Combining creativity with a tinge of originality, Chennai-based father-son duo, Pandu and P Panju, are adding new dimensions to art. Not many know that Pandu, known for his comedy in films, is a versatile artist. The 67-year-old actor is all smiles on his first art exhibition. “Painting is my passion and I had the idea of holding art shows for quite some time. But only now, the right time has come,” he says.
After finishing his schooling, Pandu entered the College of Arts and Crafts in Chennai. “For the past 35 years, I am into the metal crafts manufacturing business like garden furniture, insignia letters and mementos. I guess, now I have struck a perfect chord with my works,” he says. Explaining how he sat for hours at a stretch to complete a piece of work, Pandu says it took six months to complete the paintings as he was concentrating on bringing out the emotional aspects.
Titled Prapanch, Pandu’s works revolve around typography and alphabets juxtaposed into another realm. Interestingly, he has not used a brush to finish his paintings. “Who said you need a brush to paint on board? I did this with my fingertips,” says Pandu. “I use my thumb and forefingers to bring a better feel of my paintings. It makes me happy,” he adds, pointing at his work. Pandu’s works explore the innate transformation of human mind and circumstances.
“There’s no fun without letters. Moreover, I have placed them on board with nails to bring contextual meaning to the working process,” he says.
Meanwhile, Panju’s works are not too difficult to relate to. His canvasses are filled with bright hues of blues, yellows, streaks of red and so on.
Tantric Thandava, for instance, combines many contradictory elements of a shapeless figure. His works artistically merge elements of fantasy, fiction and fact. His eye-grabbing digital paintings are made using computer graphics, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw and Photoshop.
“I began experimenting with traditional art forms but I am more comfortable with new media,” he says. Panju admits that artists are taking advantage of digital tools to express themselves better. “It’s wonderful how you can interpret photographs, paintings and drawings into one form – which has no boundaries,” says Panju.
Panju, a viscom graduate, also owns a design studio. A few of his works (printed on paper and canvas) bring alive the quintessential way of life with pollination, cosmic chakra, sins and birth cycle. Philosophy and symbolism take centre stage in his works. Though the brush strokes have been replaced by digital means, it’s interesting to watch those textures, twirls and circles with complex themes entrenched in emitting positive vibration and energy.
The exhibition is on till April 15 between 10 am and 7 pm at Hotel Ambassador Pallava, Egmore. Call 2855 4476