Environment, memory and experience — these summarise the average human existence. Representing them with different kinds of materials, the artist lets form and colours do the talking, while tracing the order among the chaos. With a mish-mash of papers, newspapers, tissues, photographs amid metallic hues, Ramachandran sets loose a myriad of expressions.
Ramachandran’s works have a place for everything — related and unrelated. While superstition is depicted in the form of kavachas placed in different parts of the human body, urbanisation is presented through squares and symbols.
With a Masters in Fine Arts and specialisation in printmaking and etching wood polymers, Ramachandran believes in the power of the mixed medium that includes digital prints and sculptures. However, amid all the crisscrossing elements, he creates a meeting point with a traditional approach (largely inspired by the shilpashastra) to engage his viewer.
“Art pieces should connect with someone. It must move viewers to translate its meaning and find out what it means to them. If this purpose is not served, then it is less art and more creative expression,” he says.
It is not surprising when he says though his works are topical, they are also open-ended. “I don’t control how my work is viewed. I usually let the viewer come up with his or her own conclusions. Once the idea is established in my mind and the final form has been decided, the process is carried out blindly. I don’t understand why I come up with such ideas. But I register whatever I see on canvas without any prejudices. I simply witness,” he says.
His penchant for the visual world has led him to assimilate and absorb the overpowering nature of the surroundings.
“For me, everything around us overpowers everything. They are beyond boundaries, words and understanding. Sometimes, it’s rigid, flowing, vigorous, childish, feminine, vulgar, complete, unfulfilled and satirical. The more I am submerged in, the more significant it turns out to be,” he says.
(The exhibition is on till April 30 at Apparao Galleries. For details, call 28332226)