A Village-Side Canvas Story

Artist M Balasubramaniam, who is a fan of all things rustic, brings us his latest exhibition titled ‘Rhythms’

A bucolic setting and a resplendent nature adorning it: artist M Balasubramaniam’s latest show ‘Rhythm’ at Art Houz yet again explores his favourite topic — village life.

With over 30 years of experience, Balasubramaniam is an alumnus of the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai. With a number of shows, group and solo exhibitions both in India and abroad, he retired in 2008 after serving as principal at the Kumbakonam College of Fine Arts.

Taking a walk down memory lane, the artist who originally hails from Kumbakonam, continues his enduring romance with all things rustic. Capturing the lotus-filled ponds and marriage rituals that are common in the pockets of the temple town, ‘Rhythm’ is another segment of the artist’s continuous ode to his native.

He says, “My art work is always centred around my village in Kumbakonam and the images are deeply etched in my mind. The paintings actually present the emotion that is attached to them.”

 ‘Rhythm’ is a constant journey, he adds, as he recalls how vivid childhood memories have inspired him to present them as a picturesque tribute to the bygone days. Pointing to the painting of a woman standing at the doorstep in the morning, he says, though making the kolam is just a small morning ritual, it is extremely fascinating.

“My parents have been my foremost inspiration. My father narrated some of the most fascinating stories and my mother made beautiful colour kolams in the morning. It is from them that I learnt the importance of detailing and colours.”

However, there are a few scenes that might be familiar to those who hail from the cities. He adds. “There is a depiction of a lonely woman sitting amid a vast expanse of garden —that can also be imagined in the backdrop of a city.”

‘Rhythm’ is on at Art Houz, Kasturi Rangan Road, Alwarpet, from today till June 13.

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The New Indian Express
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