BANGALORE: Soaking in the spirit of art with every brush stroke, S G Vasudev has a rather fascinating approach towards his art work. His works have often been described as the perfect balance between reality and mythical fantasy. Over the past couple of decades, Vasudev has been working on several media simultaneously including copper reliefs, silk tapestries and ink drawings. His deep understanding of colours and texture enables him to create imagery that is both rich and narrative. His latest exhibition Reconnections Recollections at Crimson Art Gallery also included works that suffused protean imagery. Pulsating with energy, some of his works including Maithuna, Vriksha and Earthscape breaks all notions of conventional artistic mastery. City Express talks to S G Vasudev to find out more about his relationship with art.
Tell us about your journey with Recollections Reconnections.
I started working on this series about one and a half years ago. It is mainly the recollection of so many series that I have worked on and establishing a connection between them. I thought the title would go well and I believe it has.
Can you tell us about the technique used in these works?
I have been collaborating with a master weaver Subbarayulu to create tapestries. It is a normal weaving procedure -- using verticals and horizontals. A loom is kept specially for my work which can go to the extent of weaving width of four feet to any length.
Do you think art has played a pivotal role in the evolution of mankind?
From cave paintings to the present day art forms, I think art has played significant role in our lives.
Where do you think India stands today in the global art scenario?
Today, Indian artists are getting good response at international art shows and quite a few of them are highly recognised. International art galleries are taking part in Indian Art festivals too. International curators often visit India to select artists and curate shows abroad.
Have we embraced open-mindedness in avant garde art forms today?
We have embraced avant garde art forms. It is an extremely good move by the artists of this country. If we do not accept the latest art movements we will be left behind.
Do you think art has lost its lustre over the years?
Good art has not lost its lustre. There is ‘bad art’ going around in the name of art. It does happen in all the fields, I suppose. Somehow the media has not played a positive role in keeping good art alive. Serious issues are not debated and written about. What one sees is generally the page 3 stuff.
As an artist, what are you trying to achieve in your life through art?
I want to give pleasure to people through my art. That is of utmost importance to me.
Any upcoming projects we need to look forward to?
I need to go on. My series of shows will go around the country — Ahmedabad, Baroda, Hyderabad, Kochi and many other places later part of this year and next year. Also, a film called The Open Frame is being made on me which will be screened at many places in India and I expect it to be seen by more people. Apart from this, a coffee table publication on me and my work is also getting ready. It should be released in the next two or three months.