Inspired by nature and full of life

CHENNAI: The general public prefers traditional art, but awareness of contemporary art is growing in the younger generation,” says artist K Balashanmugam, a T-shirt designer in Coimbatore. Titled Colours, his works, along with those of R Ragu and S Sriirama Santhosh,  are being showcased at the Vinnyasa Art Gallery.Balashanmugam’s watercolours on nature are charged with a unique energy. He says, “In today’s mechanised world, we don’t realise nature’s beauty, and so I’ve tried bringing all the various elements of its beauty under one roof.”  The environment has inspired him to a great extent. The subject of his works is based on his perceptions. He explains that he draws from everyday life, and as a result, his work enjoys wide appeal. R Ragu’s watercolours pulsate with life. He has carefully etched Hindu temples with great craftsmanship.  In particular, he’s inspired by temple towers, which are known for their gorgeous sculptures. He has brought the Ellora caves closer to the people in the form of a multi-hued sketch. Kumbakonam, where the artist traced the stories depicted on the ancient temple walls, has also been a source of inspiration. Ragu says his college tours helped him grasp every monument’s charms. His other sketches include Varanasi and Tiruvannamalai. The artist has clearly displayed the differences between the sculpture patterns of South and North India. Interestingly, Ragu admits that he has not read historic books; it is his power of observation that has helped him depict these details with precision. Ragu’s most haunting works have colours typically used by a painter working in the Indian sun. There are bricks and yellows, which reminds one of exotic, sun-drenched lands.  “My paintings are labour-intensive, and I always ensure that I include even the most trivial things, which add to the essence of my paintings,” he says. The works of S Sriirama Santhosh, an assistant to the ace photographer PC Sreeram, are based on the theme Search of Sareeram. His works require some conceptual thinking to understand, for they are a depiction of the harmony between habit and wisdom. The five elements of  nature- earth, water, fire, wind and sky, form the basis of his works.  One of his works portrays the different levels of human consciousness and depicts how humans connect to the larger universe. Different concepts such as power and awareness have been used in communicating the artist’s thoughts. His mixed medium sketches symbolise divine artistic creation, representing creative energy that lies at the heart of all movements and forms. The use of fire-casting effects  is individualistic, making his work resemble frayed horoscopy maps. The exhibition cum sale is on at Vinnyasa Premier Art Gallery between 11am and 7pm till June 23. For details, call 2498 2515 or 3253 3655.