As a part of the ‘Positive Environment’ workshop being conducted at the Iconart gallery, city-based artist B Bhaskar Rao Botcha’s series is a semi abstract collection of paintings. Depicting trees through different techniques of art, Bhaskar’s collection is titled An Ode to a Tree and is his plea to save what is left of this central symbol of mother nature.
Born in Salur, a village in coastal Andhra Pradesh, the artist established his first connection with nature in his childhood. He would walk to the beach from his college campus and it was one of his many muses. Trees played an integral role in his art throughout his education in Anna University (Chennai) and Hyderabad Central University, where he began to specialise in landscapes.
After experimenting with different kinds of subjects including streets, figures and still life, Bhaskara Rao found his calling in nature.
Some criticise the series for the monotony in its subject but, the style and colours used in every painting are distinct and renders each one unique. There is a spiritual link for the artist and his subject which he explains through the Bodhi tree, Neem tree and other trees that are worshiped in our Indian culture.
Contrary to the overwhelming shades of green that one would expect, his paintings are visually eloquent. The use of bold primary colour patches against subtle details, draws the viewer in for a closer look. The artist says, “My art is spontaneous. As there is nothing pre-planned, I paint layer after layer until I am happy. My daughter admonishes me for not planning.” Using acrylic as the medium, the layered artistry increases the dimension of depth and realism on his canvases.
The influence of famous British landscape artists like John Constable and William Turner is seen in Bhaskar Rao’s art, who considers them his idols.
Commenting on World Environment Day, the artist reminisces about his college life which consisted of a long bus ride to Hyderabad Central University, a ride that showed him beautiful landscapes outside the window. “It’s a concrete jungle now. Cementscape,” he remarks.
His work also includes finely detailed sketches made on rice paper with Indian ink from his initial days in college. He is currently working as the Head of Animation at the Loyola Academy Degree and PG College.
The workshop ‘Positive Environment’ was launched on the occasion of World Environment Day and will see more than 15 artists from all over the country participate.
An Ode to a Tree will remain on display at the Iconart Gallery in Banjara Hills till June 20, from 11:30 am to 7 pm.