with like-minded people; comments are appreciated. You are free to download the images, print them, and display them in living spaces suitably framed. Reclaim art from AI atrocities. Thank you!

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My Guru - Ramachandra Reddy,

Mappeti Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Ramachandriah, was not just the most skilful artist of Kalamkari that I have come across, but also served as a preceptor for me in art. He gave me sound training and confidence to ground myself in the art field, and helped me explore a unique self-expression by exploring the symbiosis of eastern and western art ideologies.

A recent photo

A young man from Telangana by the name of Prabhakara Sastry (an art student and budding writer) introduced me to him first, possibly in the year 1996 at Kalakshetra, Chennai where Mr. Ramachandriah was working. I remember Prabhakara Sastri telling Mr. Ramachandriah (Mr “R”, hereafter) that I am an enterprising person and my association with him would be beneficial for him in many ways. But the reverse of what the young lad from Telangana has said has taken place. It is I who have immensely benefited, and not my "future" guru."

Me with Guru, 1996(?)

 

A few months prior to meeting "R" at Kalakshetra, I was as a student of fine art at the same institution. However, I became disengaged from the school and felt disheartened as I found it unstimulating and lacking in thought-provoking interactions with both the student body and the faculty. My relationship with Mr. “R “endured for almost thirty years until his passing a few years ago. Mr. “R” not only taught me the intricacies of Indian art, but he has also been a 'bridge' man between rural Andhra and me, a city bred art student. He has discussed with me not just the technique of art, but also the cultural and anthropological aspects related to local myths, folklore, and many other varied things which I lacked knowledge of due to my urban upbringing.

Receiving award from Hon. Minister

at art emporium

Mr. ‘R’ studied only up to middle school at Srikalahasti, where his father managed a small petty shop in the village. Not long ago, a government-run Kalamkari training cum production center was commenced at Srikalahasti by the initiative of late Mrs. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya and a modernist artist, Late Mr.Kora Ramamurti, who evinced great interest in the revival of fading arts of Andhra Desa. Young Ramachandriah joined this institute as a trainee and later started working in the production center. Kalamkari became a highly sought-after craft by urban men and women due to its use of natural pigments. Hundreds of workers started appearing in the town of Srikalahasti. This town is now the hub of Kalamkari crafts; however, the ancient methods have been given up.

 

In spite of the booming trade of Kalamkari, and being an exceptionally talented artist, Mr "R" wasn’t earning adequately. He remained poor and oppressed. He was considered the “king” of Kalamkari but remained the poorest among his colleagues and was accorded the lowest respect. Urban men and women bought his stuff with joy, but they habitually refused to pay him adequately.

He was an epitome of kindness, modesty, and was always willing to teach others his expertise, yet hardly anyone utilized his talent. His sense of humour is unparalleled and often entertains others by stomach bursting laughter through his innocent quips. Inspired by religious doctrines, he gave up his non-vegetarian diet since his teenage years. He was a teetotaller and did not chew or smoke. He always spoke the truth.

He suffered several long-time health setbacks such as hypertension and diabetes because of which his production was abysmally low. Also because of these reasons, his customers and very erudite employers abused him as he could not meet their deadlines or targets. During the latter part of his life, I had the privilege of acting as a commission–free liaison agent for him.

He had strained relationships with spouses.

His ‘Buddha Charitra’ panel (a narrative picture of Buddha's life) is among the most coveted possessions of the British queen. I don’t want to be more verbose, and it is literally beyond my capacity to comment on his artistic merits; hence, I wish to conclude this brief write-up. This naïve and innocent craftsman died a few years ago, leaving a huge void in the art field and an irreparable loss for our countrymen and also for people like me who are his true and genuine admirers.

Thank you for reading.

KSV

Artistic reinterpretation of myths by Madhav Subrahmanyam

Madhav Subrahmanyam is a top-notch mechanical engineer and an equally talented painter. I and Madhav live in the same neighborhood at Rajahmundry, but we don't meet nor do I call him often for I know that he would be hectic and is presently on "work from home mode” owing to the ensuing pandemic. It was about a month since I called him last. I asked him how his art was selling, though I knew it was an uncomfortable question. The replies made by the artists to such questions act as a barometer to the artist’s integrity. His reply echoed with my observation that the sensitive buyers are rare. He refutes that art is not what that is made for the whims of the buyer. He compares the quintessential Indian art buyers to a lady customer selecting sarees at the shop. 

Our both families have origins at Godavari districts. We were both domiciled at Chennai for an extended period. We are both artists primarily working on paper as medium. We both work on "Indian-inspired" themes. Like me he also uses inks,watercolours and pens. These are the similarities of me and my friend Madhav Subrahmanyam. (Needless to mention here- my poor educational background, my tremendous short-temper, impatience etc are some striking contrasts to him) Madhav is an IIT topper. He works for a multinational company. He frequents Europe often.

Madhav Subrahmanyam (1985) studied Agricultural Engineering at Bapatla, later did his post-graduation in Mechanical Engineering from IIT- KGP(2009) 

He has started to paint during his school days, encouraged by his mother. He had won several school and college level art competitions. At Chennai while he has been engaged with the official duties, he takes break from the work during weekends and empowers his paints and brushes. He has been an active member of the art group called Chennai Weekend Artists from where he has honed his skills in the various aspects of art like landscape drawing and urban sketching and most importantly the interactions with the group members enabled him to learn the technical nuts and bolts of drawing and painting. 

While there is a diabolic threat to the original art, and art based on native sources like Hindu myths, symbology by the onslaught of media and popular culture, Madhav spends quality time in depiction of narratives from Ramayana, Mahabharata, legends from local folklore etc. Not long ago, he painted a series on Lord Venkateswara during the same period that coincides with the Brahmotsavam festivities at Tirupati. These artworks were exhibited at Tirupati. TTD, the trust which manages the Tirupati temple sponsored the show and later the works were inducted to their prestigious collection. He has done innumerable representations of Devi or Mother Goddess in a varied forms and postures. Scarcely there is any theme on Indian mythology that he has not laid his hand on.

This passionate painter has participated in several group shows at prominent galleries at Chennai and at numerous towns. He is constantly on lookout for interesting themes featuring Gods and Goddesses. We eagerly anticipate seeing his evocative sketches and paintings receiving accolades from the international art arena.

If you are an art enthusiast, art student, liaison agent or a prospective buyer who wish to have online interaction with Madhav Subrahmanyam on art , Please use the below social network handles.

https://www.facebook.com/Madhavchithra

https://www.instagram.com/madhavchitra/

Madhav’s mobile no: 90425 89845 

Please enjoy the delightful artworks of Madhav, that follow this write-up!

Thank you for the patient reading. Your feedback is solicited.

Srinivas Krothapally

28-October -2020.

Rajahmundry