CHENNAI: Angular figures from mythology, vibrant landscapes on canvasses that pop out at you in multiple colours — aesthetically, these attributes best describe artist Rajesh RV’s ongoing exhibition at Sarala’s Artworld. The promising young artist talked to City Express about Insight, which will be on show till June 8.
A graduate in visual communication from Loyola College, Rajesh says that his passion for art was inspired by his father, who is a contemporary modern artist. “From childhood, I’ve been exposed to most styles of art and have kept myself updated on the different movements around the world,” he says. “I also study the works of different artists in addition to doing research on how to start with a new project.”
Insight, interweaves themes of mythology with modern contemporary art. “I mostly draw from the idea of the Trimurti — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — and bring them into my projects. Obviously mythology is not limited to just Indian so my work has foreign mythology influences as well,” he says. The familiarity with different styles of art has helped him pore through catalogues of different artists and develop a unique style that stands out.
“For this exhibition, most of the works are in collage form; but it is different from what most people assume collage is — that it just involves tearing pieces of paper and sticking them together. My method incorporates mixed media as well. My colours are also a bit gaunt — I use lots of gold and silver,” he smiles. “Every work here is a result of careful planning; before I start I already have a rough sheet in hand which has the geometrical elements, characters and colours to be used.”
Explaining one of his striking paintings that depicts Adam and Eve, for which he consulted the anatomies of ancient Egyptian art, he says, “They have the characteristics that reflect a two piece installation — each side has a half apple, which means each is incomplete without the other.”
He reminisces that his interest in studying art closely came from his experience with his very first painting. “People took one look at it and said it followed the same style as my father! Though he is a big influence, I realised the importance of having your own style.” As far as his collages are concerned, he slips in subliminal messages once in a while by taking paper pieces from something that reflects the themes of his works.
He also freelances for a prominent Tamil daily as a cartoonist, using multiple outlets to express himself.
The exhibition is on till June 8.
For details call: 24992173