CHENNAI: Stand or sit on the floor and play with colours? For artist Kiran Varikilla, every piece of art is a work of play. He hates painting under stress. Even if he isn’t in the mood to pick up a brush, he visits his studio regularly to observe his incomplete works. With his latest collection adorning the walls at Gallery Veda, Kiran talks of domination of inner-self, reflection of nature and truth using flames.
“Since I brought in the concept of enlightenment, I chose to use flames as my main subject. I want to show (though indirectly) and reflect all the people who enlightened my life,” he says, pointing to his 30x72 acrylic on canvas and the show of colours that almost works like special effects.
His research to bring in inspirational elements of his everyday life involved a lot of study in textures, forms and colours. “After the research, I drew a lot of drafts before taking it to the canvas. I can’t work on one at a time. As I said, everything depends on my mood and instincts.” Stress and pressure is a big no for Kiran at his work place.
Recognising the artist in him in Class 5, Kiran began to try his hand with colours. Soon enough, he won his first state level painting competition. While his goals and dreams were set, hailing from a rural background (like the many others out there) included tremendous struggle during his initial days.
“My parents had no knowledge about art education, so I had to take the leap of faith and move to Hyderabad, away from my village 300 kms away. With no friends or relatives, I seek shelter from my college security. I had to work in commercial art shops in the night time for money,” he narrates. When the time was right, everything fell into place.
After graduation in 2006, he started selling his paintings. While pursuing MFA, he sold one of his paintings for `35,000. “So yes, I struggled but I rose. I showcased my works in Dubai and I’ve been a lecturer at Sri Venkateshwara College of Fine Arts for five years. Now, with my own residence in the heart of Hyderabad, I am happy and confident about my skills too,” he smiles. He began experimenting with other mediums like oils, water colours, murals, sculptures and nude art. In the end, all he says is this: “Be patient and keep practising because everything is futile if you don’t work hard to achieve it.”
His art works are on display at Gallery Veda, Shilpa Architects, Taramani, until March 15, 2017. For details, call: 43358531