He’s an artist who wonderfully juxtaposes conservative with contemporary, countryside with metropolitan and illusion with reality. His most recent feat was being selected as the only artist from India to showcase at ‘Valcuvia in Cornice’ — an international art festival held for deaf artists in Italy. Speaking to City Express, M Ramalingam talks about his experiences at the festival and how not being able to hear actually benefits him as an artist. Excerpts from the interview:
We hear you got back less than a week ago. Tell us all about Italy.
I felt extremely honoured to be part of the festival. All the artists from across the world were deaf. What I observed, apart from interacting with other foreign artists, was that the cultures and the way artists interacted differed from country to country. There are differences in the way art festivals are conducted. In Britain, paintings are hung on wall, in Italy, they are showcased on a stand. Art festivals such as these ensure that artists learn from one another. My six days experience in Italy would stay with me forever.
You were the lone participant from India. How did you feel?
While I was the lone artist representing India, it wasn’t the case with other countries. There were three to four deaf artists representing a particular country. I feel that in India, artists do not get much exposure. I would have been happy if somebody had accompanied me. I usually apply for various shows held across the world. I don’t always get sponsorship, despite getting selected. ‘Valcuvia in Cornice’ was sponsored.
How did the selection process for ‘Valcuvia in Cornice’ happen?
I had sent just one painting, which was selected and showcased at the festival.
So, how do you get to know of events and art festivals happening across the globe?
I interact with other artists through Skype. It’s easier to use the sign language to converse with other deaf artists than e-mailing or interacting through blog, etc.
How did painting begin for you? Is there anyone whom you derive inspiration from?
When I was in school, one of my relatives used to draw. I used to observe him. Also, I was deeply influenced by my art teacher Nataraj. I developed a keen interest in art from the age of 10. Professionally, I turned an artist when I was 23. Professor Vijay Mohan, who taught me in Government Arts College, and artist Alphonso Arul Doss are a great inspiration and my art works are highly influenced from theirs. Works of RB Bhaskaran too inspire me a lot.
You’re a banker by day. When do you take the time out for your brush?
I get up at 4 am every day. I prefer working on a piece of art early morning. But, I don’t have a standard timing for art. Art is all about creativity and it can’t be confined within the spaces of time. Since I work from 9 am to 5 pm in Indian Overseas Bank, I work on art any time I feel like working. Sometimes for hours together, sometimes just for a few minutes.
Does not being able to hear restrict you in anyway?
It doesn’t affect my art works. In fact, I feel there are no distractions. While painting, I’m fully engrossed. However, when it comes to everyday chores, I do face a lot of problems. Life is a flowing river, the trials and tribulations are like stones. But does the river stop?
You’ve been going places. Any cherishable moments?
When I graduated from college, I wanted to go to Delhi, as Picasso’s paintings were on a display there. That was way back, when I was around 25. And in 2010, when I attended an art festival held at Can Serrat International Artist Residency in Spain, my dream of seeing Picasso’s painting finally got fulfilled. That was a special moment for me.
How does working on a piece of art make you feel?
I feel free. My usual job is more routine in nature. Art provides me an outlet to break the monotony. It’s like going to theatre and watching a movie. Since, I can’t enjoy a movie, I feel art provides me with a similar satisfaction.
We’ve noticed you have quite a few nudes in your art works. Do tell us about that.
Through my art works, I try to bring out the cultures prevalent in various countries. I drew nudes basically to portray the open culture of a particular country. Having said that, there’s always an element of ‘Indianness’ in my painting and I never compromise on that. Moreover, women are voluptuous; men have a more rectilinear shape. Art is, conversely, all about shapes and curves. Hence, the depiction through nude women.
Any forthcoming events?
There’s an art festival in Croatia next year. At present, I’m not sure if I would be attending, but let’s hope.